Quick & Healthy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry (Weeknight Dinner Winner!)

This Quick & Healthy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is my go-to recipe when I need a fast, flavorful, and nutritious meal. It's packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender zucchini, and a simple yet delicious savory sauce. I love how easy it is to customize with different vegetables or protein, and it's ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it's a great way to use up those summer zucchini!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

• Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir-fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it's a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a delicious savory sauce.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or protein.

Ingredients for Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious stir-fry. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Chicken and Marinade

• Boneless chicken thigh, cut bite-sized (Meat)
• Cornstarch (Thickener)
• Light soy sauce (Condiment)
• Sesame oil (Flavoring)
• Sugar (or honey) (Sweetener)
• Rice wine vinegar (optional) (Acid)

Stir Fry

• Garlic, smashed (Aromatic)
• Cooking oil (Oil)
• Zucchini (Vegetable)
• Oyster sauce (Condiment)
• Ground black pepper (optional) (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

I love this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry just the way it is, but feel free to experiment:

• Add More Vegetables: Toss in some broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots.
• Use Different Protein: Substitute shrimp, tofu, or beef for the chicken.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade or sauce.
• Add Nuts: Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch.
• Ginger: Add ginger.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Quick & Healthy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry:

Marinate the Chicken

1. First, I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, I combine the chicken with the marinade ingredients: cornstarch, light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), and rice wine vinegar (if using). I mix everything well and set it aside to marinate for about 30 minutes.

Stir-Fry Chicken and Garlic

1. I heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. I add the smashed garlic and the marinated chicken (along with all the marinade sauce) to the pan.
3. I stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer translucent.
4. Then, immediately remove the chicken from the heat and place it on a plate or in a bowl. I set it aside, trying to keep as much of the sauce in the pan as possible.

Stir-Fry Zucchini

1. I add a little more cooking oil to the pan if it's too dry.
2. Then, I add the zucchini and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to get tender.

Combine and Finish

1. I return the chicken to the pan.
2. I add the oyster sauce and sprinkle with ground black pepper (if using).
3. I stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.

Serve

1. I remove from heat and serve

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Stir-Fry

Here are a few of my secrets for making the best Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry:

• Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly and don't steam.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done over medium-high to high heat.
• Cut Vegetables Evenly: Cut the zucchini into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

How to Serve

This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:

• Over Rice: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
• With Noodles: Toss it with cooked noodles, like lo mein, udon, or rice noodles.
• Lettuce Wraps: Serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Leftover stir-fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave.

FAQs about Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
  • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier in stir-fries.
• Can I make this without the oyster sauce?
  • The oyster sauce adds a lot of umami flavor, but you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or more soy sauce.
• Can I make this gluten-free?
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your other ingredients are also gluten free.

Enjoy this Quick & Healthy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry! It's a flavorful, easy, and customizable meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

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