Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry

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When you need a quick, satisfying dinner with bold flavor and minimal fuss, this Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers in every way. It’s a dish that wraps savory, juicy chicken and crisp-tender cabbage in a glossy, garlicky soy sauce glaze that clings to each bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend dinner, it hits all the marks for flavor and speed.

The beauty of stir-fry lies in its versatility, and this one is no exception. You can easily tweak the vegetables or protein based on what’s in your fridge, and still enjoy a delicious result. With a base of aromatic ginger and garlic, this meal tastes as good as takeout but comes together in less than 30 minutes right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry

This dish is not only flavorful and fast but also incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or something to spoon over fluffy rice or noodles, it works. The cabbage soaks up all the savory goodness while staying slightly crunchy, making every bite satisfying. Plus, it uses common pantry staples which means you likely already have everything on hand.

What Kind of Cabbage Works Best for Stir-Fry?

Napa cabbage and green cabbage are both excellent choices. Napa cooks a little quicker and becomes more tender, while green cabbage holds its structure better and adds a slight sweetness. Either way, just make sure to slice it thinly so it cooks evenly and melds beautifully with the chicken.

Ingredients for the Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry

A handful of familiar ingredients make this dish come together effortlessly. It’s all about layering flavors and balancing textures.

• Chicken breast: Lean and quick to cook, it soaks up the sauce like a dream.
• Green cabbage: Adds crunch and a mild sweetness that pairs well with the savory sauce.
• Soy sauce: The backbone of the stir-fry sauce, giving it deep umami flavor.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic depth and sharpness to balance the richness.
• Ginger: Adds warmth and a touch of spice that complements the cabbage.
• Sesame oil: Just a drizzle enhances the overall flavor with toasty notes.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every bite.
• Green onions: For freshness and a subtle bite right before serving.

How To Make the Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice your chicken into thin strips and season lightly with salt and a teaspoon of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you chop the cabbage and other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a hot skillet or wok, add oil and cook the chicken until it’s browned and just cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Add a touch more oil, then toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Toss in the cabbage and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to wilt but still has a slight crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the pan, add soy sauce and a splash of water. If you like a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and sliced green onions.

How to Serve and Store Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry

This dish is perfect served fresh and hot right out of the pan, but it also makes great leftovers. It can feed about 4 people generously as a main course. If you’re planning for lunches or meal prep, store it in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

What to Serve With Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

The most classic pairing, jasmine rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.

Garlic Noodles

A slurpable side that adds more flavor and turns dinner into a true comfort meal.

Egg Drop Soup

Light and warming, this makes a great starter to balance the main dish.

Spring Rolls

Crunchy, fresh spring rolls offer a fun contrast to the warm, savory stir-fry.

Pickled Vegetables

Add a bright, tangy element that refreshes your palate between bites.

Stir-Fried Broccoli

A green veggie side that shares the wok-friendly spirit of the main dish.

Kimchi

Spicy fermented cabbage brings a punch of flavor and pairs surprisingly well.

Want More Asian-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If this stir-fry hits the spot, you might also love these other flavorful dishes:

• Authentic Chinese Chicken Broccoli Recipe
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli
• Stir-fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat
• Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe
• Korean Chicken Bao

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with green or Napa cabbage? Add spice? Double the garlic?

I love seeing how these dishes evolve in your kitchen. And if you’re looking for more healthy, delicious dinners or Asian-inspired meals, check out Zoe Recipes on Pinterest!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting stir-fry meals and more at Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry proves that simplicity can be incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s a quick, wholesome dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Add it to your weeknight dinner rotation, and you’ll never look at cabbage the same way again.

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