Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Squash (Print version)

Tender lemon-garlic chicken atop roasted spaghetti squash strands, finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs for a light, satisfying meal.

# What You Need:

→ Spaghetti Squash

01 - 1 large spaghetti squash, approximately 3 pounds
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Lemon Garlic Chicken

05 - 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
09 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Finishing

13 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Fresh parsley for garnish
15 - Lemon wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Drizzle cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet.
02 - Roast for 40 to 45 minutes until flesh is tender and strands separate easily with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.
03 - While squash roasts, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, and half the lemon zest.
04 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
05 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Stir in remaining lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
07 - Once squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
08 - Divide squash strands among plates. Top each portion with lemon garlic chicken and pan sauce.
09 - Sprinkle with Parmesan and additional fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The squash gives you all the satisfaction of noodles but leaves you feeling energized instead of sluggish.
  • Lemon and garlic make the chicken taste vibrant and fresh, not plain or boring.
  • Its naturally gluten free without any substitutions or compromises.
  • You can prep the squash ahead and quickly sear the chicken when youre ready to eat.
02 -
  • Dont skip placing the squash cut side down, it steams itself and becomes perfectly tender without drying out.
  • Let the chicken get a good sear before stirring, moving it too early makes it steam instead of brown.
  • Add the garlic only after the chicken is nearly done, it needs just a minute or itll turn bitter.
  • Scrape the squash gently, forcing it will break the strands and make them mushy.
03 -
  • Use a sharp chefs knife to halve the squash, microwaving it for 2 minutes first softens the skin and makes cutting safer.
  • Taste the pan sauce before plating and adjust with more lemon juice or salt, it should be bright and balanced.
  • Let the squash rest a few minutes after roasting, this makes the strands easier to scrape and less watery.
  • If the chicken releases a lot of liquid, increase the heat slightly to evaporate it and concentrate the flavors.
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