If you are looking for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome weeknight meal, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a colorful medley of veggies, it effortlessly blends savory sauces and vibrant textures into one satisfying dish. Whether you are a stir-fry novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of comfort and freshness that you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a flavor-packed and visually appealing dish. From the rich butter or sesame oil that gives a wonderful aroma to sauces that deepen the savory notes, every component has its purposeful place.
- 2 tbsp butter (or sesame oil): Adds richness and a nutty fragrance that lifts the entire stir-fry.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: The protein star, cooked to juicy perfection to soak up all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a slight heat to brighten the dish.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Adds mild sweetness and texture contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic introduces that pungent depth essential for great stir-fry.
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced: Colorful and crunchy, it brings a fresh, sweet crunch.
- 1 cup carrot, julienned: Sweet and crisp, these thin strips add vibrant orange color and subtle earthiness.
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded: The star vegetable that provides bulk, crunch, and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds salty umami seasoning to unify the flavors.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Lends sweet-savory depth adding complexity to the stir-fry.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: A finishing touch that imparts warm, toasted notes.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating butter or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced chicken along with black pepper and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it gets a beautiful golden brown exterior while remaining juicy inside. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the sliced onions and minced garlic first—they’re the foundation of amazing flavor and aroma. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their sweetness. Then, add in the bell peppers and julienned carrots, cooking for a few more minutes until crisp-tender. Finally, toss in the shredded cabbage and stir-fry everything together for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. The cabbage should be cooked through but still maintain a lovely crunch.
Step 3: Combine and Add Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and drizzle the sesame oil over everything. Stir well to coat the chicken and veggies evenly in the savory sauce. Let it stir-fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the entire dish to heat through perfectly.
Step 4: Serve Your Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Once everything is hot and coated in that fragrant sauce, your dish is ready to be plated and enjoyed. This is the moment to savor the aroma and appreciate the colorful bounty you’ve created.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly sliced green onions on top can elevate the final presentation. These little touches not only add texture but also make the dish more visually inviting and flavorful with each bite.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles to soak up every drop of the sauce. A simple bowl of miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad can add balance and lightness alongside the hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or family, try serving this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe in crisp lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist that still delivers all the satisfaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover stir-fry into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining good texture and flavor. This makes it ideal for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat carefully after thawing; however, note that the cabbage’s texture may soften more after freezing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the vegetables crisp and chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast?
Absolutely! Dark meat such as thighs can add richer flavor and stay juicy during stir-frying. Just make sure to dice them evenly and cook until fully done.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of brown sugar to mimic the sweet-savory depth.
Is it necessary to use both butter and sesame oil?
You can choose one or the other based on preference. Butter adds creaminess and richness, while sesame oil gives that characteristic nutty aroma typical in Chinese cooking. Combining both enhances complexity.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or seitan and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce for a plant-based twist. The cabbage and veggies will shine equally well.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are optional and add a mild heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming them. You can adjust the amount or skip it entirely based on your heat tolerance.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe a try means treating yourself to a wholesome, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable meal. It manages to be both comforting and fresh, simple yet so satisfying. Once you make it, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to dinners that you can pull together any night with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and quick Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe that combines tender chicken breast with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Proteins & Fats
- 2 tbsp butter (or sesame oil)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat to melt and prepare the pan for cooking.
- Add Chicken and Spices: Add diced chicken, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan.
- Cook Chicken: Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside to prepare the vegetables.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced onions, minced garlic, bell pepper slices, and julienned carrots.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Cabbage: Add shredded cabbage to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Combine & Add Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Add Sauces: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Final Stir-Fry: Stir-fry everything together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Optional Garnish: Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use sesame oil instead of butter for a more authentic Chinese flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted based on your heat preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the vegetables and tender chicken.
