Go Back
Delicious Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles overhead view

Smoky Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

This recipe features tender chicken breasts seared and coated in a tangy, smoky homemade "skinny" BBQ sauce, served over fresh spiralized zucchini noodles. It's a healthy and flavorful meal perfect for a light dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Forks
  • Spiralizer

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb total
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Skinny BBQ Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder optional
  • 1 tbsp erythritol or preferred healthy sweetener
  • 1/4 tsp liquid smoke optional, for extra smokiness
  • Salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

For the Zoodles

  • 2 zucchini medium
  • 1/2 tsp olive oil for sautéing zoodles
  • salt Pinch

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Sear the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sear chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.

Whip Up the Skinny BBQ Sauce

  • In the same skillet, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients, whisk well, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, then adjust seasonings as desired.

Shred the Chicken & Coat

  • Shred or dice the rested chicken, then return it to the skillet with the simmering BBQ sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat. Keep warm over low heat.

Make the Zoodles

  • While the chicken is resting and sauce simmers, spiralize the zucchini into "noodles."

Sauté the Zoodles

  • In a separate clean skillet, heat olive oil and quickly sauté the spiralized zucchini for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still have a bite. Season with a pinch of salt.

Assemble and Serve

  • Divide the warmed zoodles among serving plates, top generously with the Smoky Skinny BBQ Chicken, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before searing. Adjust the spice level of the BBQ sauce to your preference by adding more chili powder. Ensure zoodles are not overcooked to maintain their slight bite.