Get ready for a colorful and tasty meal with this easy zucchini mushroom chicken stir fry! It’s packed with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and flavorful mushrooms. Perfect for busy nights!
This dish comes together so quickly, I sometimes feel like a kitchen wizard! 🪄 Just chop, stir, and serve over rice or noodles for a wholesome dinner the whole family will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis add a nice crunch. If they’re out of season, yellow squash can be a suitable substitute, keeping the dish colorful.
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms bring an earthy flavor. If you want something different, shiitake mushrooms work well too, or even canned mushrooms in a pinch.
Chicken: I opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean texture. You can use thighs for a bit more flavor or even tofu if you want a meat-free dish!
Oyster Sauce: If you’re looking to keep it vegan or vegetarian, you can skip this or try a soy sauce alternative. For a different kick, hoisin sauce is also a tasty replacement.
How Do You Get Chicken Perfectly Cooked in a Stir Fry?
The key to juicy chicken in your stir fry is cooking it quickly! Here’s how:
- Cut the chicken into thin slices, which reduces cooking time and helps it absorb flavors better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- After stirring, let the chicken sit for a bit to sear, then stir again for even cooking.
- Keep it moving but don’t stir too often—this helps develop a nice crust.
Make sure you get that chicken cooked through, and you’ll achieve a stir fry that’s both tender and flavorful!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stir Fry:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 oz (225g) white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick meal you can whip up in around 25 minutes. Perfect when you’re short on time but still want something healthy and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by slicing the zucchinis into half-moons, cleaning and slicing the mushrooms, thinly slicing the chicken breast, and mincing the garlic and ginger. Don’t forget to slice the onion too! Having everything ready makes cooking so much easier.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until everything smells wonderful and fragrant!
4. Add Mushrooms & Zucchini:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook them for about 3 minutes, until they begin to soften. Next, stir in the zucchini slices and keep stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes, making sure they’re tender but still a bit crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir everything well so that all the ingredients are nicely coated in the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir quickly for about a minute until the sauce thickens up a little bit. This will give your stir fry a nice glossy finish!
7. Final Taste Adjustment:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce depending on your preference!
8. Serve Up & Enjoy:
Remove the stir fry from the heat and garnish it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you’d like. Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles and enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
This zucchini mushroom chicken stir fry is not only tasty but also a great way to get your veggies in! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender but still crisp!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this stir fry gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Additionally, ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it altogether. The dish will still be flavorful!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the sauce!
Can I Add More Protein?
Yes! You can easily include more protein such as shrimp, beef, or even tofu. Just be mindful of the cooking times; for instance, shrimp cook faster than chicken!
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need additional tips!
