This Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry is a colorful mix of fresh veggies and tender chicken. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how everything cooks in one pan—less mess and more time to enjoy! If you’re like me, you might sprinkle on some extra soy sauce for a tasty kick. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This veggie adds a lovely texture and absorbs flavors well. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a great substitute. Both have similar textures and cooking times!
Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are my go-to, but you can switch to shiitake or portobello for a richer taste. Just remember to chop them to a similar size for even cooking.
Chicken: I prefer chicken breast for its lean quality, but chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness. Feel free to use whatever chicken you have on hand!
Oyster Sauce: If you’re avoiding shellfish, try using hoisin sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor or a simple mix of soy sauce and brown sugar as a substitute.
Vegetable Oil: While I often use olive oil, any light oil works here. Canola or sesame oil are great alternatives depending on your taste preference.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken just right is key for a delicious stir fry. Here’s how to ensure it’s cooked perfectly:
- Slice the chicken thinly to help it cook faster and evenly.
- Heat the pan well before adding oil, then add the chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if you need to, which helps it brown nicely.
- Cook until no longer pink and the juices run clear—about 4-5 minutes should do it.
These simple steps will guarantee tender, juicy chicken in your stir fry!
Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 25 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
Start by slicing your zucchini, mushrooms, chicken, onion, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready and chopped makes the cooking process smooth and fast!
2. Start Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are translucent, bringing out their sweetness.
4. Add the Mushrooms:
Now, toss the sliced mushrooms into the pan. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften, adding a nice earthy flavor to your dish.
5. Toss in the Zucchini:
After the mushrooms have softened, add the zucchini slices to the mix. Keep stirring everything for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender yet still a bit crisp. This bright green veggie will add color and texture!
6. Batch It Up!
Return the cooked chicken back to the pan and mix everything together, ensuring you’re blending those delicious flavors.
7. Flavor It Up:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly with those tasty sauces.
8. Create a Light Sauce:
Add the water or chicken broth to the pan and stir-fry everything for another 1-2 minutes. This will create a light sauce to bring the dish together.
9. Final Touches:
Adjust the flavor with a little salt and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Taste it and see if it needs anything more!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve your delicious stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! This stir fry is very versatile. You can add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the veggies you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a different protein, try shrimp or tofu. Both options work great in stir fries. Just make sure to cook shrimp until pink and opaque, while tofu should be pan-fried until golden for the best texture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stir fry components ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, stir-fry everything together and it will taste just as good!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or stir-fry again on the stove. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors!
