Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Squash (Print version)

Tender lemon-garlic chicken paired with roasted spaghetti squash strands and Parmesan for a light, satisfying gluten-free 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 - Lemon wedges for serving
15 - Fresh parsley for garnish

# How To Make It:

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 a 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 to the skillet 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 has cooled enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
08 - Divide squash strands among serving plates. Top each portion with lemon garlic chicken and pan sauce.
09 - Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The spaghetti squash creates this incredible texture that somehow feels indulgent while keeping everything gluten-free and light
  • Lemon and garlic transform simple chicken into something that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen
  • The whole house smells amazing while the squash roasts, building anticipation before you even take a bite
02 -
  • Let the squash cool just enough to handle, but scrape it while it is still warm. Cold squash does not separate into strands nearly as well.
  • Do not rush the garlic step. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin the whole dish. One minute is all it needs.
  • The pan juices are liquid gold. Drizzle every drop over the squash, that is where all the flavor lives.
03 -
  • If you are short on time, rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Just skip the chicken cooking steps and warm it in the pan with the garlic and lemon.
  • The squash can be roasted a day ahead. Keep it whole and scrape the strands just before serving for the freshest texture.
Go back