Description
This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a tangy and savory sauce, stir-fried with fresh zucchini and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe balances the lightness of zucchini with the richness of chicken, all coated in a delicious combination of soy, sesame, and oyster sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Main Ingredients
- 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. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare to Stir Fry: Heat the cooking oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat until hot. This ensures a good sear and prevents sticking.
- Cook Garlic and Chicken: Add the smashed garlic to the pan and sauté briefly to release aroma. Then add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and stir fry for about 2 minutes or until the chicken loses its translucent appearance, indicating it’s partially cooked.
- Remove Chicken Temporarily: Take the chicken out of the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful marinade/sauce residue in the pan for the next step.
- Cook the Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the same pan. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until the zucchini becomes tender but still slightly crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the pan with the zucchini. Add the oyster sauce and mix everything well. Continue stir frying for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together. Optionally, season with ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while stir frying to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
- You can substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for pungency.
- Ground black pepper is optional but adds a nice kick.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; zucchini tends to soften if left sitting.
