Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a speedy, super-satisfying dinner, this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds)! Picture tender pieces of chicken, sizzling with fresh ginger and garlic, tossed together with crunchy cabbage and a glossy soy sauce glaze. It’s savory, nutritious, and oh-so-easy—all in one pan, all in under 20 minutes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of wholesome, everyday ingredients to make this stir fry pop! Each one brings its own magic to the plate—think juicy chicken for protein, crisp cabbage for crunch, and ginger and garlic for serious flavor punch. These simple pantry and fridge staples are what make this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe both comforting and delightfully easy.

• Green Onions (bulb and stalks): The sliced bulbs add a gentle sweetness and aroma to the base of the stir fry, while the fresh, sliced green stalks double as a crisp, colorful garnish.
• Chicken (boneless): You can use chicken breast or thighs—cut into bite-sized pieces for even and fast cooking (and super juicy results)!
• Fresh Ginger: Just a bit of peeled and chopped ginger brings a warm, peppery zing that pairs perfectly with the cabbage.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Classic aromatics—two or three cloves, chopped, infuse every bite with savory depth.
• Cabbage (green or napa): Shredded cabbage is at the heart of this stir fry; green is sturdier and holds a crunch, while napa cabbage cooks even faster and turns delightfully tender.
• Oil: Any neutral oil (like vegetable, canola, or sunflower) helps everything sizzle and prevents sticking.
• Soy Sauce (regular or low-sodium): A couple of tablespoons bring umami flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.
• Water: Just a splash keeps the stir fry juicy, especially if using regular cabbage; you can skip it if using napa cabbage.
• Sesame Seeds or Sesame Oil: For a lovely nutty aroma and a beautiful finishing touch.
• Red Chili Pepper Flakes: Adds a whisper (or a kick!) of heat—totally customizable to your spice level.

Variations

The beauty of this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to riff on. Don’t be afraid to use what you have, toss in seasonal veggies, or adjust flavors to fit your mood. You can even make it work for different dietary preferences with just a couple swaps!

• Go Veggie-Heavy: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for an extra colorful, nutrient-packed stir fry.
• Make It Low-Carb or Keto: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos, and use extra chicken or tofu for added protein without upping the carbs.
• Spicy Lovers’ Upgrade: Add more red chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to turn up the heat.
• Change Up the Protein: Try shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or even tofu for a fun twist on the original recipe.

How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients

Gather everything before you start cooking—this dish moves quickly! Slice your green onions, keeping the tender green stalks aside for garnish. Cut the chicken into bite-sized strips, shred the cabbage, and chop the ginger and garlic. When all your veggies and chicken are prepped, you’re set up for a totally stress-free stir fry.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced green onion bulbs and give them a quick toss—just long enough to sizzle and soften, releasing their sweet aroma. Toss in the chopped ginger and garlic, and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant (your kitchen will smell amazing!).

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Now, add the shredded cabbage and stir everything together over high heat. Cook for about two minutes, or until the cabbage starts to wilt and the pile shrinks—think crisp-tender, not mushy. If you have cooking chopsticks, they’re perfect for this job!

Step 4: Pour in Soy Sauce and Water

Drizzle the soy sauce and water (if using regular cabbage) directly over the cabbage mixture. If you’re using napa cabbage, you can skip the water since it releases more moisture naturally. Cook and stir for another 2–3 minutes—the liquid should mostly cook off, flavoring every strand of cabbage.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Reduce the heat slightly, make a little well in the center of your pan, and drop in the chicken pieces. Stir-fry until the outside is no longer pink, then mix the cabbage back over the top and cook until everything is cooked through. Don’t overcook the chicken—just until it’s perfectly juicy and tender!

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

When the chicken is cooked, the cabbage is still bright and a bit crisp, and the liquid is mostly gone, take your pan off the heat. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds or drizzle just a bit of sesame oil, add a pinch of chili flakes, and scatter the sliced green onion on top. Serve immediately while piping hot—it’s a stir fry dream!

How to Serve Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing off this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and those vibrant sliced green onions. For a little extra heat and color, scatter on some red chili flakes. If you want a glossy, nutty shine, a tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil works wonders and brings all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is fantastic as a stand-alone meal, but it’s also heavenly served over a hot bowl of steamed white or brown rice. For a lighter touch, try it with cauliflower rice or wrapped inside lettuce cups for a low-carb, extra-crunchy twist. Feeling extra? Cook up some quick rice noodles or add a side of pickled veggies for zing.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry into an eye-catching main by piling it high in a wide serving bowl, or spoon it into lettuce cups and let everyone build their own. For a crowd, serve it right from the skillet, topped with mountains of green onions and sesame, for that irresistible “help yourself” vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a lifesaver! Cool your chicken cabbage stir fry completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, making it a perfect lunch option the next day—flavors deepen and mingle even more as it sits.

Freezing

Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe can be frozen, though the cabbage softens a bit after thawing. To freeze, pack into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through (add a splash of water if needed to keep things moist). You can also microwave it in a covered dish in short bursts. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onion and sesame just before serving to revive that just-cooked flair.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a speedy dinner that delivers big flavor and nourishment with minimal fuss, you’re going to love this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to weeknight favorite. Enjoy every bite!

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