This Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy meal packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and a savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious, flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. This stir-fry is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, making it a go-to recipe in your meal rotation!
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables for a versatile dish.
Ingredients for Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry
To make this delicious stir-fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board and knife
- Whisk or small bowl for sauce
- Spatula
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and set aside.
- Slice the zucchini into half-moons and cut the red bell pepper into strips if using.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini (and bell pepper, if using) and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Add Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- You can also enjoy it with rice noodles or quinoa for a lighter option.
Tips for the Best Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry
- Slice Evenly: Cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best when cooked quickly at high heat, so make sure your pan is hot before adding the ingredients.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to stay juicier.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this stir-fry.
Q3: How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?
A: Cook the zucchini for just a few minutes until it’s tender-crisp to avoid overcooking, which can make it soggy.
Conclusion: A Quick and Flavorful Meal!
This Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and a savory sauce, it’s a healthy and delicious meal that everyone will love. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creation with us!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 300
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy this tasty stir-fry for a wholesome meal that’s sure to satisfy!
