Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect weeknight dinner—simple, nutritious, and packed with bold flavors. This dish combines tender, flavorful chicken with crisp cabbage and colorful vegetables, all tossed together in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a one-pan meal that delivers a satisfying balance of protein and vegetables, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without compromising on taste.
What makes this stir-fry so enjoyable is the harmony of textures and flavors. The chicken is cooked to perfection—juicy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside—while the cabbage retains a bit of crunch, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, umami-filled sauce. The red bell pepper and onion add color, sweetness, and a bit of bite, rounding out the dish with their natural flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a perfect blend of quick cooking and deep flavor. The savory soy and oyster sauce, complemented by the nutty sesame oil and aromatic ginger, create a robust base that elevates the dish to something special. It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or on its own as a low-carb option. The cabbage provides a satisfying crunch and is packed with nutrients, while the chicken adds a lean source of protein. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means easy cleanup—a major win on busy nights.
If you’re looking for a healthy, quick, and delicious dinner, this stir-fry is the answer. It takes just 35 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for those who want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You can even add other vegetables or proteins, making it customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- Cabbage (shredded)
- Red bell pepper (sliced)
- Onion (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Ginger (grated)
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil
Variations
This Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Add More Vegetables
You can add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable.
Make It Spicy
For those who like a little heat, add some chili flakes, a sliced jalapeño, or a squirt of sriracha to the stir-fry to kick up the spice level.
Swap the Protein
If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can swap it out for pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through.
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken slices.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet or wok, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers begin to soften.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Sauces
Add the shredded cabbage to the pan, and stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 5: Return the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet or wok, and stir everything together to combine. Cook for an additional minute or two to ensure everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry hot, and enjoy it with steamed rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Slice the Chicken Thinly: Thinly slicing the chicken helps it cook more quickly and evenly, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-fries are best cooked over high heat, so don’t be afraid to crank up the temperature to get a nice sear on the chicken and vegetables.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: The cabbage should remain slightly crisp after cooking. Don’t overcook it to maintain its texture and nutritional value.
- Use a Wok: If you have one, use a wok. Its wide, sloped sides are perfect for stir-frying and allow the ingredients to cook evenly.
How to Serve
Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preference. It’s a great option with a steaming bowl of white or brown rice. For a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or on its own. If you prefer noodles, try serving the stir-fry over cooked rice noodles or soba noodles for a more substantial meal.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a few sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top just before serving. A drizzle of additional sesame oil can also add an extra depth of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
This stir-fry can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but be sure to thaw it completely before slicing and cooking.
2. Can I use different sauces instead of oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce, which will provide a slightly sweeter and thicker alternative.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a sliced chili pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the stir-fry for a spicier version.
4. Can I use a different oil instead of sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a unique flavor, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil as a substitute. However, the taste will be less authentic.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or broccoli for more variety and color.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains soy sauce and oyster sauce. You can make it gluten-free by using tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.
7. Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Stir-frying the dish will take about 20 minutes, so it’s best to cook it fresh.
8. Can I use pre-cut cabbage?
Yes, pre-cut cabbage works just as well. Just make sure it’s shredded into thin strips for better cooking.
9. What can I serve with this stir-fry?
Serve this stir-fry with rice, noodles, or on its own. You can also add a simple side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They will add a slightly richer flavor but will still cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a perfect meal for busy weeknights, combining quick preparation with bold, savory flavors. The crispy cabbage, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables all come together in a flavorful sauce that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you prefer it with rice, noodles, or on its own, this dish offers a healthy, customizable, and delicious option that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy it as a filling meal or serve it to your friends and family—either way, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
PrintChicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauces. This Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a healthy, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, onion, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cabbage, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra crunch.
- For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes