Kung Pao Chicken Zoodles For Two

"Kung Pao Chicken Zoodles For Two" lands at 24g of protein for 277 calories a serving, which makes it an easy way to hit a protein target on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound without overeating. It leans pungent and spicy, so save it for a day your stomach is settled rather than right after an injection.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini (about 8 oz each (ends trimmed))
• 1 teaspoon grapeseed or canola oil
• 6 oz skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ground ginger
• 2 tbsp crushed dry roasted peanuts
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions along diagonal
• 1 1/2 tbsp reduced soy sauce (tamari for gluten free)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp hoisin sauce
• 2 1/2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tbsp Sambal Oelek Red Chili Paste (or more to taste)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp cornstarch

Method

1. 1Spiralize the zucchini into spaghetti-like strands (or julienne with a mandoline), snipping them into 6–8 inch lengths so they're easy to eat.
2. 2Whisk the soy sauce, balsamic, hoisin, water, chili paste, sugar and cornstarch together and set aside.
3. 3Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large deep nonstick pan or wok over medium-high and cook the chicken until browned and done, 4–5 minutes; set aside.
4. 4Lower to medium, add the sesame oil, garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, pour in the sauce, bring to a boil, then simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened. Toss in the zucchini noodles and cook about 2 minutes until just tender, then stir the chicken back in. Divide between two bowls and top with peanuts and scallions.

Tips for GLP-1 appetites

• Not the gentlest option on a rough stomach day — better suited to when appetite and digestion feel normal.
• Go lighter on the strong aromatics (garlic, onion, spice rub) if smells are a trigger right now.
• At 24g of protein a serving, this alone gets you a meaningful chunk of the way to a daily 80–120g protein target.