Name: Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry – A Quick & Flavorful Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons; 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor); ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh grated ginger for a kick); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds; Green onions, chopped; Red pepper flakes (if you like heat)

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If you’re looking for a healthy, quick, and delicious dinner, this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is your answer! Packed with lean chicken breast, fresh zucchini, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight meal. The balance of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a flavorful sauce is exactly what you need when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.

Whether you’re trying to eat a little healthier or just need a fast, easy dinner, this stir-fry is a winner. Ready to make a meal everyone will love? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
Healthy – Packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables.
Versatile – You can mix and match with other veggies or protein if you prefer.
Full of Flavor – With a tangy stir-fry sauce that brings everything together.

Ingredients

(Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!)

For the Stir Fry

Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Zucchini – Thinly sliced or cut into half-moons.
Carrot – Thinly sliced or julienned for extra crunch.
Bell pepper – Sliced into strips for color and sweetness.
Green onions – Chopped, for garnish.
Olive oil – For stir-frying.

For the Stir Fry Sauce

Soy sauce – For saltiness and umami.
Honey – For a touch of sweetness.
Garlic – Minced, for flavor.
Ginger – Fresh or ground, for a bit of warmth and spice.
Rice vinegar – For acidity and balance.
Sesame oil – Adds a hint of nuttiness.
Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a little cornstarch. Set aside to thicken as you prepare the chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the zucchini, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, until the veggies are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over everything and toss to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy this vibrant, healthy dish!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Use fresh ginger – Fresh ginger adds a deeper, more aromatic flavor than ground.
Customize the veggies – Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli to make this dish your own.
Add a kick – If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Marinate the chicken – For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Swap the protein – Chicken is great, but you can use tofu, shrimp, or even beef for a different twist.
Gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Low-carb – Serve this stir-fry with cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether for a low-carb version.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Steamed Rice – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful stir-fry sauce.
Noodles – Add a bit more substance with your favorite noodles like soba or udon.
Side Salad – A light Asian-style salad with sesame dressing makes a great pairing.
Crispy Wontons – Serve alongside some crispy wontons or spring rolls for extra crunch.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the stir-fry (without rice) for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen veggies?
Yes, frozen veggies work great in stir-fries. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the pan.

2. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can mix in a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the stir-fry ahead of time. Just store the chicken and veggies in the fridge and toss them in the sauce when you’re ready to eat.

4. Can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add hoisin sauce, a splash of fish sauce, or a little brown sugar for extra depth.

In Conclusion

This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is the perfect combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce, all in one delicious, quick, and healthy dish. It’s sure to become a go-to meal in your weeknight rotation.

What’s your favorite stir fry combo? Let me know your go-to veggies and proteins!