If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a must-try! Tender chicken strips, crisp cabbage, and aromatic garlic and ginger come together in a savory, umami-packed sauce that’s both light and satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
Let’s get cooking! And if you love easy Asian-inspired dishes, be sure to subscribe for more tasty recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy & nutritious – Packed with lean protein and fiber.
- Savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet – Perfectly balanced flavors.
- One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup required.
- Easily customizable – Add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein!
What Does This Stir Fry Taste Like?
This stir fry is light yet flavorful, with tender, juicy chicken and crisp-tender cabbage coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness creates a delicious umami depth, while the cabbage absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded (Napa or green cabbage)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water, optional for thickening)
- Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
- Add spice – Toss in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Extra veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy.
- Swap the protein – Use shrimp, beef, tofu, or even pork.
- No oyster sauce? Just add extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large wok or skillet
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Small bowl for sauce mixing
How to Make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Thinly slice the chicken and shred the cabbage. Julienne the carrot and mince the garlic and ginger.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture (if using). Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir in the garlic, ginger, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but remains slightly crisp.
5. Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken and cabbage are evenly coated.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own!
What to Serve with Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white or brown rice 🍚
- Garlic noodles or chow mein 🍜
- Egg drop soup 🥣
- Steamed dumplings or spring rolls 🥟
- A side of kimchi or pickled vegetables
Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Cook over high heat to get that delicious stir-fry flavor.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage – keep it crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Use a wok if possible for even heat distribution.
- Double the sauce if you like extra saucy stir-fry!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes! Pre-shredded cabbage saves time and works just as well.
What’s the best cabbage for this stir-fry?
Napa cabbage is ideal for its tender texture, but green cabbage works too.
Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or extra mushrooms.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Marinate it in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes before cooking.
Try This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Today!
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and garlicky flavors, making it an easy, satisfying meal for any night of the week!
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again. Happy cooking! 🍜🔥🥢