Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe

Chicken zucchini stir fry is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that can be whipped up in no time. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy zucchini, and a savory stir-fry sauce makes for a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or just a fresh take on stir fry, this recipe is the perfect solution. With minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this chicken zucchini stir fry will quickly become a family favorite.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready. This is because stir-frying happens quickly, and you don’t want to be scrambling to chop things once you start cooking.

1. Slice the chicken: Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
2. Prep the vegetables: Slice the zucchini into half-moons or rounds, depending on your preference. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and the onion into thin rings or strips. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, and water. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in the water before adding it to the sauce mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. If using sesame oil, add it now for a delicious, nutty flavor.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the hot pan. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Zucchini and Vegetables

1. Add more oil: If necessary, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.
2. Sauté the garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and onions to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still crisp. The zucchini should have a nice sear, and the bell peppers should retain their vibrant color.
4. Season the vegetables: Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir to combine.

Step 4: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

While the vegetables are cooking, you can finish preparing the stir fry sauce.

1. Mix the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, and water. If you’re using cornstarch, dissolve it in the water first to avoid lumps.
2. Add the sauce to the vegetables: Once the vegetables are ready, pour the stir-fry sauce over the vegetables. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce. The sauce will begin to thicken as it cooks, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken and vegetables.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken to the pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Toss everything together to combine, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes: Let the stir fry simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Garnish and serve: Once the chicken zucchini stir fry is done, garnish it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and color.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

• Use fresh zucchini: Fresh zucchini works best for this dish because it holds up better during stir-frying. Overcooked zucchini can turn mushy, so make sure to cook it just until tender.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken or vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you do, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry, and they won’t develop that perfect crispy texture.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter stir fry, add a bit more honey or sugar. If you like it spicier, consider adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken zucchini stir fry is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides to complete the meal:

• Rice: Serve the stir fry over steamed white or brown rice. You can also try cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Noodles: For a more substantial meal, serve the stir fry over cooked noodles like soba, udon, or rice noodles.
• Salad: Pair it with a simple cucumber or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Wraps: For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce wraps or tortillas.

Variations

While chicken zucchini stir fry is amazing as is, you can always switch things up with a few variations:

• Add more vegetables: Try adding mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, or broccoli to the stir fry for added flavor and texture.
• Use different protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef if you prefer a different protein.
• Make it spicy: Add fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce to the stir fry for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance. However, it’s best to stir-fry everything just before serving to maintain the vegetables’ texture and flavor.

Can I use frozen zucchini? It’s best to use fresh zucchini for stir fry, as frozen zucchini may become mushy when cooked.

Conclusion

This chicken zucchini stir fry is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and savory sauce come together in a flavorful stir fry that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Yield: 4

Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe

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Chicken zucchini stir fry is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that can be whipped up in no time. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy zucchini, and a savory stir-fry sauce makes for a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or just a fresh take on stir fry, this recipe is the perfect solution. With minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this chicken zucchini stir fry will quickly become a family favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   In the same pan, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Enjoy on its own or over rice or noodles.

Notes

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

Spicy Option: For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper to the stir-fry.

Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.