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Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

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A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and colorful vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this budget-friendly stir-fry is healthier than takeout while delivering authentic Chinese flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast thinly sliced
  • 3 cups green cabbage shredded
  • 1 medium carrot julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon halal oyster sauce optional
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken breast thinly against the grain and toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Mix sauce by combining remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking.
  4. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir and cook until nearly done (2-3 minutes total). Remove to a plate.
  5. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and red pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, add green onions and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the prepared sauce.
  8. Stir constantly as sauce bubbles and thickens, about 30-60 seconds.
  9. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, use fresh chicken breast instead of frozen. Premium light soy sauce offers better flavor than regular soy sauce. The dish can be made without oyster sauce, though it adds depth. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have available. The stir-fry can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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