If you are craving a quick, vibrant, and wholesome meal, this Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with color and layered with a wonderful mix of textures, it combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and sweet bell peppers all brought together with a flavorful sauce you’ll want to savor again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying dish that feels both fresh and comforting, this recipe makes cooking a joyful experience from prep to plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas. From the tender chicken to the crisp vegetables, every element contributes something special.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts and slice them thin for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- Small head of cabbage: Thinly sliced, it adds crunch and a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.
- Large carrot: Julienned for a splash of vibrant color and natural sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Bell pepper: Thinly sliced for that juicy, slightly sweet bite and an extra pop of color.
- Green onions: Chopped fresh for a mild onion flavor as a finishing touch and garnish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the stir fry with a punch of fragrant savory depth.
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil: These form the backbone of the sauce, balancing umami, saltiness, and nuttiness gracefully.
- Ground ginger: Just a hint to add warmth and subtle spiciness to the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: The essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted and sprinkled on top to add a light crunch and eye-catching garnish.
How to Make Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips – this ensures they cook quickly and stay juicy. Next, prep the vegetables: thinly slice the cabbage, julienne the carrot to create those delightful slender strips, and slice the bell pepper into thin, even pieces. Having everything ready before cooking makes the stir fry process smooth and fast, helping preserve the vibrant crunch of your veggies.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which should only take a few minutes given the thin strips. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in the flavor and prevents the chicken from overcooking while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, making the kitchen smell incredible! Then toss in the sliced cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies until they become tender-crisp, retaining just enough bite to add a fresh, lively texture to your Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Now it’s time to introduce the flavors that bring everything together — pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, a splash of sesame oil, and sprinkle in some ground ginger. Stir everything thoroughly so each bite has those irresistible savory, nutty, and slightly spicy notes. Let it all cook together just long enough to heat through and meld the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
The final touch is simple but essential. Top your stir fry with plenty of chopped green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This not only adds flavor and texture but makes your dish look absolutely irresistible and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds enhances the dish with bursts of color and a delightful crunch. You could also scatter some thinly sliced red chili or drizzle a little extra sesame oil if you like a bolder flavor sensation.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice. A simple bowl of miso soup or a crisp cucumber salad also complements the meal, balancing the rich, savory nature of the stir fry with lighter, refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve your Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce wraps or over a bed of warm noodles for an extra comforting meal. For a fun twist, place it in a hollowed-out bell pepper or a crunchy taco shell and top with a drizzle of spicy mayo or sriracha for a fusion flair that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but vegetables will lose some of their crispness, so enjoy within a few days for best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe, though vegetables may become softer after thawing. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry, and stir until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may affect the texture of the vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed depending on your choice.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a touch of sugar can provide similar sweetness and depth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add sliced fresh chilies, a dash of chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce while cooking, adjusting to your spice tolerance.
Is this dish gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensuring your oyster sauce brand is gluten-free or replacing it with a gluten-free substitute.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Quick stir-frying over high heat helps keep veggies tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking and prepare all ingredients beforehand since the cooking happens fast.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is a brilliant go-to for those who want a delicious, colorful meal on the table fast. Its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and easy prep make it a kitchen favorite you’ll return to time and again. Give it a try tonight—you might just discover your new favorite dish!
Print
Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry combining tender chicken breast with fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper, flavored with a savory sauce made of soy, oyster, and sesame oils. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Spices and Other
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts thinly. Thinly slice the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the bell pepper for an even cook and great texture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper, stir-frying until they become tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and Flavor: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for a fresh and crunchy stir fry dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during the vegetable sauté.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variation.
- Make sure to slice chicken thinly for quick and even cooking.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
