Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Squash (Printer-friendly)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ Spaghetti Squash

01 - 1 large spaghetti squash, about 3 lbs
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, optional

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels indulgent but leaves you energized instead of heavy, like you tricked yourself into eating clean.
  • The lemon and garlic meld into the chicken in a way that makes every bite bright and satisfying without any cream or butter.
02 -
  • Do not skip placing the squash cut-side down, it traps steam and prevents the flesh from drying out during roasting.
  • Let the chicken sear without moving it too soon, or it will stick and tear instead of forming a golden, flavorful crust.
03 -
  • Use a sharp chef's knife to halve the squash safely, and microwave it for 2 minutes first if the skin is too tough to cut through.
  • Save a tablespoon of lemon juice to drizzle over the finished plates, it adds a final pop of brightness that makes everything taste fresher.
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