This Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is colorful and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces mix perfectly with crunchy zucchini and a tasty sauce. It’s a quick meal that comes together in no time!
Who doesn’t love a dinner that tastes good and doesn’t take forever to make? I often whip this up when I’m short on time and need something healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This veggie adds a nice crunch and absorbs flavor well. If you can’t find zucchini, try using yellow squash or even bell peppers for a different twist.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to, but you can also use thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce: It gives a wonderful umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free version, opt for tamari or coconut aminos.
Oyster Sauce: While not essential, it adds depth. You can skip it or replace it with hoisin sauce for a similar sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses this dish with flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but use less as it’s stronger.
How Can You Make the Best Stir-Fry?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking! Start with a hot skillet or wok to get that perfect sear. Make sure to prep everything beforehand since stir-frying goes fast.
- Use a large enough pan to avoid overcrowding, which can make everything steam instead of fry.
- Work in batches if necessary; this helps keep that lovely crunch in your veggies!
- Don’t forget to stir regularly to ensure even cooking.
Remember, the goal is to cook quickly while keeping ingredients crisp. Enjoy creating a delicious meal with these tips!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt, to taste
For Thickening (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal you can whip up in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by slicing your chicken, zucchinis, onion, and bell pepper (if you’re using it). Having everything ready makes cooking super simple and fast!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Mix it well and let it marinate while you get everything else ready.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the ingredients!
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the hot oil. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
6. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the sliced zucchini and bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the veggies are soft yet still crisp.
7. Mix in the Sauce:
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust salt to taste and mix until everything is well coated.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, pour in the cornstarch slurry now. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and hugs all the ingredients.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish your stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. It’s time to enjoy your delicious creation!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry hot with some steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal!
Enjoy your quick, flavorful Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetables you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the stir fry gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Make sure to choose a gluten-free oyster sauce if you opt to include it. Always check labels for variations!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken or Vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken or vegetables! Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed before slicing and cooking. Cook the frozen vegetables for a few extra minutes to allow them to heat through properly. You might want to reduce the amount of sauce slightly to avoid excess liquid.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate if it dries out.
