Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe – Quick and Healthy Meal

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is one of those brilliant dishes that effortlessly brings comfort, flavor, and healthiness into one vibrant plate. If you are looking for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that’s both nourishing and bursting with classic Chinese flavors, then this is the recipe you need. With tender strips of chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce that clings to every bite, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you crave a delicious homemade Asian-inspired dish.

Growing up, my family loved making stir-fries because they were fast, customizable, and packed with fresh vegetables. Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry was always a favorite, especially when we wanted something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish embodies everything I love about Chinese cooking: simplicity, balance, and a focus on fresh ingredients.

Today, I’ll guide you through how to create a restaurant-quality stir-fried chicken and cabbage dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced home cook, this easy chicken stir-fry is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

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Why You Will Love Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

There are so many reasons why this healthy stir-fry recipe deserves a place in your dinner lineup. First of all, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, typically taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it ideal for those busy days when you want something fresh and homemade but don’t have a lot of time to spare.

In addition to being quick, this dish is extremely versatile. You can easily swap the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Moreover, it’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the cabbage, making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Most importantly, the flavor is absolutely incredible. Thanks to a simple yet deeply flavorful sauce, every bite of this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich goodness. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Ingredients You Need for Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, but together they create magic.

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots (optional but recommended)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Every ingredient plays a role. The cabbage brings crunch, the chicken provides tender juiciness, and the simple sauce ties everything together in a luscious, glossy coating.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken into thin, even strips. In a small bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Marinating not only flavors the chicken but also keeps it tender during the quick stir-fry process.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch. This sauce is the soul of your stir-fried chicken and cabbage, delivering savory depth with just a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the chicken slices in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if necessary. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and green onions, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Your quick Chinese stir-fry is now ready!

Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Using a hot wok or skillet is key to achieving that slightly charred, smoky flavor that makes stir-fries so irresistible. Do not overcrowd the pan, as it can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.

Additionally, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-fries move quickly, and having everything ready ensures smooth, stress-free cooking.

Another important tip is to slice the chicken thinly and consistently. Even slices cook more evenly, keeping the chicken tender without overcooking.

Variations to Try with Stir-Fried Chicken and Cabbage

While the classic Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is amazing as it is, it’s fun to change things up now and then. You can swap the green cabbage for Napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter flavor. Adding bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms gives more color and variety to the dish.

If you like spice, toss in a few dried red chilies or a drizzle of chili oil at the end. Alternatively, try adding cashews or peanuts for some crunchy contrast and added richness.

For a low-carb option, skip the rice and serve this healthy stir-fry recipe over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy it on its own.

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This dish stores beautifully. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the stir-fry seems dry after refrigerating, add a splash of water or chicken broth during reheating to refresh it.

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the cabbage can become watery upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is leaner and works well; just be careful not to overcook it to avoid dryness.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor, or leave it out entirely and increase the soy sauce slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Of course! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, seitan, or simply load up with extra veggies like broccoli and mushrooms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a healthy stir-fry recipe that delivers fast, flavorful results with minimal fuss. It’s everything you want in a home-cooked meal: easy, customizable, and utterly satisfying. Thanks to tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a bold sauce, every bite offers the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Whether you are looking for an easy chicken stir-fry to whip up after a busy day or craving a quick Chinese stir-fry to impress family and friends, this dish will not disappoint. Best of all, you can adapt it endlessly to fit your tastes and seasonal ingredients. So gather your wok, prep your ingredients, and enjoy a comforting plate of Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry tonight!

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