This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a colorful dish full of tasty bites! Tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and juicy mushrooms come together for a quick and healthy meal.
If you’re like me, you’ll love how quickly this stir fry comes together. A little sauce, a hot pan, and you’ve got dinner ready before you can say “yum”! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For the best texture, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works great too! Just shred it and add in at the end.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds crunch and color. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a perfect substitute as it has a similar texture and flavor.
Mushrooms: I love using button mushrooms for their mild taste, but cremini mushrooms add a deeper flavor. Feel free to swap for any mushrooms you like, or even leave them out if you’re not a fan!
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for flavor. If you’re gluten-free, go for tamari. Oyster sauce and hoisin give extra depth, but you can skip these if needed or replace them with a splash of extra soy sauce and a bit of sweetness from honey or maple syrup.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! Start with a hot pan to get a nice sear on the chicken. Here’s how:
- Cut the chicken into thin strips for quick cooking.
- Cook it in batches if your pan is small; overcrowding makes it steam instead of sear.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes, stirring often for even cooking.
Don’t forget to let it rest after cooking to keep it juicy!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick 25-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is slightly translucent—this adds a delicious flavor base!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry these for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. This is where the colorful veggies shine!
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, grated ginger, and red chili flakes if you’re using them. Toss everything together so the chicken and veggies are well coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
5. Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir fry and give it a final toss for extra flavor. Then, remove it from the heat. Garnish your stir fry with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that finishing touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry hot, along with steamed rice or noodles of your choice. Enjoy this hearty and nutritious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! This stir fry is versatile, so feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they don’t get overcooked!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free! For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check that any sauces you use (like oyster sauce) are labeled gluten-free to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a substitute for chicken, try tofu or shrimp! For tofu, use firm or extra-firm and press it to remove excess moisture for the best texture. Cook it the same way you would the chicken. For shrimp, just add them in once the vegetables are nearly done cooking, as they cook much faster.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet or the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep the stir fry moist while reheating.
