If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and quick satisfaction, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is your new go-to. It’s an easy yet incredibly tasty meal where tender chicken meets crisp cabbage and a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or sharing with friends, this recipe captures the essence of home-style Chinese cooking with a simple, wholesome twist you’ll adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: the chicken provides protein and tenderness, fresh vegetables contribute crunch and sweetness, while the sauces create that unmistakable umami goodness that ties everything together beautifully.
- 2 tbsp butter (or sesame oil): Adds richness and a buttery or nutty aroma essential for stir-frying.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Lean and tender protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that enhances other spices.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick to wake up their taste buds.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Sweetness and texture that caramelize beautifully when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Pungent and flavorful, a must-have in nearly every stir-fry.
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced: Brings a pop of color and mild sweetness.
- 1 cup carrot, julienned: Adds crunch and a natural sweetness to brighten the dish.
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded: The star vegetable, providing crunch and freshness with each bite.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Classic salty, umami base for the sauce.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Deepens the flavor with a slightly sweet, earthy complexity.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: A fragrant finish that brings the entire dish together.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating butter or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken along with black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Let the chicken cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until each piece is beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. This step ensures your chicken is juicy and ready to absorb all that incredible sauce later on.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside for a moment. Using the same pan, add the sliced onions, minced garlic, bell pepper, and julienned carrots. Sauté these colorful vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just enough to release their natural sweetness but still hold their texture. Then, add the shredded cabbage and continue stir-frying for another 3 to 4 minutes. The cabbage should be tender-crisp, lending a perfect crunch.
Step 3: Combine & Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vibrant veggies. Now it’s time to bring everything together—pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and drizzle the sesame oil. Stir well to ensure every bite is soaked in the rich, savory sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld and everything is heated through perfectly. This step is where your dish truly comes alive.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Dish your Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe piping hot over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and savory sauce just begs to be devoured immediately.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish your stir-fry with some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions. These simple toppings not only look beautiful but also bring a delightful texture and mild crunch that complements the main dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this stir-fry with classic sides like fluffy jasmine rice or steamed white rice, which soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. For a lighter alternative, try serving alongside soba noodles or even a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the warmth and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning this recipe into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld twist or use it as a filling for rice paper rolls alongside fresh herbs. The versatility of the Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe means it can easily suit diverse dining styles from quick bites to plated dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a convenient and tasty option for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of cabbage might soften slightly after thawing but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the veggies juicy. Avoid microwaving directly for prolonged times to preserve the texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The core recipe is mild, but the addition of red pepper flakes gives it a nice gentle heat. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, a mix of soy sauce and a touch of hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce can provide a similar depth and sweetness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and swap out oyster sauce for a vegetarian version or extra soy sauce for a tasty vegetarian stir-fry.
How long does this stir-fry take from start to finish?
One of the best things about this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is its speed. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful. It’s fast, full of flavor, and wonderfully adaptable, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant, savory goodness that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Chinese Chicken 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: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender diced chicken breast is sautéed and combined with a colorful mix of vegetables including cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots, all coated in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a delicious balance of protein and veggies with the vibrant flavors of sesame oil and garlic.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter or sesame oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the butter or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and continue stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until the cabbage wilts and tenderizes.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Continue stir-frying for an additional 2 minutes until the dish is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. For an optional garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less spiciness.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce and check the oyster sauce ingredients.
- Adding a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or chow mein noodles.
