Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Fast, flavorful, and full of crunch, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is your go-to recipe for a wholesome meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breast, tender-crisp cabbage, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce come together in one sizzling skillet. It’s fresh, healthy, and perfect for weeknight dinners that won’t leave you with a pile of dishes.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – A healthy dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Crisp & Juicy – Cabbage stays vibrant while chicken is perfectly tender.
One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup for busy nights.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice.
Naturally Gluten-Free Friendly – Just sub in tamari or coconut aminos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
• 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp water
• ½ tsp chili flakes or chili paste (optional, for heat)

Optional Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Grater or zester

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and pepper.
2. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while prepping the vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, water, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken
4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies
6. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
7. Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onion. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Add cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine & Finish
9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
10. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add the green parts of the green onions just before serving.

Step 6: Serve It Hot
12. Spoon into bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and lime wedges if desired.
13. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own as a low-carb meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Slice Ingredients Evenly – For quick, uniform cooking.
High Heat is Key – Keeps the veggies crisp and the chicken juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
Pre-Mix Sauce – Stir-fry moves fast, so have everything ready.
Use a Wok if You Can – Ideal for stir-frying with high, even heat.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine Rice – Classic and fluffy.
Brown Rice or Quinoa – For a healthier grain option.
Rice Noodles or Glass Noodles – Adds a slurpy texture.
Asian Slaw – A crisp, refreshing side dish.
Hot Tea or Sparkling Water – Light and refreshing to pair with stir fry.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
   Yes, it saves time and works great! Just be sure it’s fresh and not too finely shredded.
2. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
   Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little extra honey makes a good alternative.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely. Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
4. Can I make it spicy?
   Yes! Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
5. What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
   Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, avocado, or peanut oil.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, fresh, and flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your home kitchen. With juicy chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a balanced meal that checks all the boxes—quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your stir fry turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 580mg

Print