Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is exactly what you need! With tender pieces of chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce that brings all the right flavors together, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s light yet filling, full of fresh ingredients, and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This recipe is more than just a quick meal—it’s packed with all the qualities you want in a dish. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Easy: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthy and Delicious: With lean chicken and plenty of cabbage, this dish is a great way to get your veggies in without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the stir-fry sauce is simple but incredibly tasty.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and crisp cabbage.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or add extra spice to suit your preferences. It’s a versatile dish that can change with the seasons or what you have in your fridge.
• Family-Friendly: It’s one of those meals that everyone—kids and adults alike—will love. It’s hearty but light, making it perfect for all ages.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty stir-fry:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken, cut into strips or small pieces. Breasts are lean, but thighs add a juicy richness to the dish.
• Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. It adds crunch and sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the stir-fry its aromatic, savory base.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Soy Sauce: A must-have for stir-fries! It provides the salty, umami flavor that ties everything together.
• Sesame Oil: Just a small amount brings a toasty, nutty flavor that’s perfect in stir-fries.
• Honey or Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory and salty notes of the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a bit of tang to brighten up the flavors.
• Green Onions: For garnish and an extra burst of flavor.
• Cornstarch: To help thicken the stir-fry sauce and make it glossy.
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.

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

Instructions

Let’s jump into the cooking process:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken into thin strips or small cubes. Shred or chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.

2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), cornstarch, and a bit of water. Set this mixture aside; this is the sauce that will coat the chicken and cabbage.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chicken to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Cabbage and Aromatics

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to wilt but still retains a little crunch.

5. Combine Everything and Add the Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the cabbage. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the mixture and toss to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined, give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (you can add more soy sauce for salt or honey for sweetness). Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This dish is versatile and can be served in several ways. Here are a few ideas:

• With Rice: Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice—white, brown, or jasmine rice are all great options.
• On Its Own: For a lighter meal, enjoy it as-is without the rice.
• With Noodles: Toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles for a comforting noodle stir-fry.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a fun and lighter option, wrap the stir-fry in fresh lettuce leaves and enjoy it as a healthy, crunchy wrap.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you love spice, add a pinch of chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry sauce.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for more color and flavor.
• Meal Prep: This stir-fry stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can easily reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat for the best results.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cabbage?
A1: Fresh cabbage is ideal, but if you have frozen cabbage, you can still use it. Just note that frozen cabbage tends to release more moisture, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to avoid it becoming too soggy.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to create a delicious vegetarian stir-fry.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Absolutely! If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, simply double the ingredients. You may need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Stir-fries don’t freeze the best, especially when cabbage is involved, as it can become mushy when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture separately and stir-fry fresh cabbage when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s packed with healthy ingredients, full of vibrant flavors, and comes together in no time—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. So, grab your wok and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Print