Name: Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1/4 cup chicken broth or water; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re hunting for a bright, wholesome meal that packs a punch without keeping you chained to the stove, look no further than this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe. This is the kind of dinner I whip up when I’m craving something colorful, juicy, and deeply satisfying but need it on the table in under half an hour. Tender chicken, sweet cabbage, and vibrant bell peppers all get tossed in a light, flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. Not only is this stir fry incredibly easy, but it’s also endlessly adaptable, making it a radiant star for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike.

Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this dish is intentional—chosen for maximum flavor and color with minimal fuss. You’ll find the ingredients are simple but come together for a memorable, restaurant-quality Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe that’s perfect for home cooks of all levels.

Chicken breast: Tender, lean, and soaks up all the savory sauce beautifully—slice thinly for the juiciest results.
Soy sauce: Adds that perfect salty, umami punch to both the chicken marinade and the stir fry sauce.
Cornstarch: A clever trick for coating the chicken and helping create a silky, irresistible sauce.
Vegetable oil: Gives a high-heat sear without imparting too much flavor—great for achieving that gorgeous stir fry finish.
Green cabbage: Cabbage brings crunch, sweetness, and body, while holding up well to quick cooking.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Garlic: Essential for depth and that classic stir fry aroma—don’t be shy!
Fresh ginger: A little zing from ginger brightens up every bite with its fresh, peppery taste.
Chicken broth or water: This keeps the stir fry saucy without thinning out the flavors.
Soy sauce (for sauce): Enriches the final toss with more umami goodness.
Oyster sauce: Adds a touch of deep, savory complexity—it’s a stir fry essential!
Rice vinegar: Lifts everything with a gentle tang that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon transforms the entire meal with an unmistakably nutty, toasty fragrance.
Honey or brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the salty and tangy notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a kick of gentle heat—add it to your spice preference!

How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken breast with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This little marinade may seem basic, but the soy sauce works magic, infusing the chicken with flavor, while cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the meat stay juicy and gives you a luscious sauce later on. Set it aside while you prep everything else—just 10 to 15 minutes is perfect.

Step 2: Prep the Stir Fry Sauce

Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This quick sauce is the soul of your Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe; it’s savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy if you choose. Set it aside so it’s ready when you need to bring everything together.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a good, heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken, spreading the pieces so they get nice contact with the pan. Give them about 4 or 5 minutes—stirring occasionally—until they’re golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and resist the urge to nibble (okay, maybe just one piece!)

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add the rest of your oil into the pan, then toss in the shredded cabbage and sliced bell pepper. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies begin to soften but keep that wonderful crunch. Next, add the garlic and ginger—just 30 seconds in the hot pan releases an aromatic cloud that’s irresistible!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Slide the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables. Drizzle in the prepared stir fry sauce along with the chicken broth or water. Quickly toss everything together, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for 1–2 minutes. You’ll see everything get gloriously glossy and coated. And there it is—the Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

How to Serve Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

The right finishing touch can turn a humble bowl into a showstopper! Scatter over sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. If you’re feeling extra bold, a tiny drizzle of chili oil will give added flair. The garnishes not only add flavor but make your Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is absolutely fantastic over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles—to soak up every last drop of that gorgeous sauce. If you want a lighter option, try it with cauliflower rice or simply enjoy it on its own for a speedy low-carb dinner. For something extra, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or spring rolls on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping your chicken stir fry into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing, hand-held dinner. Or pile it atop a bed of stir-fried noodles and sprinkle with crushed peanuts for a fun, hearty twist. Individual bowls, family-style platters, or even as a warm filling in wraps—the Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is as versatile as your imagination allows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is never a disappointment!), pop them into an airtight container and tuck them in the fridge. This stir fry holds up well for up to 3 days, and the flavors will even deepen a bit, making lunch or dinner the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe—just let it cool completely first, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. While the vegetables may soften slightly during freezing, everything will reheat beautifully for up to 2 months. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks when cooking from scratch isn’t on the cards.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce needs loosening. A quick zap in the microwave works, too, just make sure to stir halfway through so everything heats evenly. In moments, your stir fry will taste just as vibrant as when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful substitute—they’re juicy, flavorful, and hold up beautifully in stir fry recipes. Just slice them thinly and proceed with the recipe as written for a richer result.

What vegetables can I add to this stir fry?

This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe loves customization! Try adding sliced mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, or even baby corn for extra crunch and nutrition. Just keep cooking times in mind to avoid over-softening delicate veggies.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I prep any components ahead of time?

You bet! Slice your chicken and vegetables and whisk up the sauce up to a day ahead—just store each separately in the fridge. When dinnertime comes, you’ll be just minutes away from a fresh, hot Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, this stir fry is mild, with just a hint of warmth from the optional red pepper flakes. If you prefer, dial up the heat with extra flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. Or omit for a totally kid-friendly version!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe enough—it’s simple, speedy, and packed with flavor that makes any night feel special. Whether you’re just getting started with stir fries or you’ve got your wok skills down pat, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Give it a try and watch your dinner table light up!

Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory stir fry sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the stir fry:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups shredded green cabbage
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup chicken broth or water

For the stir fry sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: Toss the sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the stir fry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the stir fry sauce ingredients and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir fry for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir fry the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Stir fry the cabbage and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine everything: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the stir fry sauce and chicken broth, and toss everything to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles.