Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Light, savory, and bursting with fresh flavor, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and healthy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken is cooked to perfection and tossed with crisp cabbage, garlic, and soy sauce for a simple yet deeply satisfying dish. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that’s both wholesome and packed with bold flavor—perfect over steamed rice or noodles.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Healthy & Balanced – Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich cabbage.
Budget-Friendly – Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
Low Carb Option – Naturally low in carbs and easy to adapt to keto or gluten-free.
Full of Flavor – Classic Chinese-style seasoning with garlic, ginger, and soy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
½ tsp sesame oil
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Stir Fry:
1½ tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:
2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
½ tsp sugar (optional)
2 tbsp water

Tools You’ll Need
Wok or large skillet
Mixing bowls
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Grater for ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and pepper.
Mix well and let sit for 10–15 minutes while prepping vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sugar (if using), and water. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add remaining oil to the wok.
Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cabbage and carrots and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Add green onions and stir for another minute.

Step 5: Combine & Sauce It
Return chicken to the wok.
Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly.
Cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Slice Chicken Thin – It cooks faster and soaks up the marinade.
Use a Hot Wok – High heat gives a quick sear and prevents soggy veggies.
Don’t Overcook – Keep the cabbage slightly crisp for texture.
Add Crunch – Sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for garnish.
Make it Spicy – Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh red chilies.

Serving Suggestions
With Steamed Rice – Jasmine, brown, or cauliflower rice all work well.
Over Noodles – Soba or rice noodles are great bases.
With Dumplings – A delicious pairing for a fuller meal.
As Meal Prep – Portion into containers for easy lunches.
Low-Carb Bowl – Skip the rice and double the cabbage for a lighter version.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken and cabbage stir-fry in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
   Yes—boneless thighs are flavorful and stay juicy.
2. Can I skip the oyster sauce?
   You can use more soy sauce or add hoisin for sweetness.
3. What cabbage is best?
   Green cabbage is classic, but Napa cabbage also works well.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free tamari and a GF-certified oyster sauce to make it safe.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
   Definitely—try mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is simple, fast, and packed with the kind of fresh, savory flavor you crave. With crisp-tender veggies, juicy chicken, and a light soy-based sauce, it’s a dish you can enjoy on a busy weeknight or as a meal prep favorite. Serve it your way and savor every bite!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese / Weeknight Stir-Fry

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 4):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Sodium: 550mg

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