Description
If you’re craving a flavorful, healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers big on taste and ease. This quick dinner recipe brings together juicy strips of chicken, tender-crisp cabbage, and a garlicky umami-packed sauce that’s better than takeout. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, ideal for meal prep, and versatile enough to be customized with your favorite veggies. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a healthy lunch, or an easy recipe to make with pantry staples, this dish is a winner.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp white pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cups chopped Napa cabbage or green cabbage
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, minced
1 red chili, sliced (optional)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
2. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, broth, and cornstarch.
3. Prep your vegetables: slice cabbage, pepper, green onions, mince garlic and ginger, and slice chili if using.
4. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the chicken for 4–5 minutes until nearly cooked. Remove and set aside.
5. Add another tablespoon of oil, sauté garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions for 30 seconds.
6. Add bell pepper, cabbage, and chili. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until tender but crisp.
7. Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1–2 minutes.
8. Add green parts of the scallions, toss again, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu and use mushroom-based sauces.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for the best stir-fry texture.
Use high heat throughout to preserve the crunch of the vegetables and develop smoky wok flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg