Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Savory, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast and wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender slices of chicken and crisp cabbage tossed in a garlic-ginger soy sauce, this one-pan dish delivers all the umami goodness you love from your favorite takeout—without the wait or added oil. Serve it over rice or noodles for a nourishing, delicious dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Flavorful – Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep.
Healthy & Balanced – Lean protein, crisp veggies, and bold flavors.
Simple Ingredients – No hard-to-find sauces or exotic spices.
One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and perfect for meal prep.
Customizable – Add your favorite stir fry veggies or adjust heat to taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
• ½ small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
• ½ tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• Extra green onions for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Grater for ginger
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let it marinate while you prep the vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili sauce (if using), and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil.
4. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies
5. In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add cabbage and carrots, and stir fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
7. Add green onions and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine & Sauce
8. Return chicken to the pan.
9. Pour in the sauce and toss everything to coat.
10. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is well mixed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
11. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Top with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Slice Chicken Thinly – Ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage – It should stay crisp and vibrant.
Use a Hot Pan – A hot wok gives you the best stir fry texture.
Add Other Veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas work great.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and store for easy lunches or dinners.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice – The classic base to soak up sauce.
Egg Fried Rice – Adds extra flavor and protein.
Chow Mein Noodles – Toss the stir fry with cooked noodles for a new twist.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing side to cool down the heat.
Wonton Soup – For a full takeout-inspired meal at home.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use red or Napa cabbage instead of green?
   Yes! Napa cabbage is softer and cooks faster, while red cabbage adds a pop of color.
2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
   You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of Worcestershire.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
4. Can I add tofu instead of chicken?
   Absolutely. Pan-fried tofu is a great vegetarian alternative.
5. How do I make it spicier?
   Add extra chili garlic sauce or a few crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is quick, colorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy nights when you need something nutritious and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings all the stir-fry flavor you love, made fresh in your own kitchen. Crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and that savory garlic-ginger sauce will keep you coming back for more.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your delicious stir fry creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 580mg

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