Chicken, Zucchini And Red Pepper Stir-Fry
A vibrant stir-fry combining tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and sweet red peppers, accented with water chestnuts and mushrooms. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for a healthy, colorful weeknight dinner that appeals to both meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts, split, skinned and boned ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 4 small zucchini (about 2 lb.) ⓘ
- 2 medium red peppers
- 1 bunch scallions including stems ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. medium size mushrooms
- 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut away tendon and excess fat from chicken breasts.
- Place chicken in the freezer until it firms up for easier slicing, but do not freeze solid.
- Insert a metal chopping blade into a food processor bowl.
- Process garlic or chop finely with a knife.
- Remove the chopping blade and insert the slicing blade.
- Place zucchini in the feed tube vertically and process, or cut into slices with a knife.
- Insert red pepper in the feed tube vertically and process, or slice into 1/8 inch slices with a knife.
- Insert scallions vertically and process or slice by hand.
- Process water chestnuts or slice by knife.
- Place mushrooms on their sides in the feed tube and process, or cut lengthwise into thirds.
- Set aside the processed vegetables in a bowl.
- Wedge chicken into the feed tube so the slicing disk cuts against the grain, or cut into 1/4 inch thick slices with a sharp knife.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in oyster sauce and soy sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture. If you prefer, use fresh ginger for a more aromatic profile. Ensure that your vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking, and consider adding bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or alongside noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Teriyaki Chicken for a diverse spread. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for added flavor and presentation. This dish also complements a light Asian-style salad or spring rolls as a side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the vegetables' crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Zucchini And Red Pepper Stir-Fry contains roughly 1143 calories, with 23g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1098mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
While fresh vegetables are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the stir-fry to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish soggy.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you need a substitute for oyster sauce, consider using a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness and depth of flavor. Alternatively, hoisin sauce can work as a replacement, although it will impart a different taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your stir-fry, incorporate sliced fresh chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use a spicier variety of soy sauce, such as chili garlic sauce, to enhance the overall flavor while providing that spicy kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).