Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Squash (Printable Version)

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

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

→ Serving

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

# Steps:

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, approximately 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.
09 - Sprinkle with Parmesan and extra parsley. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the lemon brightens everything while the garlic creates this incredible depth that makes you forget youre eating something healthy
  • That moment when you scrape the squash and it turns into actual noodles, like kitchen magic that never gets old
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, if they last that long
02 -
  • Dont skip the lemon zest, it holds all the essential oils that give this dish its signature brightness
  • Letting the squash cool for even 5 minutes makes scraping it infinitely easier and less likely to burn your fingers
  • The pan juices are the best part, make sure to spoon them over the squash
03 -
  • If the squash is hard to cut, microwave it for 2 to 3 minutes first to soften slightly
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh from a wedge, the flavor difference is worth the extra effort
  • The dish reheats beautifully, but add a splash of water and cover when microwaving to prevent drying
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