Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot pan transports me right back to my cozy kitchen, where quick and healthy meals reign supreme. One of my go-to recipes is this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry, packed with vibrant colors and satisfying textures. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that’s not only low in carbs but also gluten-free, making it perfect for those of us with dietary preferences. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so whether you’re in the mood for chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu, it allows for culinary creativity without compromising on taste. Plus, the fresh zucchini offers a lightness that complements the savory garlic-soy sauce beautifully. Are you ready to get cooking and impress your taste buds? Why is This Stir Fry a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can have this delicious meal on the table, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Customizable Options: Choose your protein—chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu—to suit your cravings, and swap in other veggies to keep things fresh. Healthy and Guilt-Free: With its low-carb and gluten-free profile, this stir fry is a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor, unlike fast food. Flavor Explosion: The savory garlic-soy sauce mingles beautifully with tender chicken and crisp zucchini, ensuring every bite is a taste sensation. Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing friends; everyone will love its enticing aroma and bright colors! For more quick and tasty options, check out my Cheesy Garlic Chicken or Garlic Chicken Thighs. Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Ingredients • Get ready to create a quick, healthy meal! For the Stir Fry Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (or Thighs) – Essential for a protein-packed dish; you can substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavors. Zucchini – Adds moisture and a mild flavor; be sure to slice into half-moons for even cooking. Red Bell Pepper (optional) – Introduces sweetness and vibrant color; feel free to add other veggies like carrots or snap peas for variety. Garlic – Enhances depth of flavor; mince it to maximize its aromatic qualities. For the Sauces Soy Sauce (or Tamari) – Delivers umami and saltiness; swap with tamari for a gluten-free version. Oyster Sauce (optional) – Provides richness; if you don’t have it, increase soy sauce or use hoisin instead. Honey (or Brown Sugar) – Balances flavors with sweetness; substitute maple syrup for a vegan option. Sesame Oil – Adds authentic flavor and aroma; use sparingly, as it can be overwhelming. Vegetable Oil – Great for stir-frying due to its high smoke point; sesame oil can also be used for extra flavor. For Seasoning and Garnish Salt and Pepper – Key for enhancing overall taste. Sesame Seeds and Green Onions – These make for the perfect garnish, adding an appealing crunch and fresh touch. Now you’re all set with these vibrant ingredients to whip up a delicious Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry that’s both quick and fulfilling! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Step 1: Prep Ingredients Begin by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breast into thin strips and your zucchini into half-moons for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release its full flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil, creating a harmonious sauce that will elevate your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry. Step 2: Cook Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken to the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd for the best sear. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for about 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Step 3: Cook Vegetables In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and increase the heat if necessary. Add the zucchini and optional red bell pepper, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Then, toss in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, as this step builds the flavor profile of your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry. Step 4: Combine and Sauce Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture you’ve prepared earlier, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring that every bite of your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is bursting with flavor. Step 5: Serve Remove from heat and garnish your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra crunch and freshness. Serve it hot over jasmine rice, brown rice, or enjoy it on its own for a delightful low-carb meal. Storage Tips for Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This ensures your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry remains fresh and delicious, ready for easy reheating. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions without zucchini for up to 2 months to maintain quality. Just remember to place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Airtight Containers: Always use airtight containers to prevent moisture and maintain the flavors of your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry. What to Serve with Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Elevate your dining experience by pairing this delicious stir fry with complementary sides that enhance its vibrant flavors and textures. Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the savory sauce beautifully, creating a comforting base for your dish. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that adds a light, fresh element to the dish while keeping it health-conscious and gluten-free. Steamed Broccoli: Adds a delightful crunch and a bright green color that not only looks great but provides extra nutrients. Garlic Noodles: These rich, flavor-packed noodles complement the stir-fry, balancing the lighter zucchini with a hearty bite. Crispy Spring Rolls: Their crunch and savory filling provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and zucchini, perfect for an appetizer. Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and tangy, this salad brightens up the meal with its crispness and cool flavors, making for a perfect palate cleanser. Chilled Sake: A glass of chilled sake pairs beautifully with the umami flavors of the stir fry, enhancing the overall dining experience. These pairing options will surely please your palate and bring out the best in your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry! Expert Tips for Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Perfectly Slice Chicken: Thin slices cook faster and more evenly, so be sure not to overcrowd the pan to achieve that beautiful sear. Crisp Zucchini: Aim for a slight crispness by not overcooking the zucchini; it should retain some crunch for a delightful texture. Double the Sauce: If you love a saucier dish, consider doubling the sauce ingredients, especially if you’re serving over rice or noodles. Hot Pan Essential: Ensure your pan is sizzling hot before adding chicken; this seals in the juices and creates that sought-after stir-fry flavor. Frozen Options: You can use frozen chicken and zucchini; just remember to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your stir fry. Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Variations Feel free to play around with this recipe and personalize it to your taste buds! Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a delightful heat that warms the heart. Veggie Boost: Incorporate mushrooms or snap peas for extra nutrition and texture, expanding that delightful flavor profile. Protein Swap: Exchange chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu. Each protein delivers a unique flavor twist that makes every bite exciting. Saucy Delight: If you love a saucier dish, double the sauce ingredients. It’s perfect to serve over rice or noodles, ensuring every morsel is drenched in flavor. Crunch Factor: Toss in water chestnuts or bel peppers for added crunch and a pop of color, enhancing both the texture and aesthetics of your stir fry. Herbal Freshness: Sprinkle in some fresh basil or cilantro just before serving to introduce a fragrant herbaceous note that invigorates the dish. Citrus Zest: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end for a refreshing zing that brightens the entire flavor experience. Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish completely gluten-free while still enjoying that savory depth of flavor. For more exciting options, don’t miss out on trying my flavorful Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken for a tropical twist, or the hearty BBQ Chicken Mac for a comforting favorite! Make Ahead Options These Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry ingredients are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal fuss on busy nights! You can slice the chicken and zucchini, mince the garlic, and whisk together the soy sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store these components in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to serve, heat oil in a pan and cook the marinated chicken until golden, then add the vegetables and follow the cooking instructions as usual. With these make-ahead tips, you can savor a quick, satisfying meal that tastes just as fresh! Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe FAQs What type of zucchini is best for this stir fry? Absolutely! Choose firm, glossy zucchini without any dark spots or blemishes for the best flavor and texture. You can also opt for yellow zucchini for a colorful twist if you like. How do I store leftovers of Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps your stir fry fresh and ready to heat up again! When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for the best results, or simply pop it in the microwave until warmed through. Can I freeze Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry? Yes, you can freeze it, but it’s best to omit the zucchini before freezing to maintain quality. Portion the stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers after cooling completely, and it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet. What if my stir fry is too watery? No worries! If your stir fry turns out watery, it’s often due to overcooked vegetables. To fix it, simply remove some of the liquid by draining off excess moisture carefully. Then, return the mixture to the stovetop and allow it to cook on high heat for another minute or two until the sauce thickens. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the pan and cook until it thickens. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Very! Just substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free as well, or omit it entirely. This way, you can enjoy a delicious Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry without gluten concerns. What vegetables can I substitute in this stir fry? For sure! If you’d like to switch things up, you can use a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or carrots work wonderfully in this dish. Just chop them into similar sizes for even cooking, and sauté them as you would the zucchini for a delightful mix of flavors. Flavor-Packed Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Ready in 30 Minutes This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick and healthy meal that's low in carbs and gluten-free, perfect for any dietary preference. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AsianCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stir Fry1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or thighs2 medium Zucchini sliced into half-moons1 medium Red Bell Pepper optional3 cloves Garlic mincedFor the Sauces3 tablespoons Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce optional1 tablespoon Honey or brown sugar1 teaspoon Sesame Oil use sparingly2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil for stir-fryingFor Seasoning and Garnishto taste Saltto taste Pepper1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds for garnish2 tablespoons Green Onions chopped, for garnish Equipment SkilletKnifeCutting boardMeasuring spoonsWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsSlice the chicken breast into thin strips and zucchini into half-moons. Mince the garlic. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté zucchini and optional red bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce mixture, and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through and thicken the sauce.Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or enjoy on its own. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesThis dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for different proteins or veggies as desired. Perfect for impressing family and friends with its vibrant colors and flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
