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Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal? This easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is the perfect solution! Packed with flavor and ready in minutes, it’s a great way to enjoy a gluten-free, soy-free dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
I remember the first time I made this stir fry. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something fast yet wholesome. The combination of tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and aromatic spices won over my family instantly. Now, it’s a regular in our meal rotation!
Get ready to cook up a storm with this simple yet impressive recipe.
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping the chicken, dicing the onion, slicing the zucchini, and mincing the garlic and ginger. Having everything prepared will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Avocado oil or neutral cooking oil | 2 tbsp |
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2″ cubes | 1 pound |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Red onion, diced into 1/4″ dice | 3 cups |
| Zucchini, cut into half moon slices | 4 zucchini (1 1/2 pounds, 6 cups) |
| Coconut Aminos (naturally GF and soy-free) | 1/4 cup |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
| Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste | |
| Rice vinegar to taste | |
| Sesame seeds for garnish if desired |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Start by prepping all the ingredients before beginning to cook.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set them aside.
- Preheat a large non-stick frying pan (15″) over medium-high heat until hot, but not smoking.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan along with the chicken. Turn the heat to high, and cook, stirring only as the chicken browns.
- When the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the second tablespoon of oil to the pan to fry the garlic, ginger, and red onion together. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often for 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat if necessary to keep the mixture from browning.
- Add the zucchini to the pan, and cook over high heat, stirring as they brown for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
- Add the chicken and stir fry sauce to the pan, toss to combine. Cook, stirring constantly for a few seconds, and most of the sauce will be absorbed.
- Remove the pan from the heat, season to taste with sea salt and rice vinegar, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure not to overcook the zucchini. It should be crisp-tender to maintain its texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat.
Looking for another great zucchini recipe? Check out this Gluten Free Zucchini Rolls.
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Easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and lean chicken morsels stir-fried to perfection with zucchini and carrots. Tossed in with ginger, garlic, and a savory soy marinade, this easy chicken stir fry is a healthy, protein-packed dinner option that is better than takeout. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame/peanut oil), divided
1 large zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch thick half-moons
1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
¼ cup low-sodium Tamari or Gluten-Free soy sauce
¼ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped (optional, for crunch)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep Chicken: Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces. Place them in a bowl and coat evenly with the cornstarch, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 6–8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Stir in the gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) to coat the chicken, then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced zucchini and carrot matchsticks. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the roasted peanuts (if using) and toss everything together to heat through.
5. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm over rice or quinoa.
Notes
Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more flavor, but breasts are leaner.
Veggies: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Low Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower carb meal.
Make Ahead: This dish is excellent for meal prep and stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 73
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but it may be less tender and juicy compared to thighs.
- Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
- Absolutely! This recipe uses Coconut Aminos, which is naturally gluten-free and soy-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Certainly! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Dig In & Enjoy!
This easy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s perfect for any night of the week. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.