Craving a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner? This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is light yet flavorful. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a protein-rich meal without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and easily adaptable to your taste preferences.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and filling: Lean protein with nutrient-rich vegetables.
- Customizable: Swap or add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Family-friendly: Mild but flavorful enough for everyone to enjoy.
- Great for meal prep: Stays fresh and reheats well.
📝 What Do You Need to Prepare Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry?
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs | 1 lb (450 g), sliced thinly |
| Green cabbage | 4 cups, shredded |
| Carrot (optional) | 1 medium, julienned |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves, minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tbsp, grated |
| Soy sauce (low sodium) | 3 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp (mixed with 2 tbsp water) |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Green onions | 2 stalks, chopped |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
👨🍳 How to Make Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Step-by-Step ?
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Slice chicken thinly, shred cabbage, julienne carrots, mince garlic, and grate ginger. Keep everything ready for a fast stir fry.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Mix chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Heat the wok or skillet
Add vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until just cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the vegetables
In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 5: Combine and finish
Return chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Toss everything until well-coated and sauce slightly thickens. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
🔄 Variations
One of the best things about stir fry recipes is their flexibility. Here are some ways to make this dish your own:
- Protein swaps: Use shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for different flavors.
- Vegetable upgrades: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn.
- Spicy kick: Stir in chili paste, Sriracha, or fresh red chilies for heat.
- Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve alone.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
🍳 Cooking Note
The key to a successful stir fry is high heat and quick cooking. Make sure your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start. A heavy wok or skillet gives the best results, but any large non-stick pan works.
Thinly sliced chicken cooks faster and stays tender. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir fry hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Top with sesame seeds or drizzle with extra sesame oil for flavor. It’s also great in lettuce wraps for a light, low-carb option.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness.
- Keep vegetables slightly crunchy for texture.
- Make extra sauce if you like it saucy.
- Use cold leftover rice for a stir fry twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; lasts 3 days in the fridge.
⭐ Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for authentic flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; remove as soon as it’s done.
- Shred cabbage evenly to ensure quick cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
- A splash of chicken broth can make it juicier.
⏱ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cook and store in airtight containers. Reheat in a pan for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended; cabbage gets soggy.
Q: What’s the best oil?
Any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works.
🏁 Conclusion
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect quick dinner packed with flavor, nutrients, and customizable options. With minimal effort and simple pantry ingredients, it’s an easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Try it tonight and make weeknight cooking stress-free and delicious!
