Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

The chicken in this stir-fry takes on a delightful golden crispness, while the cabbage softens just enough to add a tender bite, soaking up all the savory goodness of the sauce. There’s a beautiful balance between the richness of the chicken and the light, slightly sweet crunch of cabbage. The garlic and ginger infuse the dish with that warm, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen and gets your mouth watering. As the vegetables cook, they release a subtle sweetness that complements the soy sauce, while the sesame oil ties it all together with a hint of nuttiness.

I love the way this dish comes together so quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something healthy and satisfying. And here’s the best part: this stir-fry is versatile! You can toss in extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas if you’re craving more crunch and color. I’ve even swapped the cabbage for bok choy once and it was just as delicious. There’s no need to stick to a rigid recipe—just have fun with it and let your ingredients shine.

The leftovers? Even better the next day. The flavors meld together as they sit, and it makes for a quick, delicious lunch. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself looking forward to those tasty bites just as much as the first time you served it.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This dish is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in building that irresistible, comforting taste, while also keeping things light and healthy. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this stir-fry so delicious!

• Chicken Breast
  The star of the show, chicken breast brings a juicy, tender protein that soaks up the flavors of the sauce while staying light and lean. It’s perfect for adding substance without feeling heavy.
• Cabbage
  Cabbage gives the dish its signature crunch and sweetness. As it cooks, it softens just enough to absorb all the savory sauce, adding both texture and a light, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic
  Garlic is the aromatic foundation of the stir-fry. It brings that savory, fragrant punch that makes the whole kitchen smell absolutely irresistible. It pairs perfectly with the ginger, creating a warm and cozy base.
• Ginger
  Fresh ginger adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the chicken and ties everything together with its unique, refreshing flavor. It gives the dish that unmistakable depth and warmth.
• Soy Sauce
  Soy sauce delivers that classic umami flavor we all crave in a stir-fry. It gives the dish a salty, savory base that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies, making everything taste just a little more indulgent.
• Sesame Oil
  A drizzle of sesame oil brings a beautiful nuttiness to the dish, rounding out the flavor profile. It adds richness and depth, giving every bite a subtle, savory finish that lingers.
• Rice Vinegar
  A touch of rice vinegar brightens the whole dish, adding a mild acidity that helps balance the richness of the soy sauce and sesame oil. It brings everything into harmony, leaving your taste buds feeling satisfied yet refreshed.
• Green Onion
  Green onions aren’t just for garnish—they add a mild, fresh onion flavor that enhances the overall taste and gives a pop of color to the stir-fry. They also bring a bit of crunch, which is always a welcome texture in a stir-fry.

Each of these ingredients plays a pivotal role in creating a dish that is both simple and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making this for a quick dinner or enjoying the leftovers, these key ingredients make every bite a delight!

How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

STEP 1: Prepare the ingredients.
Start by thinly slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized strips. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Next, chop the cabbage into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger finely—this ensures they release all their flavor when cooked. Slice the green onion into thin rounds, keeping the white and green parts separate.

STEP 2: Heat the pan.
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and allow it to heat up until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough that it sizzles when you add the chicken.

STEP 3: Cook the chicken.
Add the chicken strips to the hot pan in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to develop a nice golden crust. Once the chicken is browned on one side, stir it around to cook the other sides until it’s fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

STEP 4: Sauté the garlic and ginger.
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and golden. This creates a flavorful base for the stir-fry.

STEP 5: Add the cabbage.
Add the chopped cabbage to the pan, tossing it with the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, just until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains a bit of crunch. You want it to soak up all that delicious garlic-ginger flavor.

STEP 6: Return the chicken to the pan.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the cabbage. Give everything a good toss to combine and reheat the chicken.

STEP 7: Season the stir-fry.
Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse the chicken and cabbage with flavor.

STEP 8: Garnish and serve.
Once the stir-fry is cooked to perfection, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top. Serve it immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite of this savory, crispy, and satisfying dish!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Serve with Steamed Rice
  This stir-fry is already packed with so much flavor, and it loves to be paired with a simple side of steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the savory sauce, giving you that perfect bite with each mouthful. You can even use brown rice or jasmine rice for a little extra fragrance and texture.
• Wrap It Up
  Want to switch things up? Grab some lettuce leaves and turn this stir-fry into a fun, low-carb wrap! The crisp lettuce adds a fresh crunch and helps balance out the richness of the dish. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy it as a light, handheld meal.
• Top with a Fried Egg
  If you’re looking to take this stir-fry to the next level, top it with a perfectly fried egg. The runny yolk mixes with the savory flavors, creating an extra layer of richness that you won’t be able to resist. It’s simple but adds that “wow” factor to the dish!

How to Store Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and I bet you will!), storing your chicken cabbage stir-fry properly is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. I love knowing that I’ve got a tasty meal ready to go for the next day, and with a few simple steps, you can preserve that amazing flavor.

First, make sure the stir-fry has cooled down before storing it. Let it sit at room temperature for no more than 30 minutes to avoid any risk of bacteria growth. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors locked in and prevent the dish from drying out.

For the best results, store your chicken cabbage stir-fry in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. The cabbage will soften a bit more as it sits, but the flavor only gets better as it melds together. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

If you want to keep it around a little longer, you can freeze the stir-fry. Let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop. The texture of the cabbage may change slightly, but the flavor will still be there, making it a great option for a busy day when you need a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a simple, yet incredibly flavorful Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry that comes together in no time. With its crispy chicken, tender cabbage, and savory sauce, this dish is the perfect balance of light and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or saving the leftovers for a quick lunch the next day, this stir-fry will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

I hope you’re feeling inspired to give it a try in your own kitchen! Don’t be afraid to get creative with it, too—add in whatever veggies you have on hand and make it your own. I’d love to hear how it turns out, or if you have any questions along the way. Feel free to drop a comment or let me know how it went if you try the recipe. Cooking is always more fun when we can share our experiences, and I’m here to help if you need anything!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Print Recipe

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried to golden perfection, paired with crisp, vibrant cabbage that soaks up a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. A satisfying, healthy dish with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced

• 4 cups cabbage, shredded

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ cup carrots, julienned

• ¹⁄₄ cup green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

Instructions

1. Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts to the pan.
3. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
5. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger.
6. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir well to combine.
8. Cook the cabbage for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
9. Add the julienned carrots to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
10. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, honey, and water.
11. Pour the sauce mixture over the cabbage and carrots, stirring to coat evenly.
12. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together.
13. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and the flavors to combine.
14. Add the chopped green onions and stir everything together for another minute.
15. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding extra soy sauce or honey if desired.
16. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Note

• You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
• For extra crunch, add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts as a topping.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the honey by an extra tablespoon.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Keywords: chicken cabbage stir-fry recipe, easy chicken stir-fry with cabbage, healthy cabbage stir-fry, quick chicken cabbage stir-fry, low-carb chicken cabbage stir-fry