This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a tasty and colorful dish! Juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and mushrooms come together in a quick cook that’s full of flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This is the base for stir-frying. I often use vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but olive oil works too if you prefer. Just be mindful of its smoke point when cooking at high heat.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for ease and quick cooking. You can use thighs if you want more flavor or even swap in tofu for a vegetarian version!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings a nice crunch. If zucchini isn’t available, consider using bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli for similar texture and flavor.
Mushrooms: I usually use button mushrooms for simplicity, but cremini or shiitake mushrooms can add a deeper flavor to the dish. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try using more zucchini instead.
Soy Sauce: This is key for flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is an excellent alternative if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free option, try tamari.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly is vital for deliciousness! Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, slice the chicken thinly to help it cook faster and evenly.
- Heat the oil before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps it to brown nicely.
- Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink inside—using a meat thermometer can help you check that it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remember, letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and delicious stir fry will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 25 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken but not smoking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the hot pan. Season them with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, if you need a bit more oil, add it now! Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds, just until they are fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn!
4. Add Mushrooms:
Now, toss in the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. They will release some moisture and add a delicious flavor to the dish.
5. Include Zucchini:
Add in the sliced zucchinis and keep stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp, so keep moving them around!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sesame oil, then stir well to combine.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, add the cornstarch mixture into the pan. Stir gently until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. This will take just a minute or so!
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Give it a taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, the soy sauce is already salty, so be mindful when adding more salt.
9. Finish and Garnish:
Remove the stir fry from the heat. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like for some extra crunch and flavor!
10. Serve:
Serve your stir fry hot, with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful and healthy dish!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini and mushrooms with other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just keep the cooking times in mind to ensure everything stays crunchy and doesn’t overcook.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can simply omit it or replace it with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce for flavor. It will still be delicious without it!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this stir fry gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or skip it entirely. It will still be delicious!
