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Simple Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
The recipe I’m sharing is a simple yet delightful chicken zucchini stir fry that has become one of my go-to weeknight meals. The combination of tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and savory flavors creates a delicious dish that is quick enough for a busy evening yet flavorful enough to impress guests. It’s all about fresh ingredients and a couple of key steps that transform them into a satisfying meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love Making It
This chicken zucchini stir fry stands out for several reasons. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when you crave something healthy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The dish is also budget-friendly, utilizing just a handful of wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Plus, it’s so versatile that even picky eaters will find it palatable.
"Tried this stir fry for dinner last night, and it was a huge hit! The chicken was juicy, and the zucchini had just the right amount of crunch. I’ll definitely be making it again!" — Amanda K.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Before diving into the actual cooking, let me give you a brief overview of what to expect. This recipe combines stovetop sautéing with bright, fresh ingredients. You’ll be sautéing garlic and ginger to build a flavorful base, cooking chicken until golden brown, and tossing everything with zucchini and soy sauce for a quick finish. It’s simple, satisfying, and comes together in about 20 minutes.
Gather Your Ingredients
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
You can easily swap the zucchini with bell peppers or broccoli for a twist. Additionally, if you’re out of soy sauce, a drizzle of tamari or coconut aminos can work in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced chicken to the pan and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the zucchini and soy sauce, stirring everything together. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the zucchini is tender yet still crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over your choice of cooked rice or noodles.
Tips for Serving
For a beautifully plated dish, serve your chicken zucchini stir fry on a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. Drizzle with a bit of extra soy sauce or garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and a pop of color. To elevate the meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or steamed buns on the side.
Best Way to Store Simple Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you’re planning to enjoy it later, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Just remember to cool it completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags.
Pro Chef Tips
- For the juiciest chicken, try marinating the slices in soy sauce for about 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary.
- If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha in the last minutes of cooking.
Creative Twists
Feel free to put your spin on this recipe! Try adding chopped bell peppers, snap peas, or even sliced carrots for extra color and flavors. You can also make it a one-pan meal by tossing in cooked quinoa or whole grain noodles along with the veggies. For a creamy version, consider adding a splash of coconut milk in the last few minutes of cooking.
Your Questions Answered
How long does this dish take to prepare?
This simple chicken zucchini stir fry takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you’re all set.
Can I use other vegetables in place of zucchini?
Certainly! This recipe is highly versatile; bell peppers, broccoli, or even mushrooms can all be excellent substitutes.
Enjoy this delightful dish that brings flavors together in a quick and easy stir fry. Whether you make it for your family or a casual get-together, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Simple Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free soy sauce)
Description
A quick and delightful chicken zucchini stir fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced chicken to the pan and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the zucchini and soy sauce, stirring everything together. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the zucchini is tender yet still crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over your choice of cooked rice or noodles.
Notes
For a twist, swap zucchini with bell peppers or broccoli. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken stir fry, quick dinner, zucchini recipe, healthy meal
