Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Name: Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced; 4 cups green cabbage, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced or grated; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Posted on May 16, 2025

Healthy Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry in 25 Minutes

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is your go-to! With tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce, it’s the perfect balance of hearty and fresh. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a speedy lunch. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this simple recipe delivers bold, comforting flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is everything you want in a quick meal—flavorful, fresh, and foolproof. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat a little healthier without sacrificing taste. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and you can find them at almost any grocery store. Plus, it’s super versatile: use it as a base for meal prep, serve it over rice, or enjoy it on its own for a light, low-carb dinner.

Ingredients

You won’t need anything fancy to make this stir-fry—just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together for big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

This stir-fry comes together in one pan and just a few easy steps. Let’s get cooking!

Prep everything first: Thinly slice your chicken and chop the cabbage. Mince the garlic and ginger so everything’s ready to go—stir-frying moves fast!
Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still a little crisp.
Combine everything: Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), vinegar, and sugar. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

This stir-fry is the ultimate quick-fix meal that’s perfect for busy days or lazy nights. It makes about 3 to 4 servings, depending on your portion size and what you serve it with. Pair it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it as-is for a lighter option.

Here’s how the timing breaks down:

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

Tips and Variations

Want to make this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry your own? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:

Add veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and crunch.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Go low-carb: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or just enjoy it on its own.
Swap the protein: Try it with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Boost the flavor: A drizzle of hoisin sauce or a splash of chicken broth can deepen the taste.
Garnish fun: Top with chopped peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Storage

Leftovers? No problem—this stir-fry stores like a champ!

Fridge: Let the stir-fry cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, but the cabbage might lose a bit of its crunch. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
Yes! Purple cabbage works just as well and adds a fun pop of color.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be—just use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and skip the oyster sauce or find a gluten-free version.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well and makes a great meal-prep option for lunch or dinner during the week.

4. What kind of chicken is best for stir-fry?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Just slice them thinly for quick, even cooking.

5. How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?
Don’t overcook it! Stir-fry quickly on high heat to keep it crisp-tender.

6. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut—just be sure to stir-fry it quickly to avoid overcooking.

7. What can I serve this with?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps are all tasty pairing options!

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, it’s a healthy, tasty option that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With just a few fresh ingredients and one pan, you’re on your way to a better-than-takeout dinner at home.

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