This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a colorful dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and mushrooms in a tasty sauce. Quick to make, it’s perfect for a busy day!
You can have dinner on the table in no time, and it’s a great way to use up those veggies! I love serving it over rice for a filling meal. Trust me, it’s a win-win! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice crunch to the stir fry. If you can’t find it, yellow squash works well too! Both are similar in texture and taste.
Mushrooms: I recommend cremini for their richer flavor, but you can use button mushrooms or shiitake if you prefer. Just make sure they’re fresh for the best results.
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick cooking time. You can swap them for chicken thighs for more flavor or for a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh instead.
Oyster Sauce: This is optional, but it adds depth. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, use mushroom sauce or just skip it entirely. You’ll still have great flavor!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
The chicken can easily become dry if overcooked, so keep an eye on it! Here’s how to cook it perfectly:
- Slice the chicken thinly; this helps it cook faster and evenly.
- Heat the oil until it’s hot before adding the chicken. You should hear a sizzle!
- Stir-fry the chicken until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken as soon as it’s cooked to avoid overcooking while you stir-fry the veggies.
By following these tips, your chicken will be tender and juicy every time!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or white button)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you should have this delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the chicken thinly, and slice the zucchini and mushrooms into half-moons. Mince the garlic and slice the onion. Having everything ready will make cooking a breeze!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, black pepper, sugar, and chicken broth. Set this sauce aside because you’ll be using it soon.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and no longer pink, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the other tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until they smell great. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and zucchinis, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a nice crunch.
5. Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and stir to combine. If you like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry now and stir until the sauce thickens, which should only take about a minute.
6. Final Touches:
Taste the stir fry and add salt if needed. Feel free to adjust the flavors to your preference!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times so everything remains tender yet crisp.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari. Ensure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free, or omit it entirely!
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken? Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time depending on your protein choice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
