China Town Chicken With Zucchini
A flavorful Chinese-inspired chicken and zucchini stir-fry served over aromatic brown rice, combining savory soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook brown rice as directed, then mix in sliced green onions with tops.
- While rice is cooking, sauté chicken strips and garlic in vegetable oil until chicken is white.
- Add soy sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced zucchini and water chestnuts to the skillet.
- Cook until zucchini is crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add water mixed with cornstarch and stir until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
- Serve the chicken and vegetable stir-fry over the rice-onion mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick and easy twist, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. You can also substitute brown rice with quinoa for a lighter option. To enhance flavors, try adding a splash of sesame oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If you enjoy Asian flavors, browse more Chinese recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and zucchini stir-fry over the rice-onion mixture, garnished with additional sliced green onions. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed bok choy or a light cucumber salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Quick Chinese Chicken or Ming Chicken Crepe for a delightful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between for even reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of China Town Chicken With Zucchini contains roughly 898 calories, with 21g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (93% of the Daily Value) and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2033mg per serving (88% 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 other vegetables in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for additional color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, ensuring they remain crisp-tender.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Additionally, ensure that the water chestnuts and any other ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without worrying about gluten.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. Cook the rice and chop the vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. Just sauté the chicken and combine everything right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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).