Vietnamese Caramel Chicken & Zucchini Stir-Fry

A fast Vietnamese-inspired caramel-lime chicken stir-fry with peak-summer zucchini, herbs, and jasmine rice for an easy July weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth® Natural Boneless and Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!
    12 oz, cut into bite-size strips $4.49
  • Zucchini
    1 medium, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick $2.69
  • Simple Truth Organic® Jasmine Rice
    1/2 cup dry $4.99
  • Green Onions
    2, whites and greens separated and thinly sliced $1.50
  • Garlic
    2 cloves, minced $0.79
  • Ginger Root
    1 tablespoon, grated $4.99
  • Fresh Jalapeno Peppers
    1/2 pepper, thinly sliced, optional $2.99
  • Fresh Organic Limes - Each
    1, juiced $1.50
  • Organic Cilantro
    1/4 cup chopped $1.99
  • Fish sauce
    1 1/2 tablespoons
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
    1 tablespoon
  • Brown sugar
    1 tablespoon
  • Neutral oil
    1 tablespoon, divided
  • Black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Charles Smith Wines Kungfu Girl Riesling Washington White Wine
    750 ml $14.99

Instructions

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice, then combine it in a small saucepan with 3/4 cup water and a pinch of salt; bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, cook 15 minutes, then let stand covered while you stir-fry.
  2. Prep the chicken, zucchini, green onions, garlic, ginger, jalapeno, lime, and cilantro; in a small bowl, stir together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and black pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet, wok, or grill-safe wok over medium-high heat until very hot; add 2 teaspoons oil, then add the chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir-fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes more, until browned and nearly cooked through, then add the garlic, ginger, green onion whites, and jalapeno and toss for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the zucchini and remaining 1 teaspoon oil if the pan looks dry; stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes until the zucchini is crisp-tender and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  6. Pour in the fish-sauce mixture and toss 1 to 2 minutes until glossy, slightly sticky, and coating the chicken and zucchini; adjust with a splash of water if it tightens too much.
  7. Fluff the rice and divide between two bowls; top with the caramel-lime chicken and zucchini, then finish with cilantro and green onion greens.

Total time: 35 minutes

Estimated cost: About $12–$16 for 2 servings, plus pantry staples

Health notes: About 620 calories per serving with high protein, moderate carbs from rice, and a good serving of summer vegetables.

Drink pairing: Pair with a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the caramelized fish-sauce glaze, lime, and gentle chile heat.

Wine picks:

  • Charles Smith Wines Kungfu Girl Riesling Washington White Wine $14.99 750 ml
  • Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand White Wine $12.97 750 ml

Why it works: Both picks bring bright acidity to cut the sticky, caramelized fish‑sauce glaze while matching the dish’s lime, ginger, and gentle chile heat. Kung Fu Girl Riesling (aromatic, slightly off‑dry) tames the sweet‑salty caramel and complements ginger and cilantro; Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (zippy, herbaceous Marlborough style) highlights the lime, jalapeño chill and fresh herbs for a lively, cleansing contrast to the rice and seared chicken.