Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe
If you love a meal that comes together in a flash, bursts with color, and tastes like takeout (but so much better), this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, perfectly crisp-tender zucchini, and just the right touch of heat. Whether you’re brand new to stir frying or a seasoned pro, this is one of those dishes that surprises you with how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. It’s fast, easy, endlessly customizable, and so full of flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe shines with just a handful of essential pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Each element adds its own magic—think savory umami from tamari, bright green zucchini, and a subtle kick from sriracha—resulting in a harmony of taste, texture, and color you’ll love in every bite.
- Tamari (or soy sauce): Provides that rich, salty-umami backbone that makes the stir fry irresistible; opt for tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic depth—don’t skip it, a little goes a long way!
- Sriracha (or other Asian hot sauce): Brings a gentle heat and sweet-tangy punch, but you can adjust to your spice preference.
- Garlic powder: Gives a mellow garlic warmth and blends beautifully into the sauce.
- Ginger powder: Provides a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy, and flavorful—perfect for quick stir frying.
- Zucchini: Offers crisp-tender texture, vibrant color, and a subtle sweetness that balances the dish.
- Avocado oil (divided): Has a high smoke point and neutral taste, ideal for getting great sear on chicken and veggies.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, letting each ingredient shine without overpowering the sauce.
- Glucomannan (or xanthan gum): Thickens the stir fry sauce to coat every bite perfectly; use sparingly!
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the tamari, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, garlic powder, and ginger powder in a small bowl. This quick marinade infuses the chicken with layers of flavor right from the beginning. Pour it over the chicken pieces in a larger bowl and toss well, making sure every bite is coated. Just five minutes of marinating while you prep your veggies is enough to make a world of difference!
Step 2: Prep the Zucchini
Slice the zucchini lengthwise, then cut each half into half-inch pieces. This shape gives you bite-sized rounds that cook evenly and keep a little crunch in the stir fry. It also makes the dish look extra appealing with those half-moon slices of green and white.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half the avocado oil. When the oil shimmers, toss in the marinated chicken—juices and all. Stir fry until the chicken is cooked through and starting to caramelize around the edges, about 7 minutes. The sauce will bubble, infusing the chicken with bold, savory flavor.
Step 4: Set Aside Chicken and Juices
With the chicken beautifully cooked, transfer it—and almost all those flavor-packed pan juices—to a clean bowl. Don’t worry, you’ll add it back soon. This step makes sure the zucchini won’t get soggy or overcrowded when it hits the pan.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Zucchini
Add the remaining avocado oil to the hot skillet. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper, then add your sliced zucchini. Stir fry for about 5 minutes, just until the zucchini is bright green and tender with a little bite left. You want it to keep its structure and freshness!
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Zucchini
Return the chicken—and all those reserved juices—back to the skillet with the zucchini. Toss everything together so every piece of chicken and zucchini gets glossy and coated in that irresistible sauce.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe with a slightly thickened sauce, lower the heat to medium-low. Push the chicken and veggies to one side. Sprinkle the glucomannan evenly over the juices and whisk quickly to prevent clumping. Stir everything back together and let it bubble for a minute—the sauce will thicken and cling to every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
The right finishing touches make this dish shine! Try topping each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, a scattering of sliced green onions for freshness, or a few cilantro leaves. A tiny drizzle of sesame oil adds extra fragrance just before serving.
Side Dishes
This stir fry works deliciously served over steamed jasmine or brown rice, fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or golden stir-fried noodles. For a heartier meal, add a simple miso soup or crisp Asian cucumber salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
You can transform your stir fry into protein bowls with a base of quinoa, or wrap portions in big crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held dinner. For meal prep, divide into containers alongside cooked grains and a wedge of lime for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe? Lucky you! Let it cool, transfer to an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious on day two.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, make sure the stir fry cools completely first. Place in airtight freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to two months, though zucchini may soften a bit after thawing.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through to keep everything evenly hot and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on doneness to avoid overcooking, as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs.
Is this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this recipe is completely gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure!
What can I substitute for glucomannan?
If you don’t have glucomannan or xanthan gum, you can skip it or use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water) for thickening at the end.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in red bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets along with the zucchini for a more colorful, veggie-packed version of this stir fry.
How spicy is this dish?
The two teaspoons of sriracha provide a gentle heat, but it won’t overpower the dish. You can scale the amount up or down to hit your perfect spice level.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe enough for anyone craving a speedy, wholesome, and joyfully flavorful dinner. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, packed with veggies and bold taste. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen—maybe it’ll earn that spot in yours too!
Print
Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and healthy Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry that’s quick and easy to make. This dish combines tender chicken with crisp zucchini in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp Sriracha (or other Asian hot sauce)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini (about 10 ounces)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp glucomannan (or xanthan gum)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, sesame oil, Sriracha, garlic powder, and ginger. Pour over chicken in a larger bowl, toss to coat.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice zucchini into half-inch slices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil, then cook chicken with marinade until done, about 7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan.
- Cook the Zucchini: Add remaining oil to the pan, then cook zucchini with salt and pepper until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combine: Return chicken to the pan, mix well.
- Thicken the Sauce: Lower heat, push meat and veggies to one side. Sprinkle glucomannan over juices, whisk to combine, then stir everything together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry, Asian Stir Fry, Healthy Stir Fry
