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Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe

4.8 from 51 reviews

A quick and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast and fresh zucchini in a savory soy-based sauce, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This versatile stir fry can be customized with additional vegetables and is easily adaptable to gluten-free diets by swapping soy sauce for tamari.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 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

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for richness)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Oils & Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips and cut the zucchini into half-moons. Slice the red bell pepper if using. Mince the garlic finely. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil to make the stir fry sauce.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the zucchini and red bell pepper and sauté until just tender but still slightly crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: Garnish the stir fry with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot on its own or over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Notes

  • Slice chicken thinly for even and quick cooking.
  • Do not overcook the zucchini to keep it slightly crisp and fresh.
  • For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
  • Try swapping chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve texture.
  • Freeze without zucchini for up to 2 months as zucchini can become soggy.

Keywords: Chicken stir fry, zucchini stir fry, quick chicken dinner, gluten-free stir fry, healthy dinner, Asian chicken recipe, weeknight dinners