30-Minute Amazing Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Name: 30-Minute Amazing Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 4 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish); Chopped green onions (for garnish)

by Fenna Saul

September 21, 2025

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Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry has become my go-to for those evenings when time is short but I crave something delicious and wholesome. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday; I was staring into the fridge, dreading the thought of takeout, when I spotted a half-head of cabbage and some leftover chicken. It sparked an idea, and what followed was an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. This easy chicken cabbage stir fry came together in under 30 minutes, filling my kitchen with the amazing aroma of garlic and ginger. It’s truly a game-changer for busy nights, proving that healthy can also be a quick chicken cabbage stir fry. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

This chicken and cabbage stir fry is a winner for so many reasons:

The taste is incredible – savory chicken, crisp cabbage, and a hint of garlic and ginger make it irresistible.
It’s lightning fast, clocking in at just 30 minutes total time, making it a perfect quick chicken cabbage stir fry.
It’s a genuinely healthy chicken cabbage stir fry, packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
The ingredients are super budget-friendly, making it a great option for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
It’s incredibly family-friendly; even picky eaters usually enjoy the simple flavors and textures.
You can customize it with your favorite veggies or a different protein for endless variety.
This is a fantastic healthy chicken cabbage stir fry that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Gathering these simple chicken cabbage stir fry ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making this a super accessible dish.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips – I like to slice them against the grain for tenderness.
4 cups green cabbage, shredded – This provides a wonderful crispness and bulk.
1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced – For a touch of sweetness and color.
3 cloves garlic, minced – The aromatic base that adds so much flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced – Its zesty kick is essential for that Asian-style profile.
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) – This forms the savory backbone of our sauce.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional) – Adds a deeper, richer savory note if you have it on hand.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – A neutral oil like canola or peanut oil works best for stir-frying.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – For final seasoning adjustments.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) – Adds a nice nutty crunch.
Chopped green onions (for garnish) – For a fresh, oniony finish.

How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Let’s get this delicious chicken and cabbage stir fry recipe on your table! It’s simpler than you think.

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
First, get all your ingredients ready for this flavorful garlic chicken cabbage stir fry. Slice your chicken breasts into thin strips, shred the cabbage, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice your bell peppers. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and quick.
Step 2: Heat Oil
In a large skillet or a wok, heat the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer slightly, indicating it’s hot enough to start cooking the chicken and vegetables properly.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the hot skillet. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, tossing it occasionally, until it’s golden brown all over and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This keeps it from overcooking.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Toss in the shredded cabbage and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3-5 minutes. You want them to become tender-crisp, meaning they still have a slight bite and aren’t mushy.
Step 6: Combine
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together to combine for your chicken cabbage stir fry.
Step 7: Season
Pour in the 3 tablespoons soy sauce and the optional 1 tablespoon oyster sauce. Mix everything well, ensuring every piece of chicken and every bit of vegetable is evenly coated in the savory sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your stir fry. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Sometimes the soy sauce is enough, but a little pepper can really make the flavors pop.
Step 9: Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for a lovely finishing touch and a burst of freshness.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Dish out your amazing chicken cabbage stir fry immediately while it’s hot and the vegetables are still perfectly crisp. Enjoy!

30-Minute Amazing Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry - Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Want to elevate your stir-fry game? Follow these tips for the ultimate chicken and cabbage dish.

Prep everything before you start cooking; stir-frying is fast and requires constant attention.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming.
Use high heat for stir-frying to get that delicious char and tender-crisp texture on the vegetables.
Shredding the cabbage thinly helps it cook quickly and evenly.

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry?

The best way to cook chicken cabbage stir fry involves high heat and prepping all your ingredients beforehand. This ensures everything cooks quickly, keeping the cabbage crisp and the chicken tender. It’s all about speed and precision in the wok! For more cooking techniques, check out these recipes.

Can I make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry ahead of time?

Yes! For effective chicken cabbage stir fry meal prep, you can chop all your vegetables and slice the chicken a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the stir-fry just before serving for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry?

A common pitfall is overcooking the cabbage, making it mushy. Stir-fry it quickly on high heat. Another mistake is not having all ingredients prepped; this leads to burnt garlic while you’re still slicing peppers. Have everything ready to go! Learning proper knife skills can help with this, as seen in many recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

This versatile chicken cabbage stir fry is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. For an authentic chicken cabbage stir fry Asian style experience, serve it over fluffy steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up any extra sauce beautifully. Another fantastic option is to serve it with noodles, like lo mein or even just some simple steamed ramen noodles. If you’re looking for a lower-carb meal, it’s also fantastic served alongside crispy roasted cauliflower or even just with a simple side salad.

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

This chicken cabbage stir fry is a light and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 15g
Protein: 30g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy options, explore weight loss recipes.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Leftovers of this flavorful stir-fry are fantastic, making it a great chicken cabbage stir fry healthy dinner idea for lunch the next day. Once cooked, allow the chicken cabbage stir fry to cool completely before storing. This is crucial to prevent condensation inside the container, which can make things soggy. Transfer the cooled stir-fry into airtight containers. You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a couple of easy reheating methods. For the best results, gently reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

30-Minute Amazing Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry - Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry - additional detail

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

What is the best way to make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry?

The how to make chicken cabbage stir fry really comes down to preparation and high heat. Ensure all your ingredients are chopped and ready before you begin cooking. Use a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and let it get nice and hot before adding the oil. This high heat is key to achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture for the vegetables and ensuring the chicken is seared properly.

Can I make this a Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry low carb?

Absolutely! To make this a chicken and cabbage stir fry low carb, simply skip serving it over rice or noodles. It’s already packed with protein and fiber from the chicken and cabbage, making it naturally low in carbohydrates. You could also serve it alongside cauliflower rice or a green salad for a complete low-carb meal. Just be mindful of any added sugars in your sauce ingredients. For more low-carb options, consider keto cottage cheese bread.

My stir fry always comes out watery. How can I prevent this?

A watery stir-fry usually happens because the pan isn’t hot enough, or you’re adding too many ingredients at once, causing them to steam rather than fry. Make sure your skillet is fully heated before adding oil. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Also, ensure your cabbage and other vegetables are relatively dry before adding them to the hot pan.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you certainly can! Chicken thighs are often more forgiving and can stay more moist than chicken breasts, especially if you accidentally overcook them slightly. The cooking time might be a minute or two longer, but they will still provide a delicious protein base for your stir-fry. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

Variations of Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic chicken cabbage stir fry, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to switch up this simple dish to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry: For those who love a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño along with the garlic and ginger. A drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce at the end also works wonders.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Swap the chicken for firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or add more vegetables like broccoli florets and snap peas. Ensure your sauce is vegan by using tamari instead of soy sauce and omitting the oyster sauce, or using a vegan oyster sauce alternative.
Noodle or Rice Bowl Base: Instead of serving it as is, mix cooked noodles (like udon or lo mein) or rice directly into the skillet during the last step. This transforms it into a hearty noodle or rice bowl.
Different Protein Swaps: Feel free to substitute the chicken with thinly sliced pork, beef, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.