Ground Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry

Ground chicken and zucchini simmer in an easy sauce for this tasty stir fry. You’re less than 30 minutes away from dinner with this quick recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights!

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2023 and has been republished with all new photos.

I’m currently a bit obsessed with ground chicken over here.

It’s a ground meat option that’s leaner than beef or pork with less fat and calories.

Lean ground chicken is almost flavorless. I like to compare it to ground turkey which is another great lean protein option. But ground turkey has a very pronounced flavor that you have to work hard to cover up. Ground chicken has a light taste and easily absorbs whatever flavors you introduce to it.

It’s incredibly versatile. I love using it in stir fries and soups especially because neither dish really relies on the protein itself for it’s flavor. Instead it’s about the simple ingredients you pair it with. So you can let the sauce, fresh veggies, or seasoning have the spotlight.

Craving more quick weeknight dinners? Try my Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, 20 Minute Skillet Sausage & Zucchini, or Ground Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry.

Ground Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Both ground chicken and ground chicken breast are lean protein options that work well in this recipe.
• Olive oil or avocado oil: We’re sautéing zucchini and onion in a little oil to get it perfectly tender.
• Zucchini: Zucchini is a great choice in a stir fry because it cooks quickly and adds a nice crunch.
• White or yellow onion: You can use white onion or yellow onion in this easy meal.
• Coconut aminos or soy sauce: Coconut aminos is a great soy sauce substitute (of course you can use soy sauce if you prefer). It’s slightly sweet and contains a lot less sodium. Low sodium soy sauce also works well.
• Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. It’s popular in marinades and stir fries because it has that classic tanginess you expect from vinegar but it’s a bit sweeter. You can use apple cider vinegar if you need a quick substitute. They’re not exactly the same but in small amounts it will work.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil has a rich, almost nutty taste that’s a fantastic addition in stir fries.
• Minced garlic: Minced garlic is delightful and pungent. You can mince your own garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Arrowroot flour or cornstarch: A little arrowroot flour or cornstarch thickens the homemade sauce. Both are great options.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are the only seasonings you need to give this stir fry so much flavor!

How to Make Ground Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add the zucchini and sliced onion. Sauté uncovered until zucchini has some browning and is tender. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Add the ground chicken to the now empty skillet on the stovetop. Use a spatula to crumble the meat. Cook ground chicken, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.

While the ground chicken is cooking, add the sauce ingredients to a jar. Screw the lid on the jar and shake until well combined.

Add the zucchini and onion back to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. Pour your sauce into the skillet and stir for 2 minutes. You should see the sauce thicken immediately.

Ladle this easy ground chicken stir fry into bowls with white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Top with sesame seeds, fresh chopped parsley, or diced green onions. For a little heat you can add crushed red pepper flakes.

Ground Chicken vs Ground Chicken Breast

Some grocery stores sell both ground chicken and ground chicken breast. Ground chicken is made up of both white and dark meat. It’s usually somewhere between 97% and 99% lean so it’s a fantastic healthy protein option. Ground chicken breast is made from grinding only the chicken breast.

So which should you choose? If you’re making burgers or meatballs I strongly recommend sticking with ground chicken. Ground chicken breast has so little fat that it can be dry in dishes like this. If you’re using the protein in a stir fry or soup then you can use either. In my experience there’s very little difference in the final texture if you’re crumbling the meat and serving it mixed with vegetables.

Soy Sauce vs Coconut Aminos

Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used in this marinade. They have a similar flavor although coconut aminos is slightly sweeter. Coconut aminos is a soy sauce substitute that has a lot less sodium and contains no soy. It has no coconut flavor! You can find it in your local grocery store on the aisle with soy sauce or in the gluten free section. Learn more about what it is and why it’s so popular in healthy recipes here.

Is this Stir Fry Good for Meal Prep?

This easy recipe is delicious for meal prep. Refrigerate in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Serve this Stir Fry

I love a veggie-loaded stir fry like this one with white or brown rice. Ladle over cauliflower rice to keep this low carb. You could also serve this over my Easy Seasoned Roasted Potatoes or Easy Diced Air Fryer Potatoes.

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