This Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick meal packed with colorful veggies and tender chicken. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for busy nights!
You can whip this up in no time, and the best part? You can eat it straight from the pan if you’re feeling lazy. No judgment here! 😄
I love how the zucchini pops with flavor. It’s a fun way to sneak in those veggies, and if you have rice or noodles, they make a perfect pairing. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly as they’re easy to slice and cook quickly. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for added flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for this dish. However, if it’s not available, you can use bell peppers or snap peas for a nice crunch.
Vegetable Oil: I recommend a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed, but olive oil will also work. Just keep in mind its flavor. If you want a touch of Asian flavor, sesame oil is a great option!
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you want a lighter dish or if you prefer vegetarian sauces like hoisin sauce or soy sauce alone.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep your chicken tender and juicy, there are a couple of handy tips:
- Slice the chicken into even pieces to ensure even cooking. Thin slices cook quickly and will stay juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is too full, the chicken will steam instead of brown.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a moment after removing it from the pan to retain its juices.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Zucchini Without Making It Soggy?
To keep zucchini crisp in your stir-fry:
- Cut it into thin half-moons to help it cook quickly and evenly.
- Add it after the onion and garlic so it doesn’t overcook. Aim for tender-crisp, which usually takes just a few minutes.
- High heat is key—this helps achieve a nice sear while keeping the veggies bright and firm.
These tips and tricks will help you achieve a delicious and satisfying Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry every time. Enjoy cooking!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes or sliced chili (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend a few minutes prepping the ingredients and about 10 minutes cooking everything. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by thinly slicing the chicken breasts, zucchinis, and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger if using. Having everything ready makes cooking much easier.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Next, add the sliced zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, just until the zucchini is tender-crisp. You want it to maintain some crunch for texture!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Then, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss to coat everything evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour in the cornstarch slurry and continue to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste your stir fry and adjust any seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce based on your preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add sliced chili now.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take the pan off the heat and garnish your stir fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious, quick, and healthy 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 substitute the zucchini with bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose, as some may take longer to cook than zucchini.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make the stir fry gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well, or skip it altogether.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out the chicken and veggies.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Without Cornstarch?
Yes! If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can simply skip it or use arrowroot powder as a substitute. Alternatively, you can cook the stir fry without thickening the sauce, which will still be delicious!
