Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly healthy? Introducing our Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash recipe—a vibrant Italian-inspired meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! With a zesty lemon flavor and tender chicken served atop a bed of spaghetti squash, this dish is a low-carb dream come true. Whether you're prepping for a busy week or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into the full article to discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece in just an hour!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon. Drizzle the squash halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice and remaining lemon zest, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands to a serving platter.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them over the spaghetti squash strands. Pour the lemon-garlic pan sauce over the chicken and squash.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Optional: Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tips
- Perfectly Roasted Squash: To ensure your spaghetti squash is perfectly roasted, check for tenderness by piercing it with a fork. If it goes in easily, it’s ready to be scraped into strands!
- Chicken Cooking Tip: For juicy chicken breasts, let them rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture, making each bite tender and flavorful.
- Zest It Up: Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds a bright, aromatic flavor that enhances the dish. Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing it for maximum flavor.
- Garlic Lovers Unite: If you adore garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the pan sauce for a more robust flavor.
- Garnish for Greatness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh taste that complements the lemon and garlic beautifully. Consider adding other herbs like basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Cook the chicken and squash in advance, and simply reheat when you're ready to serve. Just add the lemon-garlic sauce fresh for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
