This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish, packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy!
The mix of zucchini and mushrooms adds a nice pop of flavor and color! I love whipping this up in just 30 minutes and serving it over rice for a filling meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: I love using medium zucchinis here as they add a lovely texture. If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute with yellow squash or even bell peppers for a different flavor.
Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are readily available and add great taste. Cremini mushrooms are a bit earthier. If mushrooms aren’t your thing or you can’t find them, try adding broccoli or snap peas instead.
Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken breasts are perfect for quick cooking. If you’re looking for alternatives, shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu make great options, keeping it quick and easy no matter your choice.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor but is optional. For a vegetarian substitute, you can use mushroom sauce or just increase your soy sauce. If you want a sweeter touch, consider using hoisin sauce.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
For juicy chicken in your stir fry, there are a couple of key steps:
- Slice the chicken thinly and uniformly. This helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook chicken in batches if needed to allow for even browning.
- Remove the chicken from the pan once it’s cooked through. This prevents overcooking, which can make it dry.
Following these tips will help ensure your chicken remains tender and delicious in every bite!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnishing:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal that can be ready in around 25-30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by slicing your zucchinis into half-moons, mushrooms into thick slices, and chicken breasts into thin strips. This preparation will help everything cook evenly and quickly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed and set aside. This sauce is going to really bring flavor to your stir fry!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
5. Add the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes. They should become soft and start to turn golden brown. This enhances their flavor and gives the dish a great texture!
6. Stir-Fry the Zucchini:
Next, add the zucchini slices and continue to stir-fry for another 3 minutes. You want them to be tender yet still maintain some crunch, so don’t overcook!
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour your pre-mixed sauce over everything and toss all the ingredients together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
8. Final Touches:
Taste your stir fry and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired. Once it’s perfect, remove from heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your stir fry with sliced green onions. Serve it hot over your favorite cooked rice or noodles, and get ready to enjoy this quick, delicious meal!
Bon Appétit!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchini and mushrooms are tasty, feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust cooking times as needed; harder vegetables may require a bit longer to cook.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes! This stir fry stores well. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! Oyster sauce adds depth and savoriness, but it’s completely optional. You can increase the soy sauce for more flavor or substitute with hoisin sauce for a different taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this stir fry gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that any optional sauces like oyster sauce are gluten-free as well.
