This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal packed with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this stir-fry is easy to prepare and full of nutrients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Healthy and nutritious – Loaded with lean protein and fiber-rich cabbage.
- Versatile – Easily customizable with different vegetables and seasonings.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- Green cabbage, shredded
- Carrot, julienned
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Rice vinegar
- Honey or brown sugar
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients – Slice the chicken into thin strips and shred the cabbage.
- Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics – In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add vegetables – Toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots, stirring frequently until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
- Combine everything – Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicy – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Low-carb option – Serve as is or over cauliflower rice.
- Add more vegetables – Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Use different protein – Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Gluten-free option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cook the chicken on medium-high heat without overcooking, and slice it thinly for quick cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
It pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, pre-shredded cabbage saves time and works just as well.
How do I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute with a bit of water or broth.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Absolutely! Cashews or peanuts add great texture and flavor.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but fresh vegetables will have better texture.
What oil is best for stir-frying?
Use high-smoke point oils like avocado oil, sesame oil, or peanut oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. With simple ingredients and endless variations, it’s a great addition to your weekly menu. Try it today and enjoy a nutritious, homemade stir-fry in no time!
PrintChicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious stir-fry with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for tender chicken)
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1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
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3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced (green or Napa)
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1 small carrot, julienned
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1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 green onions, chopped
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor)
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken, optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken:
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In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch (if using). Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
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Make the sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
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Cook the chicken:
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Stir-fry the veggies:
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In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
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Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Toss in the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
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Combine everything:
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Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything.
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If using cornstarch slurry, add it now and stir until the sauce thickens.
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Stir in the green onions and cook for 1 more minute.
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Serve:
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Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot on its own or over rice or noodles.
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Notes
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Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety.
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Use Napa cabbage for a softer texture or green cabbage for extra crunch.
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Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
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