Name: chinese chicken cabbage stir fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced; 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 small carrot, julienned (optional); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts); 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat); Steamed jasmine or brown rice; Sesame seeds; Extra green onion tops

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 16 reviews

Light, savory, and full of vibrant color, chinese chicken cabbage stir fry is a true weeknight hero. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that features juicy chicken wrapped in a blanket of tender-crisp cabbage, all tossed in a punchy garlic soy sauce that’s brimming with umami. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of steamed rice or diving in as is for a lighter meal, this stir fry never disappoints—it’s as comforting as it is energizing!

chinese chicken cabbage stir fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of chinese chicken cabbage stir fry is how it transforms everyday staples into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing crunch, flavor, or that irresistible glossy finish we all crave in stir fry.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Slice thinly for extra tenderness and speedy cooking.
Green cabbage: Thin, fresh ribbons of cabbage soak up sauce and add essential crunch.
Carrot: Julienne for color and a subtle natural sweetness; optional, but highly recommended.
Vegetable oil: A neutral base for searing the chicken without overpowering flavors.
Sesame oil: Just a splash brings irresistible aroma and depth to your stir fry.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that unmistakable savory accent.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds warm, zesty undertones.
Green onions: Use both white and green parts for layers of flavor and a pop of color.
Low-sodium soy sauce: The core savory note, balancing saltiness and umami.
Oyster sauce: Deepens the sauce with robust, slightly sweet flavor.
Rice vinegar: Adds a lovely, gentle tang that brightens the dish.
Honey or brown sugar: Just a touch balances the savory edge of the sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken and cling to every bite.
Water: Loosens the sauce just enough for a silky coating.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect for a gentle kick of heat.
Jasmine or brown rice: The classic, cozy base for serving.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for nutty crunch and a lovely finish.
Extra green onion tops: A fresh garnish that brings a final burst of color and oniony zing.

How to Make chinese chicken cabbage stir fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, water, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. This vibrant mix is what ties the whole chinese chicken cabbage stir fry together—having it ready means you can move quickly once the wok is hot.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced chicken in a single layer and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the pieces golden and just cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—you’ll welcome it back to the party soon!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Pour in the sesame oil to build those big, bold stir fry flavors. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of your green onions. Let them dance around in the pan for just 30 seconds; their aromas will bloom and infuse the oil, setting the flavor foundation for your chinese chicken cabbage stir fry.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Time for the cabbage and carrots! Add them to the pan, stirring and flipping for about 3 to 4 minutes. The cabbage will wilt slightly but keep its signature crunch—a must-have for an authentic texture. Don’t overcook! Crisp-tender is the name of the game.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in your prepared sauce and give everything a hearty toss. Watch as the sauce bubbles and thickens, shiny and fragrant, coating every morsel so each bite is as flavorful as the last. This is the magic moment for your chinese chicken cabbage stir fry!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened and everything is piping hot, take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onion tops. Whether you scoop your stir fry over fluffy rice or dive straight in, prepare to fall in love with every forkful.

How to Serve chinese chicken cabbage stir fry

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! For this stir fry, a scatter of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch, while a handful of sliced green onion tops offers freshness and visual appeal. Want to go all out? Add a sprinkle of chili flakes, chopped cilantro, or even a drizzle of chili oil to turn up the heat and aroma.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving chinese chicken cabbage stir fry as part of a larger meal, it’s a dream with a steaming bowl of jasmine or brown rice. For an even more colorful table, pair it with a quick cucumber salad or silky egg drop soup. Noodles make a wonderful alternative base, soaking up that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve your stir fry in lettuce cups for a hand-held, low-carb version. Or, wrap it in steamed rice paper for DIY spring rolls! You could even present it in individual bowls layered with rice and a crown of herbs for a vibrant, build-your-own dinner night everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lucky enough to have leftovers? Cool the chinese chicken cabbage stir fry to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days—ideal for packed lunches or easy next-day dinners with all that flavor perfectly intact.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your stir fry, portion it into single-serve, airtight containers. While the cabbage may soften a bit after thawing, the overall flavor remains spot on. Simply freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your chinese chicken cabbage stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving in excess, as it can make the veggies soggy—quick stovetop reheating preserves the best flavor and texture!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful choice for chinese chicken cabbage stir fry, bringing a bit more richness and juiciness. Just slice them thin so they cook quickly and evenly.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand or need a vegetarian option, try using hoisin sauce or a mix of additional soy sauce with a splash of mushroom sauce. The flavor will evolve, but you’ll still get that familiar depth and subtle sweetness.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting too soft?

The key is to stir fry the cabbage on high heat for just a few minutes. It should be just tender and still a little crisp. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready so the cabbage cooks quickly and doesn’t steam in the pan!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, bell peppers, or even broccoli. Chinese chicken cabbage stir fry is wonderfully adaptable and a great way to use up fridge veggies.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make your chinese chicken cabbage stir fry gluten-free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free. Easy swaps for a flavorful gluten-free meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to grab your wok and give this chinese chicken cabbage stir fry a whirl—it’s a beautiful way to turn simple ingredients into something everyone will look forward to. Whether you’re new to stir fries or a seasoned home cook, this is one of those dishes you’ll make again and again. Enjoy every zesty, crunchy bite!