This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is fast and tasty! With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and savory mushrooms, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy nights.
I love how colorful this dish looks on my plate! Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Throw in your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s both simple and super yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this dish because it cooks quickly and stays tender. If you need a substitution, try using chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch! If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. They have a similar texture and flavor.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their deeper flavor. If you want a milder taste, button mushrooms are great. For a fun twist, try shiitake mushrooms or even some chopped bell peppers.
Vegetable oil: I often use sesame oil for extra flavor, but any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed works too. Olive oil is another choice, but it has a stronger taste.
Sauce ingredients: If you’re avoiding soy sauce, tamari is a great gluten-free option. You can leave out the oyster sauce or replace it with more soy sauce. Honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave if needed.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
Cooking chicken can be tricky; you want it well-cooked but not dry. Here are my tips to keep it juicy:
- Cut the chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking, which helps it brown nicely.
- Cook it in batches if your pan is crowded; this prevents steaming and keeps it tender.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Generally, 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat works well, so adjust if your pieces are bigger or smaller.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Vegetables Without Losing Crispness?
To keep vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms crisp in the stir fry, follow these steps:
- Cook them over high heat for a short time. This helps them brown while keeping their crunch.
- Add them after the garlic and ginger to prevent burning.
- Only stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes until just tender. They should still be vibrant in color!
By using these tips and ingredients, you’ll have a delicious stir fry that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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 (white or cremini mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, can be replaced with extra soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken sauce)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed
This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry will take about 10 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to cook, making the total time around 20-25 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal, giving you a delicious dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel; this helps them brown nicely when cooked.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, honey, and the cornstarch mixed with water. This sauce will add lots of flavor to the stir fry. Set it aside for later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Stir-fry until they are golden brown and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they smell fragrant. This adds a lovely aroma to your stir fry!
5. Add the Vegetables:
Now add the sliced mushrooms and zucchinis to the pan. Stir-fry these veggies for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still a bit crisp. We want to keep that freshness in them!
6. Combine with Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are coated in that delicious sauce.
7. Final Cooking:
Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit and nicely coats the chicken and vegetables.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the stir fry from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry hot over steamed rice or noodles if you’d like. Enjoy your colorful, healthy meal that’s ready in a flash!
Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste! Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If using shrimp, cook it for 2-3 minutes until pink. For beef, choose thinly sliced flank steak, and cook it until browned. Tofu should be pressed and diced before sautéing.
How Can I Make This Stir Fry Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers along with the garlic for extra spice!
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can easily customize this stir fry! Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make excellent additions. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or additional sauce if it seems dry.
Feel free to ask any more questions if needed! Happy cooking!
