If you’re craving a dish that’s as vibrant in color as it is in flavor, this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is just what you need. It brings together tender chunks of chicken breast, crisp cabbage, and a rainbow of fresh veggies all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. The perfect weeknight meal, it’s quick to whip up but deeply satisfying, combining crunchy textures with a gentle warmth from a touch of crushed red pepper flakes. Every bite is a delightful harmony of taste and nutrition that feels both comforting and energized.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this dish sing. Each one plays an important role, whether adding crunch, richness, or that savory umami flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: The lean protein base that’s tender and versatile, soaking up all the delicious sauces.
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped: Adds incredible crunch and a mild sweetness, balancing the meat perfectly.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Brings a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Provides color and a subtle fruity flavor that brightens the stir-fry.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Offers a satisfying crispness and a touch of earthy sweetness.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds a luscious richness that helps tie all the flavors together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that irresistible aromatic base essential to any great stir-fry.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: A salty, umami punch that seasons the entire dish beautifully.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional): Boosts the savory depth with its deep, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty fragrance that lifts the whole stir-fry into something special.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just enough spice to brighten the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural tastes of the ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a hint of heat with their meal.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional): A simple trick to thicken the sauce and give it that velvety finish.
- Green onions for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color right at the end.
How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the diced chicken breast in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper for 10 to 15 minutes. This simple step infuses the meat with flavor right from the start, ensuring every bite is juicy and well-seasoned.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients including oyster sauce if you’re using it. Setting this aside makes it easy to pour it in at just the right moment, coating everything evenly for a balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it turns golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful color that adds to the dish’s appeal. Then remove the chicken from the pan to keep the cooking process controlled.
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pan, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent. This aromas build the foundation for the fantastic flavor profile of the entire stir-fry.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the chopped cabbage, bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies until they are tender-crisp, which usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes. The goal is to keep the vegetables lively and fresh, adding texture and color to your dish.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly, coating every ingredient in a glossy, irresistible glaze.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give your stir-fry a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and a bit of crunch.
How to Serve Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic garnish here, adding brightness and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully. If you want to mix things up, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro also works wonders for both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is perfectly satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside simple steamed dumplings or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal extra special by serving the stir-fry in individual lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held bite. Another way to impress is to plate it over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist that still maintains all the crunch and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables retain their texture surprisingly well, and the flavors often develop even more overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for a busy night, freezing is an option. Just be aware that the texture of the vegetables might soften slightly after thawing. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for the best taste.
Reheating
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to warm the stir-fry gently. This helps preserve the texture and prevents the chicken from drying out, bringing back that just-cooked yumminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced beef, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is perfectly cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and making sure any oyster sauce used is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.
How spicy is the stir-fry?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes as optional, so you control the heat level. Leaving them out results in a mild, family-friendly dish, but adding them gives just a little kick for spice lovers.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Yes! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and variety. Just keep an eye on cooking times to keep everything crisp-tender.
Should I marinate the chicken longer for more flavor?
While 10 to 15 minutes is plenty if you’re short on time, marinating for up to an hour can deepen the taste even more. Just don’t go longer than that as the soy sauce can start to break down the chicken texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s vibrant, fast, and packed with flavors that feel both fresh and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to please every palate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—happy cooking!
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Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry that combines tender diced chicken breast with crisp cabbage and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this stir-fry is easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Vegetables
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Green onions for garnish
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Marinate diced chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients including oyster sauce, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch-water mixture (if using) and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a hot skillet or wok over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes, then remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes, to build depth of flavor.
- Cook Vegetables: Add chopped cabbage, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry these vegetables until they become tender-crisp, approximately 5–6 minutes, maintaining their texture and color.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir well to combine. Cook everything together for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a rich umami flavor to the dish; you can omit it for a lighter taste or to suit dietary preferences.
- The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce; if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step.
- Use a wok if available for optimal heat distribution and stir-frying, but a large skillet will work well too.
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thigh for more juiciness.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spice level according to preference.
