Description
Quick & Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a vibrant and healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender strips of chicken breast stir-fried with fresh zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli, this recipe is packed with flavor from garlic, ginger, and a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in just 22 minutes, it makes a wholesome meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips and prepare the vegetables by slicing zucchinis into half-moons, slicing the bell pepper, and separating broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic and fresh ginger to be used for flavoring.
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for stir-frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the hot skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and continue stir-frying for about 30 seconds, allowing the fragrant aromas to release and infuse the chicken.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and brightly colored.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch if using. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet, stirring well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to stir-fry everything together for an additional minute until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Plate the stir fry and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe can be easily made gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari.
- For a nutty fragrance, use sesame oil instead of olive oil.
- Adding cornstarch to the sauce is optional but helps to thicken it slightly, giving a glossy finish.
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonality or preferences, such as snap peas or carrots.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: chicken stir fry, zucchini stir fry, quick chicken recipes, healthy dinner, Asian chicken stir fry, easy weeknight meals
