Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

Chicken zucchini stir fry is a delicious and quick meal that combines tender pieces of chicken with the fresh crunch of zucchini, all coated in a flavorful sauce. This stir fry is an excellent choice for a healthy dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients. The savory soy sauce and the slight sweetness of the sugar or honey blend perfectly with the earthy notes of sesame oil and the umami flavor from the oyster sauce. This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor, and it can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

The combination of chicken and zucchini creates a dish that’s both light and filling, with each bite offering a balance of protein and vegetables. You can customize this stir fry by adding other vegetables, adjusting the level of sweetness or saltiness, or using different types of sauce. Whether you’re craving something simple or looking to impress at dinner, this chicken zucchini stir fry is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken zucchini stir fry is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that come together in a single, satisfying dish. It’s not only quick to prepare, but it’s also a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with a good mix of protein and vegetables. The marinade for the chicken ensures the meat remains tender and flavorful, while the stir-frying technique helps to maintain the zucchini’s crispness. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option, a flavorful meal prep idea, or just a dish that’s easy to whip up, this stir fry ticks all the boxes. With minimal ingredients and steps, this recipe proves that healthy and tasty meals don’t need to be complicated.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (optional)

Stir Fry:

• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and then sliced
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• Ground black pepper, optional

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to this stir fry for more color and texture.
• Protein Options: Swap the chicken for other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the stir fry for an added spicy element.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content in the dish.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or using honey for a more natural sweetener.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch, light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), and rice wine vinegar (if using). Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini and Garlic

While the chicken is marinating, slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes by first cutting it in half lengthwise and then into thin slices. Smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Let the chicken cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Zucchini and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the zucchini. Pour the oyster sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until the chicken and zucchini are coated in the sauce. Season with ground black pepper to taste, if desired. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to allow everything to heat through and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the stir fry is ready, remove from heat and serve immediately. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip the marinating step, as it helps infuse the chicken with flavor and ensures it stays tender.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir frying requires high heat to quickly cook the chicken and vegetables while maintaining their textures. Make sure the skillet or wok is preheated before adding ingredients.
• Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchini holds its shape better during stir-frying. Avoid overcooking it, as it can become mushy.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like a stronger flavor, you can add extra oyster sauce or a splash of soy sauce to suit your taste.

How to Serve

Chicken zucchini stir fry is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. You can also pair it with noodles or quinoa for a different texture. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an added burst of flavor and color. A squeeze of lime or lemon can also help brighten up the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave to reheat the leftovers.

Freezing

Although stir-fried dishes with zucchini don’t freeze as well as other ingredients due to the vegetable’s high water content, you can still freeze the chicken and sauce part. Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the stir fry by placing it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, though the thighs will tend to be more tender and juicy.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and zucchini separately in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Stir fry everything together just before serving.

3. Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or snap peas for more variety in the stir fry.

4. How can I make it spicier?

Add chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a spoonful of chili paste to the stir fry for an extra spicy kick.

5. Can I substitute the oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a similar flavor.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, this stir fry can be made gluten-free.

7. Can I use frozen zucchini?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini for stir fry, as frozen zucchini tends to become mushy when cooked.

8. Can I make this stir fry vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh to make this dish vegetarian.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the skillet or microwave.

10. Can I use a non-stick pan for stir-frying?

Yes, a non-stick pan works well for stir-frying, but a wok or cast-iron skillet will provide better heat retention and stir-frying results.

Conclusion

Chicken zucchini stir fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and a savory sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds while keeping things light. The recipe is easy to customize, allowing you to adjust it based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether served over rice, noodles, or on its own, this stir fry is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a well-rounded meal.

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