Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and oh-so-flavorful dish, look no further than this Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry! It’s got all the good stuff: tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce that ties everything together in the most satisfying way. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for those nights when you need something fast, but still packed with flavor and nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious, one-pan meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Trust me, this one will become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner idea.
• Healthy & Light: Packed with lean chicken and lots of fresh cabbage, this stir-fry is low in calories but high in nutrients. It’s a great way to get your veggies in without feeling heavy.
• Full of Flavor: The stir-fry sauce—made with soy sauce, garlic, and a little ginger—adds tons of flavor without being overpowering. It’s simple, but incredibly tasty.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess to clean up and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the veggies to your liking! You can add carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish—tender, juicy, and easy to cook.
• Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage is the star of the show. It adds crunch and absorbs the flavors of the stir-fry sauce beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish a wonderful savory aroma and flavor.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a little zing and depth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and veggies.

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor to the dish.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and enhance the flavors.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a hint of tang that really brightens up the dish.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way, adding that nutty, fragrant undertone that makes stir-fries irresistible.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a bit of heat, if you like things spicy!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this simple and delicious stir-fry? Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Cabbage

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the cabbage. Pour the stir-fry sauce over everything and toss to coat. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to soak into the chicken and cabbage.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is coated in the sauce and heated through, it’s ready to serve! Garnish with some sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if you like, and enjoy your tasty, healthy stir-fry!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280

• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 30g
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 10% DV
• Potassium: 9% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry

This stir-fry pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• With Rice: Serve the stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With Noodles: If you’re craving noodles, try this stir-fry with soba noodles or rice noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
• With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the savory stir-fry.
• As a Low-Carb Option: If you’re watching carbs, this stir-fry is hearty enough to enjoy on its own without any rice or noodles.

Additional Tips

• Cut the Cabbage Thin: For the best texture, shred the cabbage into thin strips. This will help it cook faster and absorb more of the sauce.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for added crunch and color.
• Make it Spicy: If you like your stir-fry with a bit of a kick, add some chili paste or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce for an extra boost of heat.
• Meal Prep: This stir-fry is great for meal prepping! Just store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer darker meat. They’re flavorful and juicy, and will work perfectly in this stir-fry.

Q2: Can I use frozen cabbage?
A2: It’s best to use fresh cabbage for this recipe, as frozen cabbage tends to get too soft and mushy when cooked.

Q3: Can I substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free option?
A3: Yes! You can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prep the chicken, cabbage, and sauce in advance, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply stir-fry everything together.

Q5: Can I freeze this stir-fry?
A5: It’s best to avoid freezing stir-fried dishes like this, as the cabbage may become soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 1 month.

Q6: Can I add more sauce?
A6: Of course! If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. Just make sure you have enough cabbage and chicken to balance it out.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
A7: Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure everything stays crisp and fresh.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without ginger?
A8: Yes! If you’re not a fan of ginger, you can leave it out or replace it with a small amount of ground ginger for a milder flavor.

Q9: How can I make this stir-fry spicier?
A9: To add more heat, try adding fresh chopped chilies, chili paste, or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the ultimate quick-and-easy weeknight meal. Packed with protein, veggies, and loads of flavor, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. So next time you’re craving something simple yet delicious, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make, and how quickly it becomes a family favorite!

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