This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish! It features tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and savory mushrooms—all tossed together in a light sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This vegetable brings a mild flavor and nice texture. You can replace zucchini with bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas if you’re in the mood for something different.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add a rich taste. I like using cremini or shiitake for their depth. If you don’t have mushrooms on hand, try cooked eggplant or omit them altogether for a lighter dish.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, but you can swap for thighs for a juicier option. Tofu or tempeh works great for a vegetarian version!
Soy Sauce: This is essential for flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari. For a lower-sodium choice, try reduced-sodium soy sauce.
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right in Stir Fry?
Cooking chicken in stir fry requires some attention to avoid dryness. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Cut the chicken into thin strips for quick cooking.
- Make sure your pan is hot enough; this helps in browning the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Stir-fry until just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
Following these tips will yield tender, flavorful chicken every time!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty stir fry takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by slicing the zucchinis into half-moons, mushrooms into slices, and thinly slicing the chicken breasts. Having everything ready makes cooking much easier!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and the cornstarch mixed with water. Give it a good stir and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips. Season with a little salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until it’s cooked through and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
5. Add the Mushrooms:
Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.
6. Add the Zucchini:
Next, toss in the sliced zucchini and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender, but still have a bit of crunch.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Season and Garnish:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like!
9. Serve It Up:
Enjoy this stir fry hot on its own, or serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your fresh, healthy, and flavorful Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen vegetables can be a great alternative. Just add them directly to the pan without thawing, but remember to cook them a little longer until they’re heated through and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or lighter option, you can use tofu or tempeh instead. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and sauté until golden. You can also use shrimp or beef for a different protein twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help revive the sauce!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize this stir fry by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just be sure to cut them to a similar size so that they cook evenly!
