Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory soy-based sauce, stir-fried with fresh zucchini and garlic. This dish combines sweet, tangy, and umami flavors for a delicious and healthy meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Stir Fry
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and then sliced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), and apple cider vinegar to form the marinade. Add the cut chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare for Stir Fry: Heat the cooking oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the smashed garlic cloves to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and stir fry for about 2 minutes until the chicken turns from translucent to lightly cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, leaving the sauce and garlic in the pan.
- Cook the Zucchini: Using the same pan, add the sliced zucchini, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes or until it becomes tender but still slightly crisp. This keeps the zucchini fresh and vibrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the partially cooked chicken to the pan along with the oyster sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, the zucchini is tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add ground black pepper to taste if desired.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving.
- Adjust the sugar or honey quantity to balance sweetness as per your taste preferences.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs provide more juiciness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness in the dish.
