This easy zucchini mushroom chicken stir fry is a quick meal that’s packed with flavor! Tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and juicy mushrooms come together in a tasty mix that’s ready in no time.
I love how colorful and healthy this dish looks on my plate. Plus, it’s a great way to use up veggies. I often serve it over rice or noodles, and it’s always a hit at dinner time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is great for frying due to its high smoke point. If you want extra flavor, try sesame oil! Olive oil is another option but has a lower smoke point, so watch the heat.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a lean choice. You can swap it for chicken thighs for more flavor or even use tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a meatless option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is perfect for this stir fry! If you don’t have any on hand, yellow squash or bell peppers are tasty substitutes that will still keep the dish colorful.
Mushrooms: I use white or cremini mushrooms here; both add great texture. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or try other mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for a more unique flavor.
Soy Sauce: Standard soy sauce works well, but for a gluten-free option, tamari is perfect. Coconut aminos is another great alternative that’s less salty and slightly sweeter.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Cooking the chicken properly is key to keeping it juicy. Follow these steps:
- Cut your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Heat your pan well before adding the chicken. This helps seal in moisture!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Cook in batches if needed.
- Stir frequently but avoid overcooking. Aim for a golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken for your stir fry every time!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini work well)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook while stirring frequently until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. This step adds a lovely earthy flavor to your stir fry!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add the zucchini slices, the white parts of the green onions, the minced garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender but still have a bit of crunch!
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle with black pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated and bring to a simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is well mixed and cooked, remove the stir fry from heat. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!
This stirring fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy your homemade meal!
FAQ About Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Stir Fry?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the fridge overnight or submerging it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for faster thawing.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your stir fry! Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are great additions. Just make sure to chop everything into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat, or use the microwave until heated through.
Can This Stir Fry Be Made Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this stir fry vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas. Just cook them until golden before adding them to the veggies!
