Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry – Quick, Healthy & Packed with Flavor 🥘🫒🌶️
Looking for a fast, nourishing dinner that brings together crisp cabbage, juicy chicken, and vibrant vegetables in under 30 minutes? This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is your new go-to!
Inspired by classic Chinese takeout flavors but made healthier at home, this stir-fry layers tender diced chicken , crunchy cabbage , sweet bell peppers , and bright carrots into a sizzling pan of buttery, garlicky goodness. Then it’s tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with hints of soy, ginger, and sesame oil — giving you restaurant-style flavor without the grease or takeout cost.
Perfect for busy nights, lunch prep, or when you want something warm, filling, and full of texture.
Let’s dive into how to make this quick and comforting stir-fry!
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Stir-Fry
- Quick & easy : Ready in under 30 minutes — great for last-minute meals.
- Loaded with veggies : Cabbage, peppers, and carrots bring crunch and color.
- Great for meal prep : Keeps well and travels beautifully.
- Flavorful & customizable : Adjust heat, sweetness, or protein as you like.
- Comforting yet healthy : Low-carb, high-protein, and rich in fiber.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the stir-fry:
- 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
- 1 medium onion , sliced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast , diced small
- 2 cups chopped green or Napa cabbage
- 1 bell pepper , sliced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 carrot , julienned or grated
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for depth and umami)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or ketchup + honey for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for aroma and richness)
- ½ tsp grated ginger (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
- Optional : Crushed red pepper flakes or chili garlic paste for heat lovers
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring tools
- Mixing bowl (for sauce)
- Tongs (for tossing)
- Aluminum foil or lid (if baking chicken first)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies & Chicken
Wash and chop:
- Cabbage
- Bell pepper
- Carrot
- Onion
- Mince garlic and ginger
Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat:
- Add a splash of oil or butter.
- Cook chicken breast cubes until browned and cooked through — about 5–7 minutes .
- Remove and set aside while preparing the rest.
Tip: For extra flavor, marinate chicken in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch before cooking.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the same pan and cook for 1 minute , just until fragrant.
Don’t let them burn — keep stirring constantly.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add cabbage and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes , until slightly softened but still crisp.
Toss in bell pepper slices and cook another 2–3 minutes — until everything is bright and tender-crisp.
Step 5: Return Chicken to Pan
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the veggies.
Pour in the sauce mixture and toss everything together until fully coated and heated through.
Step 6: Simmer & Serve Hot
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove from heat and serve warm — ideal over rice, noodles, or on its own for a lighter option.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
- Over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a balanced bowl.
- Try it wrapped in lettuce cups or flour tortillas for handheld wraps.
- Stack with pickled radishes or cucumber salad for contrast.
- Pair with egg rolls or dumplings for a full Chinese-inspired feast.
- Perfect with a drizzle of sriracha or toasted sesame seeds on top.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days .
- Freezer: Freeze portions in ziplock bags for up to 3 months . Thaw and reheat gently.
- Make Ahead: Prep chicken and veggies the night before — cook fresh in the morning.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness — they hold up better to stir-frying.
- Don’t skip sesame oil — it gives that signature Chinese aroma.
- Want extra crunch? Add water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or cashews .
- Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for different protein styles.
- Make it spicier : Stir in chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes .
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While indulgent, this dish offers solid nutrition:
- Chicken provides lean protein and B vitamins for muscle support.
- Cabbage delivers fiber and antioxidants for digestion and immunity.
- Carrots and peppers give beta-carotene and vitamin C .
- Enjoy as part of a balanced lifestyle — especially with greens or fermented sides.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry proves that sometimes the best meals come from your fridge and pantry — no fancy ingredients required. With its tender chicken , crisp veggie mix , and bold Asian-inspired sauce , it brings big flavor and serious comfort straight to your table — and your soul.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, packing it for lunch, or craving something warm and satisfying after a long day, this recipe delivers bold taste and wholesome fuel in every single bite.
So grab your wok, slice that cabbage, and get ready to fall in love with every saucy, crunchy mouthful!
