Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy dish that brings together tender chicken slices and crisp cabbage in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This meal is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Its combination of textures and balance of soy, garlic, and ginger makes it both satisfying and refreshing.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced)cabbage (chopped)garlic (minced)ginger (grated)soy saucesesame oilcornstarchvegetable oilgreen onions (sliced)optional chili flakes or fresh chilies for heat

directions

Slice the chicken thinly and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little sesame oil for 10–15 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Add chopped cabbage and stir-fry until it softens slightly but still retains some crunch, about 3–4 minutes.

Return the chicken to the pan and add more soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss everything together to combine.

Cook for another 2–3 minutes, adjust seasoning, and sprinkle with green onions and chili flakes if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use Napa cabbage or bok choy for a different texture.

Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more vegetables.

Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu.

Add hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for extra depth.

Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Avoid freezing, as the cabbage may become soggy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, it saves time and works well for this recipe.

Is this stir-fry gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or chili oil to adjust the heat.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, but fresh adds the best flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

What’s the best pan to use?

A wok is ideal, but a large nonstick skillet works well too.

Can I prep ingredients ahead?

Yes, slice the chicken and veggies and mix the sauce ahead of time for faster cooking.

What rice goes best with this?

Steamed jasmine or brown rice are great options.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How can I reduce sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust other salty ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that fits easily into any meal plan. With its tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and savory sauce, it delivers satisfaction without complexity. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is a go-to favorite for fresh, fuss-free meals