Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry that combines tender chicken, bright zucchini, and a rich sauce, perfect for families and crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons or ribbons
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or a knob of butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs: basil or parsley, chopped
- Optional: mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), bell peppers, or carrots
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim fat, then slice the chicken into 1/4-inch strips. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Marinate briefly with half the soy sauce and a teaspoon of oil for 10–15 minutes if you have time.
- Slice the vegetables: Cut zucchini into even half moons or use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons. Slice onion thinly. If you use mushrooms, clean them and slice.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it shimmer. Then add chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes, so it browns.
- Cook the chicken: Toss or stir the chicken until just cooked through, about 4–5 minutes total, then remove it to a plate.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté onions for 1 minute until translucent. Add mushrooms and zucchini and cook for 3–4 minutes until zucchini softens but still holds its shape.
- Combine and finish: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat. Cook for another minute so the sauce thickens slightly. Then remove from heat and drizzle sesame oil or add a small knob of butter for glossy richness. Stir in fresh herbs and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra herbs or toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
For a richer mouthfeel, add a small pat of butter at the finish. Avoid overcooking zucchini to keep the texture crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken, zucchini, stir fry, quick dinner, family recipe