Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Light, savory, and full of texture, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and healthy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken is tossed with tender-crisp cabbage and flavored with a rich garlic soy sauce that’s both comforting and energizing. Whether served over steamed rice or enjoyed on its own, this stir fry is a weeknight winner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Healthy & Hearty – Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich cabbage.
Budget-Friendly – Simple ingredients with bold flavors.
Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or spice it up.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Great reheated for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Garnish & Serving:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Sesame seeds
• Extra green onion tops

Tools You’ll Need
Wok or large skillet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add sesame oil.
Sauté the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the sliced cabbage and carrots.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until cabbage starts to soften but still has some crunch.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and cabbage evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onion tops.
Serve hot over rice or noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.

Tips for the Best Stir Fry
Slice Ingredients Evenly – Helps everything cook quickly and uniformly.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage – Keep it slightly crisp for the best texture.
High Heat is Key – It sears the ingredients and locks in flavor.
Prep Ahead – Stir fries come together fast, so have everything ready before cooking.
Add Variety – Try adding mushrooms, snap peas, or bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions
Over Rice – Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work well.
With Noodles – Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty meal.
On Its Own – A light, low-carb option full of flavor.
With Dumplings – Pair with steamed dumplings or spring rolls.
As a Lettuce Wrap – Spoon into butter lettuce leaves for a fresh twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in freezer-safe 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 between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other proteins?
Yes! Shrimp, beef, tofu, or even ground chicken work well in this recipe.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

4. What kind of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage holds up well, but Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage also work.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—make the stir fry and store it for up to 4 days in the fridge. Great for meal prep.

Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is everything a stir fry should be—fast, flavorful, and loaded with nutritious ingredients. The tender chicken and crisp cabbage come together with a savory-sweet sauce that makes this a meal you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for something fresh and satisfying, this recipe hits the spot.

Try it tonight and see how easy it is to bring delicious, homemade stir fry to your table!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 560mg

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