This colorful stir fry combines juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and mushrooms for a quick and tasty meal. It’s packed with flavors and can be ready in just 30 minutes!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up after a long day. Just toss the ingredients in a pan, and let the magic happen. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dish that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this stir fry, but if you’re looking for alternatives, try thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just cook them until they’re gently browned.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives great texture, but yellow squash or bell peppers can also work if you don’t have zucchini on hand. They add a lovely color and sweetness!
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are great, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor. No mushrooms? You can skip them entirely, or use another vegetable like broccoli.
Soy Sauce: This is key for flavor! If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a good substitute. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
How Do You Get Your Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting chicken just right can be tricky, but there’s a simple method. Slice the chicken into thin pieces for quicker cooking. Heat your skillet nicely before adding the chicken—this will give it a good sear!
- Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Watch for that nice golden color on the chicken, which usually takes 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan as soon as it’s cooked through to prevent it from drying out.
Following this will help keep the chicken tender and juicy, adding to the final stir fry’s deliciousness!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful stir fry can be made in about 30 minutes! That includes around 10 minutes for prep time (slicing and dicing) and about 20 minutes for cooking everything. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced chicken. Stir it around and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which will take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This will help keep it juicy!
2. Sautéing Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Now, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them together for about 30 seconds until you start smelling that delicious aroma. This is where the flavor begins!
3. Adding Mushrooms:
Next, add in the sliced mushrooms. Stir them around and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice they start to release moisture and turn a lovely golden brown.
4. Stir Frying Zucchini:
Now, it’s time to add the zucchini slices. Stir fry them for about another 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften a bit while still maintaining that nice crunch that makes this dish so refreshing!
5. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Now, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, giving everything a good stir to combine all those flavors.
6. Thickening the Sauce:
For a perfect sauce, add the cornstarch slurry you mixed earlier. Cook and constantly stir for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will help it cling to the chicken and veggies nicely!
7. Final Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the black pepper and red pepper flakes if you’re adding heat. Taste the stir fry and adjust any seasonings as needed. This is your creation, so make it just right!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once everything is well combined and truly scrumptious, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. It’s ready to serve!
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve this colorful stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Feel free to substitute zucchini and mushrooms with other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they’re tender-crisp.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, try tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Both will add a similar umami flavor to your stir fry!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to avoid overcooking the chicken and vegetables.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and ensure that your sauces are vegetarian-friendly. Just follow the same cooking steps for perfect results!
