Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Grill: 10 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jul. 12, 2023
The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
  • ZUCCHINI MIXTURE:
  • 4 large zucchini (about 2-1/2 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup prepared pesto
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the first five ingredients. Add chicken; turn to coat. Let stand 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, for noodles, trim ends of zucchini. Using a cheese slicer or vegetable peeler, cut zucchini lengthwise into long thin slices. Cut zucchini on all sides, as if peeling a carrot, until the seeds become visible. Discard seeded portion or save for another use.
  3. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°. Remove from grill; keep warm.
  4. In a large nonstick skillet, heat tomatoes and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, salt, pepper flakes and pepper; cook and stir 30 seconds. Add zucchini; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from heat. Stir in pesto.
  5. Cut chicken into slices. Serve with zucchini noodles. Top with mozzarella.

Nutrition Facts

1 chicken breast half with 1-1/2 cup zucchini noodles: 397 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.