This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a quick meal that’s both tasty and colorful! With fresh zucchini, juicy mushrooms, and tender chicken, it’s a winning combo.
You can whip this up in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights! I love adding a dash of soy sauce to give it that extra zing. It’s a dish my whole family enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a lovely texture and mild flavor. If zucchinis are not in season, you can use yellow squash or even bell peppers as a substitute. I prefer young, small zucchinis for tenderness.
Mushrooms: Button mushrooms work great, but cremini or shiitake mushrooms can add a deeper flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them altogether or replace them with broccoli florets or snap peas.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Both will still give you a satisfying texture.
Oils: I use vegetable oil for a neutral taste, but olive oil or even sesame oil will add a nice flavor. For a richer taste, you can even try avocado oil.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for this stir fry, but you can use tamari for a gluten-free version. Oyster sauce adds a depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you want to keep it simple or use mushroom sauce as a vegan alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Stir-Fry Without Burning Your Ingredients?
Stir-frying requires quick cooking, so it’s crucial to have everything prepped beforehand. Cut all your vegetables and chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and quicker stir-frying.
- Heat your skillet or wok before adding oil to get it nice and hot.
- Always add protein first and remove it when cooked. This prevents it from overcooking.
- Stir-fry ingredients in batches if you’re making a large amount. This keeps everything from steaming and helps get that perfect sear.
- Keep the heat high and stir continuously for even cooking.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious stir fry every time without burning anything! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 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 olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s super quick and perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner! Get your ingredients ready, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken breast. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Then add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is slightly softened. This will add a wonderful aroma to your stir fry!
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they release their moisture and start to brown. They should become tender and flavorful.
4. Add the Zucchini:
Next, add the zucchini slices to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp. You want them to remain bright green and not too soft!
5. Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Now, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together to combine well, and heat through for about 2 minutes. Everything should be well-coated with the sauce!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up those tasty flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Make sure to cut all vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly!
Is There a Good Substitute for Chicken?
Yes! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian or lighter option. If using tofu, make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before cooking, and consider marinating it for extra flavor.
Can I Make This Stir Fry Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients in advance! However, it’s best to stir-fry just before serving for the freshest taste and texture. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 2-3 days.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter meal. For added crunch, consider topping with chopped nuts or seeds!
