Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, this Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is perfect. Packed with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, crisp zucchini, and a flavorful sauce, this dish comes together in no time. It’s versatile, packed with protein, and loaded with vegetables, making it a wholesome and satisfying dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Healthy and Balanced: Loaded with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal.
• Versatile: You can customize the vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Dice and Slice: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the zucchini and mushrooms, and julienne the red bell pepper.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth, honey, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add Oil: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Cook Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables: Toss in the zucchini, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Sauce

1. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Simmer: Let the stir fry cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the ingredients.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
2. Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy as is for a low-carb option.

Tips for Success

1. High Heat is Key: Use medium-high to high heat to achieve a perfect stir fry with caramelized flavors and crisp-tender vegetables.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to ensure the chicken and vegetables cook evenly.
3. Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and the sauce mixed before you start cooking, as stir frying moves quickly.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and ginger elevate the flavors of this dish.
5. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Variations

• Vegetable Options: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more variety.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Rice Pairing: Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Noodle Bowl: Pair with cooked lo mein or rice noodles.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as is.
• Asian-Inspired Sides: Pair with egg rolls or a cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients in advance for quicker assembly.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Health Benefits of Zucchini and Mushrooms

This dish is not just flavorful; it’s also nutritious:

• Zucchini: Low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, zucchini is excellent for digestion and immune health.
• Mushrooms: Packed with antioxidants and B vitamins, mushrooms support heart health and boost immunity.
• Lean Chicken: High in protein, chicken helps in muscle repair and keeps you full longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir fry.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger skillet or wok and cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

Q: What type of mushrooms should I use?
White button mushrooms, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms work best in this recipe.

Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With its quick preparation, customizable ingredients, and irresistible taste, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the delicious simplicity of a homemade stir fry!

Yield: 4

Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Print

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, this Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is perfect. Packed with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, crisp zucchini, and a flavorful sauce, this dish comes together in no time. It's versatile, packed with protein, and loaded with vegetables, making it a wholesome and satisfying dinner option.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Stir Fry
• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced into strips
• 1 large zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake work well)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Sauce
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Stir fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Stir Fry the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Toss in the zucchini, mushrooms, and red bell pepper.
• Stir fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.

4. Combine and Add Sauce

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything together until evenly coated.
• Allow the stir fry to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Serve

• Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
• Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.

Notes

Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for variety.

Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to make it even more colorful and nutrient-packed.

Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Spice It Up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.