Sometimes, you need a dish that’s not just delicious but also quick to whip up on a busy weeknight. Enter the Chinese chicken cabbage stir fry, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors that dance on your palate. The tender chicken mingles with crunchy cabbage, all coated in a savory sauce that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

This recipe is more than just food; it’s a reminder of family dinners where laughter echoed as we devoured every last bite. Perfect for those moments when you want something satisfying yet uncomplicated, this stir fry will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chinese chicken cabbage stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The balance of crispy vegetables and tender chicken creates a delightful texture
- It’s visually appealing, with bright greens and golden chicken pieces
- Versatile enough to add any vegetables you have on hand or serve over rice or noodles
There was that time when I made this stir fry for my friends during our movie night. Each bite had them nodding in approval, and by the end of the evening, I was dubbed the “Stir Fry Queen.” Who knew cabbage could earn me such a reputation?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; feel free to adjust based on how hungry your crowd is.
-
Fresh Cabbage: Choose crisp green cabbage; it adds crunch and absorbs flavors beautifully.
-
Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for sweetness and visual appeal; they brighten up your dish.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for flavor; chop them finely to release their magic.
-
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; peel and grate it for the best results.
-
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep control over the saltiness.
-
Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil at the end brings a nutty aroma; don’t skip it!
-
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness; sprinkle them on top before serving.
-
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce slightly and give it that glossy finish; mix with water before adding.
-
Rice or Noodles (optional): Serve over steamed rice or cooked noodles for a heartier meal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces; aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Slice your cabbage, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger while enjoying their fresh aromas.
Heat Up Your Wok or Pan: Place a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some oil. Wait until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact.
Add the Chicken First: Toss in the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they turn golden brown and no longer pink in the center. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes—don’t forget to smell that amazing aroma!
Toss in Vegetables Next: Add your chopped cabbage, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry everything together until the veggies are just tender but still crisp—around 3-4 minutes should do it.
Add Sauce Magic!: Pour in soy sauce mixed with cornstarch and a splash of sesame oil into your pan. Stir everything well until each piece is coated with that savory goodness—this will take about 1-2 minutes.
Finish with Green Onions: Finally, toss in chopped green onions right before serving. They add freshness and bright color to your dish—enjoy their delightful crunch!
Serve this Chinese chicken cabbage stir fry hot over rice or noodles and watch everyone dig into seconds!
And there you have it—a simple yet flavorful meal ready in no time! Enjoy every mouthful of this easy-to-make dish that brings smiles around the dinner table.
You Must Know
- This delicious Chinese chicken cabbage stir fry is not just quick; it packs a flavor punch
- The combination of tender chicken and crisp cabbage creates a delightful texture
- Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then stir-fry the chicken until golden before adding the cabbage and sauce for perfectly cooked veggies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cabbage for bok choy or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more crunch and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Chinese chicken cabbage stir fry is all about balance; ensure your sauce complements rather than overpowers the fresh ingredients
- A quick sear helps retain moisture in the chicken while enhancing the flavors significantly
- Always taste as you go for best results!
Sharing this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop asking for seconds. The laughter and compliments made all the chopping worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Try coconut aminos or tamari as excellent alternatives to soy sauce.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking for an extra kick.
Quick and Flavorful Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
This Chinese chicken cabbage stir fry is a vibrant, quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken mingles with crunchy cabbage and colorful bell peppers in a savory soy sauce blend, all ready in just 30 minutes. With its delightful textures and fresh flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, making every dinner feel special.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
- 4 cups fresh green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Cooked rice or noodles (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and prepare the vegetables by slicing the cabbage and bell peppers and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil until hot.
- Add the chicken to the pan; stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Toss in the cabbage, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender yet crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce mixture, stirring well for about 1-2 minutes until everything is evenly coated.
- Finish with green onions on top just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup stir fry (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Leave a Comment