Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are perfect for this stir fry. If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash or even bell peppers will work nicely.

Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but you can swap them for white button mushrooms, shiitake, or even some fresh spinach for a different twist.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to, but you can use thigh pieces for a richer taste. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh instead!

Oyster Sauce: If you want to keep things vegetarian, you can skip this or use a mushroom-based stir fry sauce. It adds depth but isn’t necessary!

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you’re not a fan of heat, you can leave these out or replace them with a pinch of black pepper for a milder flavor.

What’s the Best Way to Stir Fry Without Overcooking Your Chicken and Veggies?

Stir frying is all about speed and high heat! Here’s how to make sure everything stays tender and delicious:

• Prep all ingredients first so everything is ready to go at once. This avoids overcooking while waiting for something to chop!
• Heat the oil until it shimmers; this shows it’s hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken.
• Cook the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure it browns nicely.
• When you add vegetables, stir them quickly to keep them crisp. You want them tender but not mushy.
• Finally, don’t skip the sauce! Adding it at the end allows the flavors to coat the chicken and veggies without losing texture.

Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
• 8 oz (about 225g) mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe only takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-12 minutes of cooking time. So, in around 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade stir fry! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

Start by slicing your zucchinis and mushrooms, and chop the chicken into bite-sized strips. Don’t forget to mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions for garnish!

2. Mix the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, brown sugar (or honey), and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken strips to the pan, lightly seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir fry for about 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics:

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.

5. Add Vegetables:

Now, toss in the sliced mushrooms and zucchini! Stir fry these veggies for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re tender yet still slightly crisp. You want that perfect bite!

6. Combine and Heat Through:

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to combine evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through and blend the flavors.

7. Taste and Adjust:

Give your stir fry a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or soy sauce according to your personal preference.

8. Garnish and Serve!

Remove the stir fry from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot over your choice of cooked rice or noodles for a delicious, fulfilling meal!

Enjoy your flavorful and healthy zucchini mushroom chicken stir fry! It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots can be delicious substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time based on how firm each vegetable is!

What Can I Substitute for Chicken?

If you want to keep this dish vegetarian or reduce the chicken, try using tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or beef strips instead. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly for different proteins!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or water to maintain moisture while reheating.

Can I Make This Stir Fry Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, it will only take you about 10-15 minutes to sauté everything together.