Healthy, delicious Oregano Chicken Mediterranean Zoodle Bowls. Succulent, tender chicken breasts bursting with oregano and lemon flavor, piled high on zucchini noodles and finished with mini balls of mozzarella, roasted red peppers, pine nuts and olives.
So, don’t hate me you guys, but I walked outside this morning with Dolce and I actually got excited for fall. I know- say whaaaat? This, coming from the girl who claims to love all things summer?! Hear me out. The air was crisp, brisk, and the perfect temperature. The wind was blowing ever so slightly, the branches on the trees were swaying, and the birds were chirping a fall tone… I was feeling it. My soul was totally saying, “Bring it on, autumn!”
If you follow my blog, you know I just moved from Florida to North Carolina, so this will be the first time I get to experience full on seasons! You know, the whole shebang of the leaves changing colors, the weather getting colder and fall clothing (<– Yay for comfy thin sweaters)! I can’t help but be a little jazzed!
However, while I am super excited for all that seasonal change fabulousness, I am going to miss the fresh, vibrant, juicy, delicious fruits and veggies summer yields. Therefore, I will be grilling and stuffing my face with ALL things summa-tastic while I still can! Because before I know it, this blog will be full of football dude food, then apples, pumpkins, comforting fall dishes, and finally holiday delights. So we absolutely must grill all the things! You heaaarrrd? You feel me.
Obviously, I grilled something spectacular and healthy for you guys today –Grilled Oregano Chicken Mediterranean Zucchini Noodle Bowls. Woot Woot!
These bowls are healthy, light and refreshingly delicious. These babies are loaded with magnificent Mediterranean num nums that your I-heart-ALL-the-things-summer self craves. The grilled oregano chicken is lemony, herbaceous, succulent, tender and char-licious. It is so fantastically full of flavor I had to purchase, marinate, and grill MORE… because Boy and I ate the entire pound of chicken – straight off the grill, leaving me none for the actual bowls! Don’t judge. #FoodBloggerProblems
BUT, that is just the chicken. Clearly, you can’t have a “bowl” without more. I decided to serve the chicken over zucchini noodles. It recently crossed my mind that while I have a spiralizer, and I use it to noodle all the things possible, I have NEVER posted ANYTHING spiralized. Don’t ask me why. I have no rhyme or reason. But I am fixing that today, so I know you forgive me. 🙂
The “zoodles” are tossed in a silky, smooth, garlicky, lemony, olive oil mixture that is toe-ts delicious. All of that YUM is topped with glorious Mediterranean ingredients – creamy bocconcini, sweet roasted red peppers, salty green olives, spicy crushed red peppers, nut-nummy pine nuts, and zippy lemon zest. The overall result? A pungent, crunchy, creamy, wonderfully delicious bowl of Oh.My.Gawd. Gimme all this summer yum!
Trust and believe. You need to do this before it’s too late. Before autumn weather takes over your soul and you are surrounded by Halloween candy, pumpkin decorations and eventually annoying Christmas carols on the radio… on repeat. So stop reading; start marinating and spiralizing! I know you guys are going to love this bodacious bowl of all things delicious just as much as we did! Cheers and happy zoodle-ing!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
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Oregano Chicken Mediterranean Zoodle Bowl
Ingredients
- Oregano Chicken:
- 2 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts – pounded to even thickness* (about 1 pound total)
- 1 tsp Anchovy Paste (can substitute 1 anchovy, minced)
- 3 Cloves Garlic – minced
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 ½ tsp Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Lemon Zest
- ½ small Yellow Onion – thinly sliced
- ¼ Cup Fresh Oregano – roughly chopped – thinly sliced, plus more for garnishing
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
- Vegetable Oil – to brush grates
- Zoodles:
- 2 Zucchini – spiralized (about 1 pound total)
- ¾ tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 TBS Lemon Juice (about 1 small lemon)
- ½ tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 small clove Garlic - minced
- Bowl Garnishes , to taste (optional):
- Bocconcini Cheese
- Sweet Roasted Red Peppers - thinly sliced
- Green Olives
- Pine Nuts
- Lemon Zest
- Fresh Oregano Leaves
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large Ziploc bag combine the anchovy paste, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion and oregano. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat. Set aside in the refrigerator for 6 hours to overnight to allow to marinate.
- Meanwhile, Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Transfer the “noodles” to a fine mesh strainer set into a large bowl. Generously salt the noodles and toss to coat. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the salt to remove excess moisture from the “noodles” and drain. Use a clean tea towel or paper towels to squeeze as much moisture as possible out of the noodles. Transfer to a medium sized bowl.
- In a small bowl whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic and a pinch of pepper. Pour mixture over zucchini noodles and toss to combine.
- To Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from fridge and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. Heat a grill, or grill pan, to medium/medium-high heat. Generously oil grates with vegetable oil. Remove chicken from marinade and allow excess to drip off and back into bag. Discard marinade.
- Grill chicken until browned, about 3-6 minutes. Flip and continue to grill on the second side and until browned and chicken is cooked through* (an instant read thermometer registers 160 degrees F.), an additional 3-6 minutes. Transfer to a clean work surface and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut into large bite sized pieces.
- To Serve: Divide zoodles equally between two bowls. Top with grilled chicken, bocconcini, red peppers, green olives and pine nuts. Garnish with lemon zest and oregano. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*If chicken is starting to brown too quickly before thermometer registers 160 degrees F, move chicken to a cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.
*Grilling time for chicken will depend on thickness and size of chicken
*Inactive Marinade Time of 6+ hours
Nutrition
Holy yum on a plate! I love everything about this dish! I’m a huge fan of oregano and I probably use way too much but it’s so good! And anchovy paste is such an underutilized ingredient! I love it in sauce 🙂
Cheyanne, this looks fabulous. I could dig in right now.
I’m getting excited about fall, too! Love everything about this dish! Gorgeous, packed with my favorite stuff! Pinned!
I wish I came across this earlier, this is exactly what I was looking to make for dinner! Definitely gonna make it this week:)
No hard feelings re: fall. If i were coming from a place with no discernible seasonal change, then I would feel the same way!
I’m with you 100% – hooray for fall!! But before it arrives, I must try this bowl of deliciousness. I recently bought a spiralizer and have yet to use it, this looks like the perfect place to start!
This bowl sounds amazing! Love the chicken….love the zoodles….love all the extra ingredients!
Girl, I’m literally drooling. This chicken looks perfect and just how I like it! Plus the combination of all the other flavors… Oh yeah, you really knocked the ball out of the park here! Too bad I don’t have a way to grill outside so I can enjoy the last of the summer. But I am also so excited for Fall! It’s my favorite season! 🙂
Before I start zoodle-ing, I’ll need to get myself a zoodle-er ’cause this is looking pretty fab!! But since I do want to be your next door neighbor, I might not need one because you can make all things zoodles for me for our neighborly dinners together! 😉 For sure, you would be the most fun neighbor I have ever had, Chey!!
This chicken and zucchini noodle bowl looks like such a delightfully flavorful and healthy dish! It is one that I would want plenty of leftovers for later on.
This seriously looks PERFECT. I can’t wait for fall, but until then (like you) I will be eating as many summer veggies as I possibly can!
Oooh I love fall Cheyanne!!! So exciting that you’re going to get to experience a true fall season now that you’re living in NC. I know it will be just beautiful there <3 Also this mediterranean zoodle bowl looks AMAZING!! This is the answer to my all carb-free dreams!!! I mean the carb-free doesn't happen often with me because bread and pasta are my default, but I'm always tryingggg to do carb-free things to you know, create balance and whatnot…blah blah. This zoodle dish looks absolutely mouthwatering…I would have no problem eating this rather than pasta!! Also, the chicken!!! YUMMM!!! Look at those grill marks (insert hearts as eyes emoticon)<3 I don't blame you guys for eating this straight off the grill. Can you pleaseeee just be my personal chef and cook for me!!?? Please?? Boy is SO lucky!!! Fantastic as usual, beautiful!!! XOXO
Wow, doesn’t that chicken look so succulent? Lovely blog, and photography!
Fall is definitely my favorite season. It’s always bittersweet to see summer go (and I hate that fall = one step closer to another Minnesota winter) but fall is SO, SO beautiful. And this salad? Whoa girl! Those mozza balls, sweet roasted peppers and olives are calling my name! This looks amazing. 🙂
So much mediterranean goodness in these bowls! Love, love, love everything about this fabulous meal!
I feel a conflict in my heart, I love summer the most but I also like the foliage, hoverer I hate the windy weather that hits NYC right after that, so I would rather hold on to summer as much as possible. On the other note my friend, that chicken looks crazy delicious, Pinned!
This dish is EVERYTHING I want in a healthy dinner! Oh my yum!
I totally get it Cheyanne – the conflict of feelings for the coming of Fall, but holding on to Summer. I’ve said it before, Fall IS my favorite season, but Summer must be my second, because it’s so hard to let go. Keep the Summer recipes comin for all long as possible! You’ll be wearing those sweaters in no time and enjoying the gorgeous Fall colors NC provides! What a beautiful time of year! And this Salad? Delicious! Love the garnishes too.. I always pile on extra. The garlic lemon oil on the zoodles sounds like a perfect way to enjoy them and the little mozzarellas? Yessss please! Have you named your house yet?
Cheyanne, I am so excited for you! Experiencing all four seasons is so amazing!! and fall is one of my fave seasons . . I love love love breaking out my boots and sweaters! I’m so excited! in the meantime, I would totally devour this mediterranean-zoodle-bowl. . gorgeous and delicious!
I’m actually excited for fall too! I love the cooler weather and everything apples and pumpkins! But, since I’m in the midwest, I hate what follows…winter! But lets just forget about that and eat lots of this zoodle bowl. This is absolutely gorgeous, Cheyanne! You take the pretties pictures! And I’m loving the Mediterranean flare. Pinned!
I love fall and fall food. This oregano chicken zoodles bowl sounds intriguing, Cheyanne. Loved this perfectly grilled chicken and I must say oregano is the winner here! 🙂
Zoodles are all the rage right now – but I am yet to try them! You definitely have given me a few ideas for dinner this week Cheyanne.
Hahahahaha! Thalia! Ain’t no shame girlfriend! I might have tried zoodles before, but I never posted them.. so technically we are SAME SAME! 🙂 Hope you do try them though, because they are good! I promise! Cheers, pretty! <3
Love the term zoodle and the bocconcini cheese makes this dish for me 🙂
HA! Something about that word – Zoodle – is so fun! Thanks so much for the comment Tandy! AND the bocconcini TOTALLY made this dish for me too!! Cheers! 🙂
I feel the same way, I love so many things about fall but will also miss all the fresh summer fruits and veggies! Love this zoodle bowl! That chicken is grilled to perfection!
Thank you, Kelly!! Whenever you say YOU love something of mine it makes my heart smile! 🙂 Cheers, my sweets! To you, your wonderful family and a beautiful weekend!
When your soul speaks, you gotta listen Cheyanne! Happy for the cooler weather headed your way and a smattering of pretty leaves to come in the mountain vistas. You are so gonna love it. We had our first taste of cooler weather this morning here in NH. The humidity lifted sometime during the night and all the windows were open. It was downright chilly in the kitchen this morning. Sooo…onto this awesome salad. Love it. Fresh and delicious. Yup, just keep grilling, just keep grilling….(Dory) There’s time enough for the dude food, apple and holiday dishes….gotta go. Time to get marinating and spiralizing….
Thanks, Allie! I certainly hope I am going to love all the seasons as much as I THINK I am going to! 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet comment AND making me giggle!!! Cheers, my dear – to a weekend as fab. as you!
Oregano has to be my favorite herb! Love the flavor, and on freshly grilled chicken? YUM. Plus, who can beat marinating it in garlic paste? Haha! And that’s it! I have got to get myself one of these handy dandy spiralizers. I’m getting way too jealous over here with all these spiralized recipes. Thanks for posting!
HA! Thank you so much, Brielle!! I’d be SO down to eat anything marinated in garlic paste. ALONE! 🙂 But, I’m also totally weird. Cheers to a beautiful weekend, my dear!
I’m with you too — torn between summer and fall, but looking forward to cooler weather! It’s so hot here and I’m just not feeling it anymore! You make some crazy good salads, tossing in so many of my favorite things. Those zoodles, that chicken, AND the mozzarella balls! This looks delicious and it’s so pinned. 🙂
Thank you so much, Marcie!! I hate plain Jane salads, I NEED substance, so your kind words mean EVERYTHING to me! Thank you for the pin as well! You totally made my day! Cheers, pretty lady! 🙂
Love that you aren’t depressed that summer’s over!!
OK, I have to say, I haven’t gotten on the zoodles train but THIS might just get me there. Pinning!
Thanks, Nagi! I feel like summer has been good to ALL of us bloggers, so how can any of us really get depressed? I’ve seen the food everyone has produced – it has been STELLAR! While I AM sad, I am also ready to see what everyone creates in the fall! 🙂 Especially you! Cheers and thank you so much for the Pin, N! xo
Zoodles are hands down the best especially when mixed with delicious oregano chicken and loads of other delicious stuff.
I’m pinning this one right now!
I concur, Mike- Zoodles Rock the House! Thank you so much for the pin! Cheers, buddy- to a fantastic weekend! 🙂
Girl, I’m right there with you on the train to fall. I think September and October are my favorite months. We had that gorgeous weather over here in Charlotte today too, so I totally know what you are talking about – except I can’t hear the birds chriping or feel the breeze in my corporate tower. I’m looking forward to happy hour on the patio though! I wish I had some chicken and a spiralizer becaise this Oregano Chicken Mediterranean zoodley business looks like something I want to shove in my mouth right now! Oh! And make sure you get some thick sweaters too! It ain’t all sunshine and unicorns during the NC winters! 🙂
November has always been my favorite month, but I am thinking this is going to change living here in NC. So far I am absolutely DIGGING August and can’t wait to see September!! I apologize for all the enthusiasm… I am geeking over the whole seasonal thang. If you want to hear birds chirping, come visit me! Actually, I need to see Charlotte first and visit you! It’s still sitting at the top of my To Do. Right after finish unpacking.. yes I STILL have boxes! #Ick Anyways, I know it ain’t all rainbows in the winter here… BUT I am just stoked about getting to wear all my boots. I have winter coats and stuff. I am prepared! BRING IT ON NC. 🙂 xoxo
This recipe looks fantastic! I know I’m not alone when I say I love “bowl” foods. The combinations of flavors/textures here looks spot on. I recently bought a zoodle maker but I’m embarassed to say that I haven’t used it yet! I think I’ve been inspired though 🙂
OMG, I totally agree Dani! Bowl food ROCKS! It’s a lifestyle really.. right? 😉 But, You need to spiralize something.. just to say you have actually used your zoodle maker! Or you could just lie and say you have used it. I won’t tell! Either way, Cheers girlfriend and Happy Weekend!
You’ve never posted zoodles before?! Oh my good lord, Cheyanne. I am a total zoodle person. My first foray was zoodles with tofu and peanut sauce, and I haven’t looked back! It’s great that you use the spiralizer for other stuff, too. I’m not that good. But you have real chef training, which I do not. You go, girl!
And I love oregano. Now, always. It’s one of the best herbs!
And girl, I love Halloween candy and cheesy carols. And I don’t even celebrate those holidays! Maybe that’s why. No stressful associations with having to do holiday work.
Ha, Mir! I have not… this post totally popped my zoodle cherry (<-- is that okay to say? or too weird?!) Zoodles + peanut sauce + tofu = been in my belly.. and I have LOVED it. I just never posted any of it. I have always felt like there are SO many zoodle recipes out there... why would anyone care what I eat? I simply decided I didn't care. So I posted this. And now I am totally wondering why the heck I waited so long! #Dohhh. Oregano is one of the bestest herbs out there.... but I will say that about all of them... soo, Maybe I lie? 😉 Anyways.. You loving Halloween and cheesy carols doesn't really surprise me. You seem to rock to your own beat. Which I LOVE! Because I do the same dang thing. Do what you do girl. Love on all the halloweeny, christmasy spectacular for me! Someone needs to love it! 🙂 P.s. I'm totally sending you a present this year. Just because. It may or may not involve halloween candy or carol-ers. <3 Cheers, girlfriend!
After living in California the past three years, you can bet I’m excited for fall too. In the meantime, I’ll be indulging in all the healthy summer recipes packed with vegetables like this Chicken Mediterranean bowl.
Yay to fall, Nicole! However, I will definitely be devouring all things summer and healthy right along with you, before I settle into all the autumn fabulousness (plus I want to fit into my skinny jeans!) Thanks for the kind words! Cheers and warm wishes for a beautiful weekend!
Yes, yes, yes, to this recipe!!!! Love the lemony-garlicky marinade on the chicken and the dressing for the zoodles. I have to admit…I do not own a spiralizer (oh the horror!!). I guess I need to go to Bed Bath and Beyond this weekend to buy one. In the meantime, I’ll just look at the photos of your perfectly spiraled zucchini ribbons and count the days until I can get my own. Please don’t wish for fall too soon, as some of us have to deal with a crappy winter that follows the beautiful fall season 🙂
Why am I not surprised you don’t own a spiralizer, Karrie? I guess, I totally see you as the cool kid who avoids all things trendy? (<-- compliment). BUT, if you go to BB&B, you need to noodle some zucchini. Or potatoes (<-- I actually recommend these first, crispy spirally taters = heaven!) I AM going to continue to wish on fall BECAUSE I am hoping crazy NE winter forces you into your fabulous RV and down to visit me!! YAY! Boy already is on board for you and J visiting! WITH the dogs! COME DOWN! LETS party like its 1999. 🙂 Cheers, my sweetness! xo
I totally love the early fall PERFECT temperatures! It’s later in the fall with the snow and all that that can hold off for a bit longer. This zoodle bowl is so much fun and just so gorgeous!
I couldn’t agree more, Ashley! Bring on the fall breeze and PERFECT temps… but Winter can STAY far AWAY! Too bad we never get what we wish for huh? Thanks so much for the kind words! Cheers, girlie!! 🙂
It has been cool here all week and I am so ready for fall. It is mu favorite season- by far! This bowl looks amazing! So many things I love- yum!
Thank you so much Jessica! I do love fall, but I will miss all the heirloom tomatoes.. and corn. 😉 Cheers, girlfriend!
Anytime I hear the word zoodle, I immeditely get infinitely more happy! I mean, how can you not smile while eating ZOODLES?! Especially when its all mixed up with some incr-EDIBLE oregano chicken. I spy a winner winner of a chicken dinner! Pinned!
Ha! Tay, Zoodle is a fun/funny word! I’m not sure if I feel like a huge dork when I say it, if someone should be handing me some pool flotation device, or if I should just stop thinking and shove those zoodles down my throat! 🙂 Thanks so much for the love and the pin! Cheers, pretty lady! <3
Chey, I’m a summer girl too, but there is just something about the beginning of fall! You are going to love the change of seasons in North Carolina! I’m so excited for you! I know what you mean about squeezing in some more great grilling and fruit and vegetables recipes and this bowl looks PERFECT! I think I could eat this one for breakfast, lunch or dinner!! Love the name too! Pinning it ASAP! Have a great weekend!
I am already loving how beautiful the weather is here, Mary Ann! I get off the phone with my mother, who tells me it is SUPER hot still in Orlando and I am NOT jealous!! LOVE the lack of humidity already! I have been moving my boots and sweaters to the front of the closet 🙂 SO.Excited. But, YES, we must keep grilling and doin’ the fruit thang right up until the last moment! 🙂 Thanks for the pin and kind words, my sweets! Cheers and Happy Weekend! <3