Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast, crisp fresh zucchini, and a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious balance of lean protein and fresh vegetables with vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
Vegetables
- 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or sticks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
Optional Ingredients & Spices
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cut the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips for quick, even cooking. Slice the zucchini into half-moons or sticks, mince the garlic, and finely chop any other desired vegetables. Having everything ready before cooking makes stir-frying a breeze.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive or sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside to keep juicy.
- Cook the Zucchini and Garlic: In the same pan, add zucchini and garlic, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender but still crisp and brightly colored.
- Combine and Add Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan with zucchini. Pour in soy sauce and optional spices or sauces. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly and cook for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off heat, sprinkle chopped green onions and red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or alone for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Use high heat to keep chicken juicy and veggies crisp.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; stir fry in batches if necessary.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking for a smooth process.
- Choose firm zucchini without soft spots for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce amount or add lime/honey to balance saltiness and sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken stir fry, zucchini stir fry, healthy dinner, quick meal, one-pan dinner, gluten-free stir fry, lean protein, fresh vegetables