Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Squash (Printable)

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

# What You Need:

→ Spaghetti Squash

01 - 1 large spaghetti squash, approximately 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

→ Serving

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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Drizzle cut sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon 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 ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon oregano, and half the lemon zest.
04 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in 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 to skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Stir in remaining lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons 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 ½ cup Parmesan cheese and extra parsley. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the bright lemon cuts through the savory chicken makes every bite feel like sunshine on a plate
  • That magical moment when roasted spaghetti squash transforms into noodles is surprisingly satisfying
02 -
  • Let the squash cool for at least 10 minutes before scraping, or you will burn your fingers like I did my first time
  • Add garlic only when the chicken is mostly cooked so it does not turn bitter and acrid
03 -
  • Use a microplane for the lemon zest to avoid the bitter white pith
  • Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so take it out 20 minutes before cooking
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