Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and incredibly easy to prepare. Packed with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce that brings everything together, this stir-fry is a staple of quick, home-cooked Chinese meals. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when time is short but you still want something wholesome and satisfying. Stir-frying is one of the fastest cooking techniques out there, and it preserves the freshness and crunch of the vegetables while infusing them with bold flavor.

Cabbage might seem simple, but when stir-fried with aromatic garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and succulent chicken, it transforms into something extraordinary. This recipe uses minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, making it ideal for anyone trying to cook more at home without the hassle of complicated steps.

It’s also highly versatile—you can keep it low-carb, serve it over rice or noodles, or bulk it up with other vegetables you have on hand. Best of all, the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful meal with an authentic Asian flair, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers big taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Healthy and Light: Packed with lean protein and vegetables without heavy sauces or oils.
3. Customizable: Add or swap veggies, adjust spice levels, or change the protein.
4. Flavor-Packed: A rich balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors.
5. Minimal Cleanup: One pan and a handful of ingredients mean less mess and more convenience.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breast or thighs
• Green cabbage
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Vegetable oil
• Scallions
• Optional red pepper flakes or chili paste

Variations

Spicy Version

Add chili paste, fresh chilies, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Low-Sodium

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce to cut salt levels.

Vegetarian

Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a satisfying meat-free version.

Add More Veggies

Incorporate carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy for extra nutrition.

Sweet and Savory

Add a splash of hoisin sauce or a bit of honey for a sweet twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Slice the chicken thinly and toss with a little cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2

Shred or chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 5

In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Step 6

Add cabbage and stir-fry until slightly wilted but still crisp.

Step 7

Return the chicken to the pan and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil.

Step 8

Stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice chicken thinly for quick, even cooking.
• Marinate the chicken for extra tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the cabbage—keep it slightly crunchy.
• Use high heat to achieve that signature stir-fry texture.
• Prep all ingredients in advance, as stir-frying goes fast.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed rice or jasmine rice.
• Pair with noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.
• Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
• Enjoy with a side of dumplings or a simple soup for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Not ideal due to the texture of cabbage, but cooked chicken can be frozen separately.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, it works well and saves time—just be sure it’s fresh.

2. What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless thighs are juicier, but breasts work for a leaner option.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, just skip the cornstarch and avoid serving with rice or noodles.

5. Can I meal prep this stir-fry?

Absolutely—it stores well for 2–3 days and reheats easily.

6. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

Use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar.

7. Can I cook everything together at once?

It’s best to cook the chicken first, then the veggies for proper texture.

8. How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?

Don’t overcook it, and use high heat for quick stir-frying.

9. Can I add nuts for crunch?

Yes, toasted cashews or peanuts add great texture and flavor.

10. Is this dish good for leftovers?

Yes, though cabbage will soften slightly, the flavor remains excellent.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and healthy choice for any meal. With minimal ingredients, simple preparation, and bold flavors, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade dish that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to lighten up your dinner rotation or try something new and easy, this stir-fry delivers. Fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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