Description
A quick and flavorful Zucchini Stir Fry featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh zucchini, and a savory ginger-garlic soy sauce. This easy stir-fry recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs or tenders), thinly sliced then cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Sauce Mixture
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves minced garlic (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 medium zucchini (or yellow squash, or a mix)
- 1 large red or yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to develop while preparing other ingredients.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, remaining 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, remaining 1 teaspoon sugar, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Chop Vegetables: Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise. Place the cut sides down and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch thick half moons. Thinly slice the onion and set both aside.
- Cook Stir Fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini and onions to the skillet with the chicken. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice or noodles as preferred.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the vegetables.
- You can substitute low sodium soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use yellow squash instead of zucchini if desired, or a mix of both.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
