This Quick Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a tasty dish packed with colorful veggies and tender chicken. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights!
The mix of zucchini and mushrooms adds a nice crunch, and the chicken brings everything together. I love how I can whip this up in just 20 minutes, leaving time for a snack later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star of this dish. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. They both provide a nice crunch and absorb flavors well.
Mushrooms: I recommend using button or cremini mushrooms for their mild flavor. If you want something more earthy, try shiitake mushrooms. Just chop them similarly for even cooking.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this stir-fry, but you could substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for umami. If you need gluten-free options, replace it with tamari. For the oyster sauce, you can use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce if you’re avoiding seafood.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked in a Stir Fry?
Cooking chicken evenly is key to a satisfying stir-fry. Here are my best tips:
- Slice the chicken thinly to ensure quick cooking and greater surface area for flavor.
- Heat your skillet or wok well before adding the oil and chicken. A hot pan gives a better sear, adding flavor.
- Cook the chicken in batches if necessary; overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
Following these steps will ensure your chicken is juicy and perfectly cooked in no time!
Quick Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for sauce thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking, totaling approximately 20 minutes. It’s a quick meal that’s ideal for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken to the pan. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same pan, add in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Next, toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Stir-fry these for about 1 minute, or until they become fragrant. This will build a nice flavor base for your stir fry!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook them until they are tender and browned, around 4 minutes. After that, add the zucchini slices. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften but still maintains a slight crunch.
4. Combine and Season:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Then, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and red chili flakes if you like some heat. If you are using the cornstarch slurry for thickening, add it now and stir well to slightly thicken the sauce.
5. Final Touches:
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and then remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious stir fry with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
6. Serve:
Serve your Quick Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your healthy meal!
Happy cooking! 😋
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! You can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time depending on how quickly they cook. For example, slice carrots thinly to cook them faster!
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can omit the oyster sauce or substitute it with a vegan stir-fry sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor. Soy sauce alone will still provide great taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve the texture of the vegetables and chicken.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken, you can add it at the end of the cooking process with the vegetables. Just heat through until everything is warmed and well combined.
