Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
When you need a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is the answer. Tender strips of chicken are sautéed with crisp zucchini and tossed in a savory garlic-soy sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s simple, satisfying, and better than takeout!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, everything cooks in one pan, and the fresh zucchini keeps it light while the sauce adds that irresistible umami punch. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a balanced and wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 25 minutes
- Packed with protein and veggies
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- One-pan meal = easy cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Time Taken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 14g
(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients:
Slice the chicken and zucchini into even pieces. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and set aside. - Cook the chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Sauté vegetables:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the zucchini. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. - Make the sauce:
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Mix well. - Combine and thicken:
Return chicken to the pan, pour in the cornstarch slurry, and toss everything together. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly. - Serve:
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.
You Must Know
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Don’t overcook, zucchini should stay slightly crisp.
- For restaurant-style flavor, cook everything quickly over high heat.
- The cornstarch slurry gives the sauce that glossy, thick texture.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts.
- Freeze: Not recommended, zucchini tends to lose its texture after thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Use shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for variation.
- Zucchini: Substitute with yellow squash, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Honey: Replace with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
- Pair with a light soup or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Cultural and Historical Context
Stir-frying is one of the oldest and most versatile Asian cooking techniques, originating in China. The beauty of a stir-fry lies in its speed and simplicity, high heat, fresh ingredients, and a flavorful sauce. This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry draws inspiration from classic Chinese-style stir-fries but adds a modern, health-conscious twist by focusing on lean protein and fresh vegetables.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Spring: Add asparagus or snow peas.
- Summer: Use garden-fresh zucchini and bell peppers.
- Fall: Add sliced carrots or mushrooms.
- Winter: Toss in broccoli or green beans.
Success Stories
“I made this for meal prep and it stayed perfect for days the sauce was so flavorful!”
“My family loved it, even the kids ate their veggies without complaint.”
“It’s faster than ordering takeout and tastes ten times better!”
Pro Tips
- Use a nonstick wok or skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cut all ingredients before you start cooking, stir-frying moves fast.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness before serving.
Chef’s Special Tips
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Add toasted sesame oil at the end for extra aroma.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts or cashews on top for a crunchy finish.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is the perfect combination of fresh, quick, and flavorful. It’s a healthy dinner that feels indulgent, and it’s endlessly customizable based on what you have on hand. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to week after week.