Hey y’all! If you’re craving a dinner that combines juicy chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a savory sauce—all made in under 30 minutes—this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is about to become your new favorite! It’s a fast, healthy, and flavor-packed option perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or meal prepping ahead. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for speedy weeknight meals.
- Packed with lean protein and fiber for a nutritious, balanced plate.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or different protein options.
- Family-friendly flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
- Great for leftovers and meal prepping—tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- 2 large chicken breasts (~1 pound), cut into thin strips
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or sliced thin
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions: How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, slice the onion, and prep the garlic and ginger.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil and the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with black pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil, then toss in onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cabbage and carrots, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 4: Combine and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring well to coat. Drizzle the cornstarch-water mixture into the pan, and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish your Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or on its own!
Notes & Tips for Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Slice chicken evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
- Toss your wok ingredients continually for the best crisp-tender texture. Learn stir fry fundamentals at Bon Appétit.
- Use a quality soy sauce for maximum umami—see Serious Eats: High-Quality Soy Sauce for tips!
Variations: Make This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Your Own
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir fry sauce.
- Low-Carb: Swap carrots for bell peppers or broccoli florets.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
Required Equipment for Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Wok or large nonstick skillet
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Wooden spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For meal prep, portion with rice in individual containers. Avoid freezing, as cabbage can become soggy when thawed.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with jasmine or brown rice, quinoa, or Asian-style noodles.
- Add a side of homemade miso soup for a light starter.
- Pair with a crunchy Asian slaw or lightly pickled veggies for a refreshing bite.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Get your pan hot before adding the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors—see this Cook’s Illustrated stir fry guide.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for a perfect sear.
- Add a splash of water if the stir fry looks dry—cabbage will soak up sauce quickly.
Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry FAQ
- Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
- Absolutely! Red cabbage adds a pop of color and similar texture.
- Can I make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry ahead of time?
- Yes, it stores well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free tamari and oyster sauce alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cups (300 g) green cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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2Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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3Add cabbage, carrot, and red bell pepper. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
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4Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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5Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles, if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
260cal
Protein:
27 gg
Fat:
12 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
13 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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