Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Introduction

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. This one-pan recipe features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with crunchy cabbage, all coated in a bold, savory sauce with Asian-inspired flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal in a hurry.

The crisp texture of the cabbage pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken, while the sauce—made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness—adds a rich depth of flavor. You can customize the stir-fry by adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for even more color and nutrients.

Serve this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! It’s wholesome, easy to make, and packed with bold flavors.

Perfect for:

Busy weeknights
Healthy meal prep
A low-carb, high-protein dinner
Quick and flavorful meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry:

Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep and clean-up.
Nutritious: Loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich cabbage, and flavorful aromatics.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the flavors to your taste.
Low-Carb Friendly: Perfect for those looking for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein, fiber, vitamins

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breast: A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Cabbage: Adds a crunchy texture and absorbs the stir-fry flavors.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Create the savory, umami-rich base of the dish.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the richness of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat the Pan:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

Sauté the Veggies:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Combine Everything:

Add the Sauce and Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and heated through.
Garnish & Serve:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own.

How to Serve

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is versatile and can be served in many ways:

Over Steamed Rice: Pair it with white or brown rice for a classic stir-fry meal.
With Noodles: Toss it with cooked noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.
Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it on its own or serve over cauliflower rice.
As a Meal Prep: Divide into containers with your favorite side for easy lunches.

Additional Tips

Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your wok or pan is preheated until very hot before adding the ingredients to ensure a good sear.
Prep Ingredients First: Since stir-frying is fast-paced, chop and measure all ingredients before you start cooking to avoid overcooking anything.
Slice Chicken Thinly: Slice the chicken into thin, even strips against the grain. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays tender.
Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil. This adds flavor and helps keep it juicy.
Dry the Cabbage: After washing, ensure the cabbage is thoroughly dried to prevent excess water from steaming the stir-fry instead of frying it.
Add Aromatics First: Sauté aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions first in hot oil to release their fragrance, creating a flavorful base.
Cook Chicken in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan by cooking the chicken in batches. This helps it brown properly rather than steam.
Use Oyster Sauce or Hoisin: Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a rich, savory depth of flavor to complement the soy sauce.
Balance Texture: Include a variety of vegetables (like carrots or bell peppers) to add color and crunch alongside the cabbage.
Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle a little sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma and authentic flavor. Avoid cooking sesame oil at high heat, as it can burn easily.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Szechuan Style: Incorporate the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine by adding 1-2 teaspoons of Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies to your stir-fry. For extra heat, mix in a splash of chili oil along with soy sauce. This creates a numbing and spicy flavor profile that pairs perfectly with cabbage.
Garlic Ginger Blast: For a more aromatic dish, double the amount of minced garlic and ginger in the recipe. These ingredients infuse the stir-fry with a robust flavor. Finish the dish by garnishing with sliced scallions for an extra layer of freshness.
Sweet and Sour: Add a tangy-sweet twist by mixing pineapple chunks into the stir-fry. Create a sauce using vinegar, ketchup, and sugar to coat the chicken and cabbage. To make it more colorful, include red and green bell peppers.
Low-Carb Keto-Friendly: Make this stir-fry keto-friendly by replacing soy sauce with coconut aminos and skipping any sweeteners. Use sesame oil to enhance the flavor and keep the dish light and carb-conscious.
Peanut Butter Fusion: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter or a creamy peanut sauce for a nutty and rich flavor. This variation works beautifully with chicken and cabbage. Top with crushed peanuts and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a garnish.
Miso-Ginger Twist: Add 1-2 teaspoons of white miso paste to the sauce for a savory, umami-rich flavor. Balance the dish with a splash of rice vinegar and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Cashew Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry: Introduce a delightful crunch by tossing roasted cashews into the stir-fry. For added texture and flavor, mix in sliced water chestnuts and crisp snap peas.
Teriyaki Style: Replace the traditional soy sauce with teriyaki sauce to create a sweeter, richer dish. Enhance the sweetness with a drizzle of honey or brown sugar. Finish the stir-fry with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for visual appeal.
Vegetable-Heavy Variation: Transform the stir-fry into a veggie-packed dish by adding mushrooms, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or bok choy. Reduce the amount of chicken to let the vegetables shine, creating a more balanced and colorful dish.
Lemongrass & Lime: Bring a citrusy brightness to the stir-fry by finely chopping lemongrass and zesting a lime into the dish. For a finishing touch, squeeze fresh lime juice over the stir-fry and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This stir-fry can be frozen, but the vegetables may lose some texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment

Wok or Large Skillet: For quick, high-heat cooking.
Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and vegetables thinly and evenly.
Whisk: To easily mix the sauce ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative as they are slightly more flavorful and juicy.
What other vegetables can I use?
You can use mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini—whatever you have on hand!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat just before serving.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
Slice the chicken thinly against the grain for tender, bite-sized pieces that cook quickly.

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender chicken and crisp cabbage come together in a savory, umami-packed sauce, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Ready in just minutes, this stir-fry is a great way to enjoy a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to make it even more colorful and nutritious. For a low-carb option, enjoy it on its own, or pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal. The customizable nature of this stir-fry makes it easy to adapt to your preferences and dietary needs.

This recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. It’s fast, full of fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavor. Once you try this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that delivers on taste and convenience every time!