This lean and tasty stir fry features fresh zucchini, juicy mushrooms, and tender chicken, all tossed together in a light sauce. It’s quick, colorful, and packed with veggies!
You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. I love serving it over rice or noodles for an easy, hearty meal. Plus, no leftovers means it’s a hit! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this stir fry. You can easily swap in chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat or even use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives a nice crunch and lightness to the dish. If zucchini is hard to find, try using yellow squash or bell peppers as an alternative.
Mushrooms: I usually use cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but white button or shiitake mushrooms are great choices too. If you’re a mushroom lover, feel free to mix different kinds!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce keeps it healthier. Tamari is a gluten-free option, while coconut aminos is a great soy-free substitute that adds a hint of sweetness.
Oyster Sauce: It’s optional, but it gives a nice depth of flavor. For a vegetarian alternative, you can find mushroom-based sauces that mimic the taste without using seafood.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender?
Cooking chicken perfectly can sometimes be tricky! To keep it tender in this stir fry, the key is to not overcook it. Here’s how:
- Cut chicken into even, bite-size pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- When stir-frying, keep the heat high to quickly sear the chicken, which locks in juices.
- Cook just until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes, then set it aside while cooking veggies.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked, tender chicken in your stir fry every time!
Healthy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms (such as cremini or white button), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for stir-frying)
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry will take about 10-15 minutes for preparation and around 10 minutes for cooking, totaling about 25-30 minutes. It’s a quick and healthy meal option that’s perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Slice the zucchinis and mushrooms, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, and mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything ready makes cooking super easy!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive or avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, then stir-fry until they are cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them around for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant, being careful not to let them burn. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry everything for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still have a nice crunch.
4. Combine and Flavor:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and chicken broth. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well mixed and hot, transfer your stir-fry to a serving dish. Garnish it with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy your healthy, flavorful zucchini mushroom chicken stir fry! It’s a colorful dish that’s not just good for you, but also delicious! 🍽️
FAQ: Healthy Zucchini Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry
Can I Use Different Vegetables for This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, as some may take longer to cook.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a substitute for chicken, you can use tofu, shrimp, or beef, depending on your dietary preferences. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for shrimp or thinner cuts of meat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by chopping vegetables and marinating the chicken. Just keep everything stored separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, which will help keep the dish fresh!
