This Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick and colorful meal full of tender chicken and fresh zucchini. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to because it’s lean and cooks quickly. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with turkey. For a vegetarian twist, try tofu or tempeh!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch and sweetness. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works well too. You could also use bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful mix.
Oil: I prefer vegetable oil for stir-frying since it has a high smoke point, but any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed works. If you’re aiming for a richer flavor, try sesame oil, but use it in smaller amounts as it has a strong taste.
Sauces: Soy sauce gives great umami flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option. I love adding oyster sauce for depth, but it’s fine to skip it or replace it with hoisin sauce if you don’t have it.
How Can I Perfectly Stir-Fry Without Burning Ingredients?
Getting stir-frying right is all about high heat and quick movements! Start by preheating your skillet or wok well—this helps sear the chicken and veggies effectively without burning.
- Cut your ingredients into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Keep everything moving! Stir continuously to ensure everything cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Add in the vegetables based on cooking time; start with onions, followed by zucchini.
Finally, make sure your sauce mix is stirred well before adding it, to prevent clumps. Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, making the total time around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and chicken broth (or water). This will be your flavorful sauce. Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté everything for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, just until the zucchini is tender but still crisp. It’s important not to overcook the zucchini to keep that nice crunch!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zoodles and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the chicken and vegetables.
6. Final Touches:
If you’re using sesame oil, drizzle it over the stir fry now and give it a final mix. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your stir fry with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a lovely presentation. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your quick and healthy meal!
Enjoy your quick, healthy, and flavorful Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables’ tenderness to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this stir fry gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy it without worry!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture while reheating.
Can I Prepare It Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the chicken and vegetables and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Mix the sauce and keep it separate until you’re ready to cook for the freshest taste!
