This Zucchini and Chicken Stir Fry comes together in no time—under 20 minutes! With juicy chicken, tender zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots in a savory Chinese brown sauce, it’s a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Zucchini Chicken
If you’re in search of a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Chinese Zucchini and Chicken Stir Fry is just what you need. Inspired by Panda Express, this recipe is a breeze to make at home, coming together in just 20 minutes—ideal for those hectic weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet light.
The chicken emerges tender and juicy, while the zucchini adds delightful crispness. Mushrooms and carrots contribute a hint of earthy sweetness, all tossed together in a savory brown sauce for a meal that is both delicious and nutrient-rich.
This chicken zucchini mushroom stir fry recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it a staple for a healthy, hassle-free dinner that everyone loves. If you enjoy zucchini, don’t miss my other favorites like Zucchini Curry, Garlic Butter Sautéed Zucchini, and Garlic Herb Chicken with Zucchini! Also, check out the tips below to perfect your stir fry every time!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Learn Chinese stir-frying techniques easily. The process is broken down into simple steps, making Asian stir-fries as easy as 1-2-3.
- Irresistibly good. Juicy chicken, crunchy zucchini, earthy mushrooms, and sweet carrots meld in a savory brown sauce that ties everything together. Every bite is bursting with flavor, making this dish far superior to takeout.
- Healthy and packed with veggies. This stir fry is loaded with lean chicken and a vibrant mix of zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and rich in vitamins!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – Chicken breast is used for this stir fry, but you can substitute it with chicken thighs or even shrimp.
- Cornstarch: Helps to velvet the chicken for a smooth and tender texture.
- Oil – Use vegetable or canola oil.
- Ginger
- Zucchini – This recipe is perfect for zucchini.
- Red bell pepper
- Mushrooms – Button mushrooms work well, but feel free to use any mushrooms you have, such as cremini or shiitake.
- Scallions
Chinese Brown Sauce
The basic ingredients for Chinese brown sauce, a key component for stir-fries, include:
- Oyster sauce
- Water
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- Cornstarch
For detailed information on each ingredient, check the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Shopping Guide: For oyster sauce, I recommend the Lee Kum Kee brand—it’s reliable, flavorful, and free from any fishy taste.
How To Make Zucchini And Chicken Stir Fry
Begin by marinating the chicken with cornstarch.
Next, mix all the ingredients for the brown sauce together. Stir well and set aside!
Heat some oil in your pan, skillet, or wok. Once hot, add the ginger and stir until fragrant. Then, add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink. After that, toss in the zucchini, red bell pepper, and mushrooms, stir-frying for about 30 seconds before adding the brown sauce.
Once the sauce thickens, add the scallions, plate the dish, and serve immediately with steamed rice. Enjoy!
Secrets To The Best Zucchini Chicken
- Choose medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and not soft or wrinkled. Fresh zucchini provides the best crunch and flavor!
- Ensure your pan is hot before adding ingredients for a perfect stir fry. A hot wok or skillet gives the chicken and veggies a great sear, creating a little char and wok hei (the breath of the wok).
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. If making a large batch, cook the chicken and veggies in two or more batches to prevent steaming and achieve that toasty char.
- If you have other veggies on hand, feel free to add or substitute! Carrots, snap peas, or even broccoli work beautifully in this stir fry.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe. Frozen zucchini can release too much water when cooked, potentially affecting the texture of your stir fry.
Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep everything in advance. Chop the veggies and chicken, store them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to cook when you are!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it moist and fresh!
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as stir-fries are best fresh. However, you probably won’t have any leftovers to worry about!
This recipe contains 192 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Zucchini Chicken
For a wholesome weeknight dinner, consider pairing this dish with the following recipes:
