There’s something incredibly satisfying about a quick, flavorful stir fry that bursts with fresh veggies and tender protein, and this Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe hits that mark beautifully. Combining crunchy cabbage, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy chicken slices all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious meal on the table fast. It’s colorful, nourishing, and packs a punch of flavor you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients form the heart of this dish, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the tender chicken to the crunchy vegetables and aromatic sauces, every component shines and works together harmoniously.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 small head of cabbage: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and mild sweetness.
- 1 large carrot: Julienned to bring bright color and a natural sweetness.
- 1 bell pepper: Thinly sliced to contribute juicy flavor and vibrant color.
- 3 green onions: Chopped for a sharp, fresh garnish that wakes up the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the stir fry with fragrant warmth.
- Soy sauce: Gives a salty umami backbone to the dish.
- Oyster sauce: Offers rich, savory depth and a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasted, nutty aroma for complexity.
- Vegetable oil: Used for stir frying, keeping everything nicely seared.
- Ground ginger: Brings a zesty, spicy lift that complements the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a little crunch and visual appeal for the finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips so they cook quickly and evenly. Then, thinly slice the cabbage to keep it tender but crisp, julienne the carrot to match the texture, and slice the bell pepper into thin strips for a colorful pop. Preparing everything ahead is key to a smooth stir fry process.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan to get that perfect sear. Once done, set the chicken aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant—this step is essential to build flavor depth. Next, add the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry these until they’re tender yet have a bit of crunch left, about 3 to 4 minutes, giving your dish that satisfying texture.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies and drizzle in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Sprinkle ground ginger over everything and give the pan a thorough stir so the sauce perfectly coats every piece. Let it heat through for another couple of minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, scatter chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and striking presentation. This final step lifts the dish, making it both appetizing and tasty.
How to Serve Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding green onions and sesame seeds as garnish makes this stir fry look appealing and adds a delicate crunch. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or fresh cilantro for an herbal twist.
Side Dishes
This Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is excellent served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all those luscious sauces. For a low-carb option, enjoy it alongside cauliflower rice or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh, light bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve this stir fry in individual bowls made from halved and hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive look. Alternatively, stack it over crispy noodles or toss it with cooked noodles for a stir fry noodle bowl variation that’s equally delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers or bags. Keep in mind that the texture of the cabbage might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain tasty. Consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until steaming hot. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen up any thickened sauce and keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more moisture and richness to the stir fry. Just slice them thinly and cook until nicely browned and fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar and a splash of fish sauce to mimic that savory-sweet flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and oyster sauce or suitable alternatives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Snow peas, broccoli florets, or snap peas would be fantastic additions to this stir fry. Just add them at the same time as the cabbage to keep the cooking times consistent.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a dash of chili garlic sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is a true winner in the world of quick, healthy dinners packed with fresh flavors and satisfying textures. It’s straightforward to prepare yet delivers that crave-worthy combination of tender chicken and crisp veggies in a savory sauce. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!
Print
Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast, crisp cabbage, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce blend of soy, oyster, and sesame oils. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- Soy sauce, 3 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons
- Ground ginger, 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Slice and Prepare Vegetables: Thinly slice the chicken breasts. Thinly slice the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the bell pepper to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining some crunch for texture.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauces and cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make it a full meal.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
