Oriental Garlic Chicken with Zucchini is a delightful stir-fry dish bursting with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with crisp zucchini, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic garlic, all brought together by a savory Oriental-inspired sauce. It’s a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and complex flavors, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Let’s delve into the ingredients that make this dish a star:
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Marinade and Sauce:
- Water
- Soy sauce
- Dry white wine
- Cornstarch
- Ground black pepper
- Ground ginger
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Main Dish Components:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Green onions
- Fresh mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Garlic (both fresh and instant minced garlic)
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Additional Components:
- Oil for stir-frying
- Water chestnuts (optional, for added crunch and texture)
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Serving Suggestion:
- Cooked brown rice or white rice
Cooking Instructions
This recipe boasts a straightforward cooking process that enhances the natural flavors of each ingredient:
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Prepare the Marinade:
Begin by mixing water, soy sauce, white wine, cornstarch, ground black pepper, and ground ginger in a bowl. This mixture forms the base for both marinating the chicken and creating the stir-fry sauce. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors before cooking. -
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add oil. Stir-fry the green onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and garlic until they become tender yet still crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Remove these vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and stir-fry the marinated chicken pieces until they are cooked through and no longer pink, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. Push the cooked chicken to the sides of the skillet to create space in the center. -
Prepare the Sauce:
Stir the reserved marinade to mix the ingredients well and add it to the center of the skillet or wok. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil. This step ensures that the flavors meld together and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. -
Combine and Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened, add back the stir-fried vegetables and water chestnuts (if using). Stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. -
Serve Hot:
Serve the Oriental Garlic Chicken with Zucchini immediately over hot cooked brown rice or white rice. Garnish with additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair and flavor.
Nutritional Information
This dish not only tastes amazing but also offers balanced nutrition:
- Calories: 344.1 per serving
- Fat: 9.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 68.4mg
- Sodium: 594.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.4g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Protein: 32.6g
Tips for Success
To ensure your Oriental Garlic Chicken with Zucchini turns out perfectly:
- Marinate Adequately: Letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes allows it to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in more flavorful bites.
- Hot Wok or Skillet: Stir-frying over high heat ensures that the vegetables retain their crispness and the chicken cooks quickly without losing moisture.
- Even Distribution of Sauce: Thicken the sauce sufficiently so that it coats each ingredient evenly, providing a harmonious flavor in every bite.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add vegetables like broccoli, bamboo shoots, or baby corn to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Conclusion
Oriental Garlic Chicken with Zucchini is a versatile dish that combines the bold flavors of garlic and soy with the freshness of zucchini and mushrooms. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or planning a special dinner, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process of preparing and savoring this delicious stir-fry, and let its aroma and taste transport you to the heart of Asian culinary delights!
