Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, colorful, and packed with flavor, look no further than Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry. This stir fry is a weeknight hero: juicy chicken mingling with crisp veggies in a glossy, savory sauce—ready in just about half an hour, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. It’s a balanced meal that ticks all the boxes for taste, texture, and wholesome simplicity, making it a go-to favorite in my own dinner rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is how just a handful of humble, everyday ingredients come together to create vibrant color and flavor in every bite. Each component in this dish plays its own delicious part, so here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken breast: Sliced thin to soak up every drop of the sauce and cook up tender and juicy, not dry.
• Green cabbage: Provides crunch, subtle sweetness, and bulks up the stir fry with freshness.
• Carrot: Julienned carrot brings pops of color and just enough natural sweetness.
• Onion: Sliced thin, it caramelizes and adds depth to the entire dish.
• Garlic: Minced for punchy aroma and unmistakable savory warmth.
• Soy sauce: The main salt element that ties all the flavors together.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a gentle umami boost and a touch of glossy richness to the sauce.
• Sesame oil: Finishes the dish with an irresistibly nutty aroma and flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Grated for brighter, cleaner spice and zing that wakes up your taste buds.
• Vegetable oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and stir frying the veggies.
• Black pepper: For that subtle kick and seasoning balance.
• Green onions: Chopped for garnish, lending color and fresh, crisp bite.
• Sesame seeds: Totally optional, but who can resist a little crunch and toasty flair on top?

How to Make Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a roomy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the sliced chicken breast and let it sear without too much stirring so you get that caramelized, lightly golden edge. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just cooked through and juicy. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate—don’t worry, it’ll jump back into the pan soon!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Now, in the same skillet (no need for extra washing!), pour in the sesame oil and throw in your minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir these around for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step forms the aromatic foundation that makes this Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry so crave-worthy.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies

Add your sliced onion, julienned carrot, and shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry everything, tossing continuously, for about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is to soften the veggies while keeping them bright and crisp—no limp cabbage here! Let those colors pop and the scents mingle.

Step 4: Combine and Sauce

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper right over everything. Use your spatula to toss and coat all the ingredients evenly so every bite is flavored. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the sauce cling to the chicken and veggies, transforming the pan into a glossy, aromatic stir fry.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

With the heat off, sprinkle over your chopped green onions and, if you’d like, a shower of sesame seeds. This is where the stir fry gets those final bursts of freshness and crunch. Serve it piping hot over steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, I love garnishing with a generous heap of green onions and a pinch of sesame seeds. It’s not only visually appealing but adds a light, crisp touch to balance the stir fry’s flavors. If you want extra color, try adding thin slices of red chili or a handful of fresh cilantro.

Side Dishes

Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is wonderful as a one-pan wonder, but it also loves company. Fluffy jasmine rice or slurpy noodles make a classic pairing, soaking up all the savory juices. If you’re feeling ambitious, serve it alongside a cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies for an extra-fresh feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Sometimes, a fun presentation makes all the difference! Try serving the stir fry in lettuce cups for a playful, hands-on meal. Or, pile it high on a big platter and let everyone serve themselves family-style—perfect for a casual dinner party. This dish is bright and colorful enough that it deserves to be the centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of your Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry will keep happily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cool it down completely first to preserve the best texture and flavor. That means easy lunches you can look forward to!

Freezing

If you have extra, this stir fry is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. The veggies may soften a tad upon thawing, but the flavor stays fantastic. Try to eat within a month for optimal taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until hot, splashing in a bit of water if needed to steam and revive the veggies. For a super quick fix, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor to Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry. Just slice them thin like the breasts—no need to change anything else.

What veggies can I add or substitute?

This dish is super adaptable. Swap in bok choy, napa cabbage, snap peas, or even kale for different shades of green and extra nutrition. The key is to keep everything thinly sliced for even cooking.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! For a meatless spin, toss in extra-firm tofu cubes, tempeh, or seared mushrooms. Skip the chicken but keep the rest of the ingredients and sauce as is.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Go for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and be sure to check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free too. With these swaps, your Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry will be perfect for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! For a spicier meal, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while stir frying, or drizzle finished bowls with a little sriracha. You’re totally in control of the heat.

Final Thoughts

Take this as your sign to treat yourself (and any lucky dinner guests) to a batch of Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry! It’s simple enough for busy nights, bursting with flavor, and so satisfying in every way. I hope it earns a regular spot on your table and brings you just as much joy as it brings me—happy cooking!

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