If you’re craving a quick, colorful weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes for flavor, health, and sheer satisfaction, my Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is about to become your new best friend. Bursting with tender chicken pieces, crisp zucchini, and vibrant bell pepper all kissed with a savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired sauce, this dish perfectly balances freshness and umami while coming together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just keeping things deliciously simple for yourself, Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry delivers big, bold taste in every bite, and is guaranteed to find a permanent spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready for the best part? This dish leans on just a handful of everyday staples, each adding a purposeful layer of flavor, texture, or that irresistible pop of color. Don’t overlook the small details—every ingredient on this list truly matters!
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast offers a lean protein that quickly becomes tender and juicy when stir-fried.
- Soy sauce: Divided for marinade and sauce, soy sauce brings deep umami and a touch of saltiness. Use low-sodium if you prefer.
- Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken to protect it from overcooking and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Provides the high-heat cooking power perfect for stir-frying; don’t substitute with olive oil here.
- Zucchini: Sliced into perfect half-moons, zucchini stays tender-crisp and soaks up all the flavors.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a splash of cheerful color.
- Green onions: Sliced for a mild, almost sweet oniony aroma and pretty garnish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic releases a delightful pungency that builds up the dish’s aroma.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger gives a zesty kick and classic stir-fry warmth.
- Chicken broth: Used to create a base for the savory sauce, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- Oyster sauce: This brings a complex depth and glossy finish to the final stir fry.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy note that pairs so well with the vegetables.
- Sesame oil: A few drops at the end add irresistible nuttiness and fragrance.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential finishing touches to balance and round out the flavors.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a subtle crunch and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This simple marinade doesn’t just flavor the meat; it also locks in moisture and results in silky, tender chicken once cooked. Give everything a good stir until the chicken is evenly coated and set aside for a few minutes while you get the other ingredients ready.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat, pour in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add your marinated chicken and let it sizzle, stirring often for about 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces turn golden on the edges and are *just* cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—you’ll return it for its grand finale in just a bit!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the still-hot skillet. Toss in your zucchini and red bell pepper. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, enough to bring out their vivid colors and keep them tender but slightly crisp. This quick-cook technique ensures the veggies stay vibrant and don’t lose their snap.
Step 4: Boost Flavor with Aromatics
Just as your kitchen starts to smell amazing, add the green onions, garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cook for about a minute, stirring frequently—you’ll notice an instant transformation as everything becomes ultra aromatic and flavorful.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting all those lovely juices join the party. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and a teaspoon of sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about 1 to 2 minutes, taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed, and watch the gorgeous glossy finish emerge.
Step 6: Final Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and give the pan a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry hot, straight from the pan, or enjoy over freshly steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s every bit as satisfying as takeout (but even better because it’s homemade!).
How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Garnishes
The right garnish can turn your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry into a restaurant-worthy creation. A handful of toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the top brings subtle crunch, while thinly sliced green onions add a refreshingly mild bite and extra pop of green. For a little extra flair, add a drizzle of chili oil or scatter a few finely sliced fresh chili rings for those who like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with classic steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. For a low-carb twist, serve it over cauliflower rice or a bed of stir-fried Asian greens like bok choy or snap peas. If you’re craving noodles, toss it with rice noodles or soba for a seriously comforting bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to think outside the bowl! Stuff your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry into crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy appetizer or lunch. Spoon leftovers into bento boxes for a lunch that truly excites, or wrap it up in warm tortillas for Asian-inspired fajitas—kids and adults alike will love this playful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next-day lunch truly delicious!
Freezing
If you want to freeze this stir fry, you’re in luck! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that zucchini may soften further after thawing, but the flavor stays fantastic.
Reheating
To keep the texture just right, reheat Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. For grab-and-go meals, the microwave works too—just reheat in short bursts and stir in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and richer, making them an excellent swap here. Just trim any excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces, then follow the recipe exactly as written.
Is Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free hoisin sauce, this recipe is completely gluten-free and safe for anyone avoiding wheat products.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
This dish is super flexible! Try adding snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets. You can also swap zucchini for yellow squash, depending on what’s freshest or what you have on hand.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You’ll still get all the beautiful flavors and texture!
How do I make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry spicier?
For a spicy twist, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a diced fresh chili pepper to the stir fry sauce before tossing with the chicken and vegetables. You can also serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough good things about Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry—it’s everything a great homemade dinner should be: speedy, colorful, and so flavorful you’ll want to lick your plate clean. Give this easy recipe a try and I promise, dinner will feel like a celebration any night of the week!
Print
Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Cook in oil until golden. Set aside.
- Stir Fry: Cook zucchini, bell pepper, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken back. Mix broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil. Pour over, cook until thickened.
- Finish: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce.
- You can also swap zucchini for yellow squash or add mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
