If you’re craving a speedy, colorful, and downright delicious dinner, this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is an absolute must-try! Bursting with juicy chicken thigh pieces, crisp-tender zucchini, and a savory sauce that’ll have you licking your plate, this stir fry honestly tastes like something you’d order at your favorite restaurant—except you’ll be shocked how easy it is to whip up at home. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weeknight menu or impress your friends with a fresh new dish, Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry will not disappoint.

Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is that the ingredients are simple but completely essential—each one playing a role in delivering bold flavor, perfect texture, and vibrant color. Gather these items for Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry and you’ll see how every piece brings something deliciously necessary to the table.

Boneless chicken thigh (1 lb): Perfect for stir fry, chicken thigh is juicy and stays tender even with quick, high-heat cooking.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Helps create a silky marinade that locks in the chicken’s juices for a succulent bite.
Light soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds that salty, umami backbone that makes this dish positively craveable.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings toasty, aromatic depth to the marinade.
Sugar or honey (2 teaspoons): Balances the flavors and brings out the sweetness in the zucchini.
Rice wine vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): Brightens everything up and gives the stir fry a gentle tang.
Garlic (3 cloves, smashed): No stir fry is complete without the punch and aroma of fresh garlic.
Cooking oil (1 tablespoon): Use a neutral oil that can handle high heat—like canola, avocado, or grapeseed.
Zucchini (1 medium): Sliced into half-moons, it soaks up flavor and adds color and crunch.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce that extra depth and luscious, savory gloss.
Ground black pepper (optional): Adds just the right kick if you like a bit of warmth.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces—think about big, juicy nibbles that’ll soak up every bit of flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with the cornstarch, light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), and rice wine vinegar if using. Stir well so every piece is coated, then cover and let it marinate for about half an hour. This step ensures your chicken will turn out ridiculously tender and flavorful in the final Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Grab your favorite pan or wok and heat up the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Give it a moment to get nice and shimmery—this helps guarantee a beautiful sear on the chicken and keeps everything from sticking.

Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic and Chicken

Drop in the smashed garlic. As soon as its aroma hits your nose, add in the marinated chicken and all of the marinade. Stir fry for about 2 minutes, just until the chicken loses its translucency. As soon as that happens, scoop the chicken out onto a plate or big bowl and set it aside. Try to keep as much of the flavorful sauce in the pan as possible—trust me, you’ll want that for the veggies!

Step 4: Stir Fry the Zucchini

Add a tiny drizzle more oil if the pan seems dry, then toss in your sliced zucchini. Stir fry for around 5 minutes, or until they start to look juicy and just barely tender. You want them to still have a bit of crunch, so don’t walk away!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken and its reserved juices right back into the pan with the zucchini. Add in the oyster sauce and a good sprinkle of ground black pepper if you like a hint of heat. Stir fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, until everything is hot, coated, and the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is perfectly tender. This is where Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry reaches peak deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove your sizzling stir fry from the heat and get ready to dig in! Serve it straight from the pan so everyone can enjoy that irresistible aroma and vibrant look—you’ll be amazed by how quickly it disappears.

How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top adds the perfect touch of freshness and crunch. If you love heat, a few thin slices of chili or a dash of chili flakes over the top can take your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic over fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but you could also pair it with brown rice or even rice noodles. For a lighter touch, serve it over cauliflower rice. Add a bright, crisp side salad or a bowl of simple miso soup for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You could spoon Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry into lettuce cups for a party appetizer or wrap it in a warm flatbread for a unique twist. Don’t be shy about packing leftovers in a bento box with pickled veggies and fruit—presentation can make this dish feel extra special, no matter the occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool at room temperature, then transfer your Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fabulous option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This stir fry actually freezes quite well! Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out extra air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date, and enjoy within 2 months for the best taste and texture. Just remember, the zucchini may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still shine.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave leftovers in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If needed, add a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce to revive the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thigh?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine—just keep a close eye while cooking to prevent it from drying out, since it tends to be leaner than thigh meat.

Is it possible to make Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry gluten free?

Definitely. Swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure to use a gluten-free oyster sauce if you’re sensitive or serving someone with Celiac.

How do I keep the zucchini from getting mushy?

Stir fry the zucchini over high heat and only until just tender; don’t overcrowd the pan. Doing so helps them stay crisp-tender and beautifully green, just right for Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry.

Can I add more vegetables?

Go for it! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots would all be amazing friends to the zucchini and chicken. Just keep the total veggie quantity similar so the sauce stays balanced.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you’re avoiding oyster sauce, try hoisin sauce for sweetness, or a mix of extra soy sauce and a splash of Worcestershire for depth. It’ll change the flavor profile slightly, but you’ll still have a lip-smacking stir fry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers big flavor with a fast, fresh twist, Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry absolutely deserves a spot in your rotation. There’s just something so satisfying about tender chicken and vibrant veggies wrapped up in a glossy, savory sauce—give it a try and let your tastebuds sing!