This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy nights! Tender chicken and fresh zucchini come together with tasty seasonings for a colorful dish.
I love how crunchy the zucchini stays while cooking, and it pairs so well with the chicken. Plus, it takes just minutes to make—less time in the kitchen means more time to relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the dish, bringing a nice crunch and light flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, summer squash or bell peppers can work as great alternatives.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook. For a healthier option, you could use chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Both have great flavor!
Onion: I recommend using yellow onions for their sweetness, but red onions or shallots also add a nice touch. Each gives a slightly different taste, so feel free to swap!
Sauces: Soy sauce adds saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great substitute. Oyster sauce brings richness, so you can skip it or replace it with extra soy sauce or a dash of vegetable broth.
Ginger: Fresh ginger lends a lovely aroma and kick. If you don’t have fresh, powdered ginger can work in a pinch, but use less. I suggest about 1/4 teaspoon.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken in a Stir Fry?
Getting tender, juicy chicken takes some attention, but it’s easy! First, make sure your skillet is hot. Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming; cook in batches if necessary. This way, you’ll get that nice color and flavor!
- Heat oil in the skillet until shimmering.
- Add chicken and let it sizzle undisturbed for a minute before stirring.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside while you cook the veggies.
Remember to add the chicken back at the end to keep it juicy! Enjoy your stir fry with confidence!
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili (optional), thinly sliced
Sauces and Oils:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to make a delicious and healthy stir fry that’s perfect for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Pan:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Onions:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the sliced onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent. This adds a wonderful sweetness to the stir fry!
4. Adding Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chili if you’re using it. Stir-fry these ingredients together for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant and the kitchen smells amazing!
5. Cooking the Zucchini:
Add the zucchini rounds to the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to keep some of their crunch; they should not be mushy.
6. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce or honey. Toss everything together to coat it evenly with the sauces. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and all ingredients are combined.
7. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry and mix everything together well. The sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor!
8. Ready to Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, and enjoy your meal with steamed rice or noodles if you like!
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! This stir fry is versatile, so feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to keep them tender-crisp.
Can I Make This Recipe with Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken, simply skip the initial cooking step. Add it to the skillet after the onions and garlic are sautéed, then proceed to add the sauces and remaining ingredients. Just heat it through for a quick dinner option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Sure! To increase the heat, you can add more sliced red chili, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce. Just keep in mind to balance the spiciness with other flavors if needed!
