Description
This Easy Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry is a quick and healthy stir-fry recipe featuring lean chicken breast, fresh zucchini, and crunchy carrots, all seasoned with fragrant ginger and garlic powder. Tossed in a savory low-sodium soy sauce and garnished with roasted peanuts and green onions, it’s a deliciously balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick half-moons
- 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp groundnut oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil, divided
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces and coat evenly with cornstarch, garlic powder, and ground ginger. This coating helps create a light crust when cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce to coat the chicken, then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the sliced zucchini and carrot matchsticks for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and some crunch.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the roasted peanuts into the vegetables, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss everything together to combine and heat through evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to suit your salt preference or dietary needs.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during cooking.
- Use peanut or sesame oil for authentic flavor; groundnut oil is a good neutral alternative.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
