This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a tasty and quick meal that will brighten your dinner table! With juicy chicken pieces, fresh zucchini, and tender mushrooms, it’s a delight.
It’s a one-pan wonder that saves on cleanup too! I love to serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just chop, stir, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this stir fry. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works well too! For a low-carb option, you can use bell peppers or eggplant.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but if you’re not a fan, you can swap them with snap peas, broccoli, or even baby corn for a fun twist.
Sauces: Low-sodium soy sauce is healthier, but if you need a gluten-free option, tamari works too. The oyster sauce gives a savory depth, but you can use hoisin sauce as an alternative if needed.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Stir Fry Texture?
The key to a fantastic stir fry is cooking over medium-high heat to get that nice sizzle. Start by searing the chicken so it gets color. Remove it from the pan before adding the garlic, which cooks quickly.
- Use a large skillet or wok to give everything room to cook evenly.
- Always cook your vegetables starting from the hardest (like mushrooms) to softer ones (like zucchini) to ensure they all get just right.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this can make your food steam instead of fry. If needed, cook in batches.
This method makes sure your stir fry retains that delightful crunch and vibrant color!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need for Zucchini Mushroom Chicken
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prep, followed by 15 minutes of cooking time. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a fresh and vibrant meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Zucchini Mushroom Chicken recipe:
1. Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger until well combined. Set this tasty sauce aside for later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your chicken pieces. Stir-fry them for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant but not burned.
4. Add the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook them for about 4 minutes until they start to soften and brown.
5. Stir in the Zucchini:
Now, add the zucchini slices to the pan. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes, letting them become tender yet still crisp. You’re building a lovely mix of textures!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Give your prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the chicken and veggies.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and mix everything together. The sauce will begin to thicken within a minute, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
8. Final Touches:
Give everything a good toss to combine well and heat through one last time for about a minute.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and flavor!
10. Enjoy:
Serve your vibrant stir fry hot over steamed white rice or your favorite noodles. Enjoy your colorful, healthy, and flavorful Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry!
If you enjoy quick and flavorful chicken dinners, you might also love our creamy and satisfying Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, the bright and fresh Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, or the sweet and savory Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Each recipe is packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights.
FAQs about Zucchini Mushroom Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to fully thaw it first. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge, or for a quicker method, place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Make sure to pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture!
How Can I Make This Stir Fry Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based oyster sauce or omit it altogether. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, to enhance the dish!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm. Add a little splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out!
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the zucchini and mushrooms for your favorites. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots all work wonderfully. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
Conclusion
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a fast, colorful, and flavorful dish that makes healthy weeknight cooking simple. With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and earthy mushrooms, it’s a balanced recipe that comes together in minutes. If you’d like to try more chicken dinners with unique twists, explore the creamy and indulgent Easy Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken, the hearty Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing, or the nourishing Immunity-Boosting Turmeric Chicken Soup. Each one is simple to prepare and offers a different flavor profile to keep mealtime exciting.
