Looking for a quick, fresh, and flavorful dinner you can make in under 25 minutes? This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is the perfect solution. Loaded with tender chicken, crisp-tender zucchini, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a healthier takeout-style dish you can whip up on even the busiest weeknights. Light, colorful, and packed with protein and veggies, it’s a meal the whole family will love—without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in less than 25 minutes—perfect for busy nights
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Fresh, vibrant vegetables and lean protein
- Naturally healthy and easily made gluten-free
- Delicious served over rice, noodles, or on its own
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb, thinly sliced): Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Zucchini (2 medium, sliced into half-moons): Light, fresh, and perfect for stir-fries.
- Red bell pepper (optional, sliced): Adds color and natural sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic depth and essential flavor.
- Soy sauce or tamari (2 tbsp): The salty, savory backbone of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp, optional): Adds richness and umami.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): Provides a toasty, nutty finish.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp, for stir-frying): Helps everything cook evenly without burning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances flavor.
- Sesame seeds & green onions: A fresh, crunchy garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Prep the Ingredients
Slice the chicken and vegetables. Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil to create the stir fry sauce.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked—about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté the zucchini and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes, or until just tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine and Add Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss everything to coat well. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through and glossy.
Serve
Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or enjoy as-is for a lighter option.
Tips for Success
- Slice chicken and zucchini evenly for quick, even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the veggies—they should stay crisp-tender.
- For thicker sauce, simmer an extra minute, or add a cornstarch slurry (½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water).
- Want more flavor? Add fresh ginger to the garlic.
Equipment Needed
- Wok or large skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Stir Fry: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or sliced fresh chilies.
- Ginger Chicken Stir Fry: Add 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger to the garlic.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip honey and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
- Enjoy with lo mein, rice noodles, or quinoa.
- Pair with egg rolls or a crisp cucumber salad.
- Drizzle with extra sesame oil for added fragrance.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely—thighs stay juicy and work great in stir fry.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the veggies.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms.
Can I double the sauce?
Definitely. If you like extra sauce for rice or noodles, just double the sauce ingredients.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Use more soy sauce with a splash of hoisin or a bit of extra honey.
Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry with garlic, soy sauce, and optional vegetables, perfect over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, optional, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, optional
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Slice chicken and veggies. Mince garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, cook until golden and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook the veggies: Add remaining oil. Sauté zucchini and bell pepper until just tender, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Combine and sauce: Return chicken to pan. Pour in sauce and toss to coat. Cook 1–2 more minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or as-is.
Notes
- Use tamari for gluten-free option.
- Adjust sweetness with honey or brown sugar.
- Add more vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Conclusion
This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is the perfect balance of fresh, flavorful, and fast. With crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again. Customize it, spice it up, or keep it simple—no matter how you serve it, this stir fry is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy every delicious bite!