Irresistible Sizzling Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe

My culinary adventures recently discovered a delightful chicken and zucchini stir fry that promises incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting and satisfying.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside tender chicken pieces in a quick, mouthwatering combination.

Skillful home cooks can master this simple yet impressive dish in less than thirty minutes.

Seasonings blend seamlessly, creating depth and complexity that surprises and delights.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in transforming ordinary meals into something memorable.

Jump into this recipe and experience a delicious dinner that will become a new household favorite.

Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs marinade and provides protein core of the dish.
• Sliced Chicken: Best when using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for quick cooking.

• Zucchini, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add texture and aromatic flavor to the stir fry.
• Fresh zucchini works best when firm and bright green, garlic should be fresh and fragrant.

• Water, Cornstarch, Oyster Sauce, Light Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Essential liquid and thickening agents that create complex flavor profile.
• Shaoxing Wine: Traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds depth and authentic taste.
• White Pepper, Sugar: Seasonings that balance and enhance overall dish flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat stir frying and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Neutral oils like canola or peanut oil work great for high-temperature cooking.

• Use fresh ingredients.
• Slice chicken and zucchini uniformly for even cooking.
• Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook.
• Use high heat for authentic stir fry technique.

Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry Cooking Tips

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Slice the chicken and combine it with water, cornstarch, oil, and oyster sauce in a small bowl.

Mix thoroughly until the chicken absorbs all the marinade ingredients.

Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soak up those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Slice zucchini and toss with salt in a large bowl.

Allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Water (or chicken stock)
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Light soy sauce
• Sugar
• White pepper
• Sesame oil

Combine these ingredients in a liquid measuring cup or medium bowl.

Step 4: Drain the Zucchini

Rinse the zucchini to remove the salt.

Gently squeeze out any remaining liquid and set aside.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat the wok until it starts to smoke.

Add oil and spread the chicken in a single layer.

Let it sear undisturbed for 15-20 seconds, then stir-fry until the chicken turns opaque.

Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 6: Infuse with Aromatics

Add remaining oil to the wok with garlic.

Cook for 15 seconds, then splash in Shaoxing wine to deglaze.

Toss in the zucchini and stir-fry for 15 seconds.

Step 7: Bring the Sauce to Life

Stir the sauce mixture to ensure cornstarch is fully incorporated.

Pour into the wok and bring to a simmer.

Watch as it transforms into a luscious, gravy-like consistency.

Step 8: Final Stir and Serve

Return the chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 30 more seconds.

Ensure the sauce coats everything beautifully and the zucchini is crisp-tender.

Serve piping hot over steamed rice for a mouth-watering meal that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Stir-Fry Tips for Chicken & Zucchini

• Let the chicken soak up the marinade for the full 20-30 minutes to ensure deep, rich taste and tender meat that practically melts in your mouth.
• Salting zucchini helps remove excess moisture, preventing a watery stir-fry and ensuring crisp, perfectly cooked vegetables with concentrated flavor.
• Have all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before heating the wok – stir-frying moves lightning-fast and requires quick, precise cooking.
• Heat the wok until it just starts smoking to create that authentic smoky flavor characteristic of professional Chinese stir-fry techniques, giving your dish restaurant-quality depth.
• Use high heat consistently but watch carefully to prevent burning, moving ingredients quickly and maintaining that perfect sear and sauce consistency.

Chicken Zucchini Stir-Fry Storage

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent dryness and restore sauce consistency.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently to evenly distribute heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly heated, adding a small amount of liquid if the sauce looks thick.
• This stir fry contains zucchini, which becomes watery and loses texture when frozen, so consumption within a few days is recommended for best quality and taste.

Best Companions for Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

• Elevate Umami with Chinese Rice Wine: Shaoxing wine in the stir fry creates a rich, complex flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with light, crisp Tsingtao beer, enhancing the dish's savory notes.
• Refresh with Citrus White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright, zesty undertones cuts through the richness of the chicken and complements the delicate zucchini, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Match with Jasmine Rice Companion: Steamed jasmine rice provides a neutral, fragrant base that absorbs the stir fry's flavorful sauce, creating a perfect textural and taste harmony on the plate.
• Balance with Crisp Asian Salad: A light cucumber and green onion salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, sizzling stir fry, adding brightness and crunch to the meal.

Zucchini Stir Fry With Chicken And Flavor Swaps

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry: Replace rice with spiralized zucchini noodles for a carb-conscious alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same sauce for a plant-based protein option that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the dish's authentic taste.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to introduce a bold, fiery element for those who enjoy extra heat in their stir-fry.

FAQs

• Why salt the zucchini before cooking?

Salting helps draw out excess moisture from zucchini, preventing the stir fry from becoming watery and ensuring the vegetables stay crisp and flavorful during cooking.

• What is Shaoxing wine and can I substitute it?

Shaoxing wine is a Chinese cooking wine with a unique flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with dry sherry or rice wine to maintain a similar depth of flavor in the dish.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

The chicken is cooked when it turns opaque and looks white throughout, with no pink areas. Stir-frying ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.

• Why is it important to use high heat when stir-frying?

High heat helps create the signature “wok hei” flavor, quickly sears the ingredients, locks in moisture, and prevents the chicken and zucchini from becoming soggy or overcooked.

Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry That’s Full of Sizzle

• Speed Demon Dinner: Whip up this mouthwatering stir fry in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with savory oyster sauce, zesty Shaoxing wine, and a perfectly balanced sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal bursting with authentic Asian tastes.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Combines lean protein from chicken with nutritious zucchini, creating a light yet satisfying dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal calories and maximum nutrition.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Teaches essential stir-frying skills like marinating, searing, and creating a silky sauce, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks wanting to expand their culinary repertoire without feeling overwhelmed.

Sizzling Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken and zucchini stir fry delivers a delightful dance of Asian-inspired culinary magic on your plate. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken combine with bold seasonings, promising a quick, satisfying meal that elevates weeknight dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3 green onions
• 2 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by combining it with water, cornstarch, oil, and oyster sauce in a mixing vessel. Ensure the marinade thoroughly coats the meat, allowing it to absorb flavors for 20-30 minutes at ambient temperature.
2. Sprinkle salt over zucchini slices in a spacious container, letting them rest for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Craft the sauce by whisking together water (or chicken stock), oyster sauce, cornstarch, light soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil in a separate container until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Thoroughly rinse the zucchini to remove salt, then gently press out remaining liquid using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
5. Fire up a wok until it reaches smoking point, then introduce oil. Carefully layer chicken pieces, allowing them to sear undisturbed briefly before stir-frying until they transform from raw to opaque. Transfer cooked chicken to a temporary holding plate.
6. Introduce remaining oil to the wok, quickly sautéing garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with Shaoxing wine, then rapidly toss in zucchini, stirring vigorously for a few seconds.
7. Restir the sauce mixture to prevent cornstarch settlement, then pour into the wok. Observe as the liquid transforms into a glossy, thickened gravy-like consistency.
8. Reunite the previously cooked chicken with the vegetables, stirring for an additional half-minute to ensure everything is evenly coated and heated through. Immediately transfer to serving dishes atop steamed rice, capturing the dish at its peak temperature and flavor.

Notes

• Marinate chicken thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Salt the zucchini beforehand to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery stir fry and maintaining crisp texture.
• Use high heat and brief cooking times to preserve the chicken’s juiciness and zucchini’s fresh crunch.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg