Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Stir-fry dishes are a fantastic way to create quick, healthy meals full of flavor. This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is one such dish that offers the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory sauce. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes and enjoy it as a wholesome meal on its own or paired with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa. The chicken is tender and juicy, the zucchini and mushrooms are perfectly cooked, and the stir-fry sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a nourishing meal that everyone in your family will enjoy.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

The chicken in this stir-fry needs to be tender, juicy, and well-seasoned. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Slice the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly, which is essential for stir-frying. Aim for pieces that are about 1/2 inch wide.

2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also toss the chicken in a small bowl with a tablespoon of soy sauce for added flavor. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.

   - Advertisement -

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

The vegetables in this stir-fry, zucchini and mushrooms, cook quickly and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the sauce and the chicken.

1. Slice the Zucchini: Cut the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons. Make sure the slices are roughly the same thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Slice the Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms. If you are using larger mushrooms like cremini or portobello, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces, as they tend to shrink when cooked.

3. Prep the Garlic and Ginger: Mince the garlic and ginger (if using). The ginger will add a wonderful zing to the stir-fry and pair beautifully with the soy sauce and sesame oil.

Step 3: Making the Stir-Fry Sauce

The stir-fry sauce is what brings everything together. It’s a combination of salty, sweet, and slightly tangy elements, with a touch of umami to make the dish more satisfying.

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water or chicken broth. Stir to combine and ensure the honey dissolves. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the mixture and stir until dissolved.

2. Add Spice (Optional): If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give the stir-fry a mild spice that complements the savory flavors.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

Cooking the chicken properly ensures it remains juicy and tender. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil (or vegetable oil) and allow it to get hot.

2. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Let the chicken cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to allow it to brown on one side. Once the first side is golden, flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until they are no longer pink in the center and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

3. Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside. The chicken will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat later.

Step 5: Cooking the Vegetables

Now it’s time to cook the zucchini and mushrooms, which should retain some crunch while absorbing the stir-fry sauce.

1. Add Oil to the Pan: In the same skillet, add a teaspoon of sesame oil (optional, but it adds great flavor). You can also add a little more olive oil if the pan seems dry.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Add the Zucchini: Add the zucchini slices to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the zucchini to soften but still have a little bite. Overcooking will make them mushy, so keep an eye on them.

Step 6: Bringing It All Together

Now it’s time to combine the chicken, vegetables, and sauce to finish the stir-fry.

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the chicken back to the pan with the zucchini and mushrooms. Stir everything together so the chicken and vegetables are well mixed.

2. Add the Sauce: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. If you added cornstarch to the sauce, it should thicken nicely, creating a glossy coating on the chicken and vegetables.

3. Simmer and Coat: Let the stir-fry simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken. The chicken should be well-coated in the sauce, and the vegetables should be tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Serving

Once everything is well-combined and heated through, it’s time to serve!

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions (scallions) over the stir-fry for added crunch and flavor. Fresh cilantro is another great garnish if you like its fresh, citrusy flavor.

2. Serve with Rice or Noodles: This stir-fry is perfect when served over steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. The sauce and vegetables complement the base, making for a filling and balanced meal.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry

1. Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best over high heat. This allows the chicken and vegetables to sear, developing a nice caramelized flavor while retaining their texture. Don’t lower the heat too much, or the food may steam instead of stir-fry.

2. Customize the Vegetables: While zucchini and mushrooms are a great pairing, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables. Try bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or even carrots for variety.

3. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Zucchini cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. It’s best to cook it until just tender, with a slight crunch remaining. This keeps the stir-fry vibrant and fresh.

4. Marinate the Chicken (Optional): If you have a little extra time, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of sesame oil for about 30 minutes to an hour. This adds more depth to the flavor of the chicken.

5. Add Heat (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of spice, you can add fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry along with the garlic and ginger, or simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce.

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

7. Meal Prep: This stir-fry is a great meal prep option! Simply cook the chicken and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate.

Conclusion

This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect quick, healthy meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of tender chicken, sautéed zucchini, and earthy mushrooms makes for a satisfying dish, while the homemade stir-fry sauce ties everything together with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry and fridge, making it versatile and adaptable to your tastes. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or just on its own, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Yield: 4

Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Print

Stir-fry dishes are a fantastic way to create quick, healthy meals full of flavor. This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is one such dish that offers the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory sauce. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes and enjoy it as a wholesome meal on its own or paired with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa. The chicken is tender and juicy, the zucchini and mushrooms are perfectly cooked, and the stir-fry sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a nourishing meal that everyone in your family will enjoy.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work great)
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped (optional)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the sliced chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey, and cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (if using). Pour this sauce over the veggies in the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Combine Chicken and Veggies: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and everything is well coated in the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.

Sauce Adjustment: Adjust the soy sauce and honey to your taste if you prefer a saltier or sweeter stir fry.

Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal option.

For extra heat: Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.