Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

A sizzle of garlic and a splash of soy sauce fill the kitchen as you prepare a warm and colorful Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry. This quick and flavorful dish takes just about 30 minutes to make and relies on simple techniques to create a satisfying meal. It’s a perfect way to combine protein and fresh veggies for a delicious weeknight dinner.

This recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone seeking a hearty meal without the fuss. It’s perfect for weeknights, and you can easily prep the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Enjoy tender chicken thighs that soak up all the savory flavors.
• Sautéed zucchini adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
• It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• This dish is versatile and pairs well with rice or noodles.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a tasty meal.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon rice apple vinegar (optional)

For the Stir Fry

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• Ground black pepper (optional)

Note: Use regular soy sauce if light is not available.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breast.
• Replace rice apple vinegar with white vinegar.
• Use vegetable oil instead of cooking oil.
• Honey works well instead of sugar.

How to Make It

This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is simple to prepare.

1. Marinate

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), and rice apple vinegar for at least 30 minutes.

2. Sauté

Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sauté smashed garlic until fragrant, then add marinated chicken and cook for about 2 minutes.

3. Stir-Fry Zucchini

Remove chicken from pan; add sliced zucchini and stir-fry for 5 minutes until tender.

4. Combine

Combine chicken with zucchini, add oyster sauce and pepper if desired, stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.

5. Serve

Serve hot over rice or noodles.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
• Let the garlic sauté briefly to avoid burning.
• Adjust the cooking time for zucchini based on your texture preference.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots as desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Pair with a side of spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.
• Enjoy with a light cucumber salad for added freshness.