This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry brings together tender chicken and fresh zucchini for a quick and colorful meal. It’s easy to whip up and packed with flavor!
I love how fast this dish comes together. Just toss everything in the pan and in no time, you’ve got a tasty dinner! Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra veggies! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These add a lovely crunch and absorb flavors well. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash or bell peppers are good substitutes.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for this dish because it cooks quickly. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Oils: Vegetable oil is great for high heat, but I love using sesame oil for its nutty flavor. If you prefer, olive oil can work, but avoid using it at very high temperatures.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for depth of flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. Oyster sauce and hoisin sauce add sweetness and umami; feel free to skip them if you’re vegan or don’t have them on hand.
Spice: I like adding chili flakes for some heat, but if you prefer milder flavors, you can easily leave them out or use a small pinch instead.
How Do I Stir-Fry Chicken and Vegetables Without Overcooking Them?
Stir-frying is all about quick cooking at high heat, so timing is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always preheat your pan before adding oil and food. This helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- Cook chicken in small batches if your pan is crowded; overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying.
- Add aromatics like garlic and ginger early, but be careful not to burn them—30 seconds is usually enough.
- Veggies like zucchini should still be a bit crisp. Don’t overcook; aim for 3-4 minutes when stir-frying.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan last, allowing it to warm through while the sauces coat everything evenly.
With practice, you’ll master stir-frying, yielding deliciously balanced textures every time!
How to Make 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 breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
For the Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, chopped (optional for heat)
For Garnishing:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn!
3. Add Zucchini:
Next, add the sliced zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry the zucchini for about 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still has a nice crispness. This keeps the vegetables vibrant and crunchy!
4. Combine Chicken and Zucchini:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the zucchini. Stir everything together to mix the chicken with the vegetables.
5. Add Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili flakes (if using). Give everything a good stir and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat both the chicken and zucchinis evenly.
6. Season to Taste:
After everything is mixed well, taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning with more salt or additional soy sauce if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your stir fry with the green parts of the green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute zucchinis with other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just keep in mind that each vegetable may have a different cooking time, so adjust accordingly for the best texture!
What If I Don’t Have Some Sauces?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce, you can knock them out and add a bit more soy sauce or even a splash of vinegar for tanginess. Just season to taste as you go!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time! Keep them stored separately in the refrigerator and cook everything together when you’re ready to enjoy your stir fry.
