This chicken cabbage stir fry is one of those quick, healthy dinners we love to make as a team on a busy weeknight. Tender chicken with crisp cabbage and peppers in a savory sauce, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This chicken cabbage stir fry is a quick stir fry combining tender chicken strips with crisp cabbage and peppers in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, it provides a satisfying meal with wholesome ingredients and is packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrition. Quick and easy to prepare, this chicken cabbage stir fry is a weeknight favorite.
What makes this chicken cabbage stir fry so good is the sauce. A savory blend of stock, oyster sauce, and soy coats the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
Watch the Recipe Video
Watch how this chicken cabbage stir fry comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Quick and easy. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Tender chicken. Stir fried until lightly browned.
- Crisp cabbage. Tender crisp and full of crunch.
- Colorful vegetables. Peppers, onion, and a little heat.
- Savory sauce. Stock, oyster sauce, and soy.
What Makes This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry So Good
Crisp cabbage, the crunchy, mild brassica, stays tender crisp and soaks up the savory sauce.
Tender chicken makes it hearty. Thinly sliced and stir fried, it brings lean protein.
Colorful peppers add crunch. Bell pepper and a little jalapeno bring color and gentle heat.
A couple of spoonfuls of oyster sauce, the rich, savory Chinese sauce, give the dish its deep, glossy umami flavor.
Optional Pro Tip: Tender Crisp Cabbage
Do not overcook the cabbage. Keep it tender crisp.
Cook the chicken first. Then set it aside to keep it juicy.
Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Slice the chicken thinly. For quick, even cooking.
- Cook the chicken first. Then set it aside.
- Use high heat. For a good stir fry.
- Soften the onion. Before adding the garlic and jalapeno.
- Keep the cabbage crisp. Cook just until tender crisp.
- Toss to coat. So the sauce covers everything.
- Return the chicken. At the end to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the seasoning. To taste before serving.
Variations and Add Ins
This chicken cabbage stir fry is easy to customize.
- Add more vegetables. Carrots, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Make it spicier. More jalapeno or red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken thighs. For richer flavor.
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil. For a nutty finish.
- Use tamari. For a gluten free option.
- Add mushrooms. For extra savory depth.
- Serve in lettuce cups. For a fun, handheld meal.
- Top with sesame seeds. And green onion.
How to Store and Reheat
Store the chicken cabbage stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a quick, satisfying leftover lunch.
Reheat in a hot skillet or wok to keep the vegetables from getting too soft, or microwave in short bursts, stirring, until heated through.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
This chicken cabbage stir fry is wonderful served hot over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce.
It is also delicious over noodles, or on its own as a lighter, lower carb meal. A sprinkle of green onion and sesame seeds makes it look beautiful.
For serving, spoon the stir fry over rice or noodles and finish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color and crunch.
- Over steamed rice. White or brown.
- Over noodles. A hearty option.
- On its own. A lighter, lower carb meal.
- With green onion and sesame. For color and crunch.
For a creamy, comforting dinner another night, our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a great one to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken cabbage stir fry?
It is a quick Chinese style stir fry of tender chicken strips and crisp cabbage with peppers and onion, tossed in a savory sauce of stock, oyster sauce, and soy.
What cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is classic, giving crunch and a mild sweetness. Napa cabbage also works well and cooks a little faster.
How do I keep the cabbage crisp?
Cook it just until tender crisp over high heat. Overcooking makes it soft and watery, so add it toward the end and toss quickly.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a richer, juicier swap for the breasts and work well in the stir fry.
What does oyster sauce do?
Oyster sauce adds deep, savory umami and a glossy finish to the sauce. It is a key flavor in many Chinese stir fries.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely. Add more jalapeno, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, for a spicier stir fry.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes. Use tamari in place of the soy sauce, and a gluten free oyster sauce, for a gluten free version.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Carrots, snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms all stir in nicely for more color and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat in a hot skillet or microwave.
What should I serve with it?
Steamed rice or noodles are classic, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter, lower carb meal.
Crisp, Savory, and Quick
This chicken cabbage stir fry tosses tender chicken with crisp cabbage, sweet peppers, and a little heat in a savory sauce of stock, oyster sauce, and soy. It is quick, colorful, and full of fresh crunch and umami flavor.
Healthy, budget friendly, and ready in about 35 minutes, it is perfect for a busy weeknight. Once you try it, this chicken cabbage stir fry will be a regular in your rotation.
Craving another quick, better than takeout favorite? Our healthy orange chicken is a great one to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts into strips.
- Slice the onion and orange pepper, mince the garlic, finely dice the jalapeno, and shred the green cabbage.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the sliced onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and jalapeno and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the cabbage and orange pepper.
- Pour in the chicken stock, oyster sauce, and soy sauce, then stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, mix with the vegetables and sauce, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until heated through, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
Notes
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