Crispy Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Charming Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Evenings

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack a flavor punch.

This crispy chicken cabbage stir-fry recipe delivers an amazing meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces dance with crisp cabbage in a sizzling wok, creating layers of mouthwatering texture.

Each bite combines savory seasonings with fresh vegetables for a balanced, nutritious dish.

The technique of high-heat cooking ensures perfectly golden chicken that remains juicy and tender.

Aromatic garlic and ginger add depth to this simple yet impressive meal.

Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice for a complete dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Over Rice Or Noodles

  • Quick Rice Bowl Companion: Serve this stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty, filling meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
  • Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Wrap the chicken and cabbage mixture in fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb, light option that's perfect for summer lunches or quick dinners.
  • Noodle Fusion Twist: Toss the stir-fry with thin rice noodles or zucchini noodles to create a vibrant, easy-to-prepare dish that adds extra texture and excitement to the recipe.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack the stir-fry in meal prep containers with a side of extra sauce, making it an ideal lunch option that stays fresh and tasty throughout the week.

Store Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry For Later

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. This strategy saves time and ensures delicious meals are always ready.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. The chicken and vegetables maintain their crisp texture when properly refrigerated, making reheating a breeze.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Separate the stir-fry into individual portions before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and quickly reheat in a skillet to restore the original texture and flavor.
  • Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and mix sauce ingredients in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This technique cuts down on cooking time and makes meal preparation super convenient during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

For Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and fills you up, choose boneless skinless chicken breast for easiest preparation.
  • Egg: Optional protein booster that creates silky texture when scrambled into dish, farm-fresh eggs provide best flavor.
For Sauce Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and saltiness, select low-sodium version for healthier option.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds bright tangy note that balances rich ingredients, look for clear, authentic Asian brands.
  • Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty, rich undertone that elevates entire dish, choose toasted version for more intense flavor.
  • Honey: Creates subtle sweetness and helps sauce caramelize, local raw honey offers best quality.
  • Sriracha: Introduces spicy kick that wakes up taste buds, adjust amount based on heat preference.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates glossy coating, make sure it's fresh and clump-free.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and nutritional boost, select fresh, compact heads with vibrant color.
  • Onion: Builds foundational flavor and adds natural sweetness, sweet onions work best in stir-fry.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic base, fresh cloves provide more robust taste than pre-minced.
  • Ginger: Introduces warm, zesty undertone, choose firm, smooth root without soft spots.
  • Carrot: Adds bright color and subtle sweetness, use fresh, firm carrots for best crunch.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes gentle heat and complexity, adjust quantity for personal spice level.

Tools To Cook Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Just Right

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and getting those perfect golden-brown edges on chicken.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the zesty sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Key for blending sauce components into a silky, well-combined mixture.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing chicken and vegetables with precision.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients during cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning sauce and seasoning ingredients.

Steps To Stir-Fry Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Fast

  • Sizzle the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet, toss in chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and perfectly done. Remove chicken and set aside.

  • Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pan, splash more oil and quickly dance garlic, onion, and ginger until their fragrance fills the kitchen.

  • Transform the Vegetables

Add cabbage and other crisp vegetables, stirring rapidly to keep them vibrant and slightly crunchy. Let them dance in the pan for a few minutes.

  • Create the Flavor Symphony

Pour the tangy sauce into the pan, return chicken to the mix, and toss everything together. Let the ingredients mingle and absorb the delicious coating.

  • Finish with Flair

Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve hot over your favorite base like rice or noodles.

Ideas To Add Flavor To Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Quick Garlic Hack: Grate fresh garlic instead of mincing for more intense, evenly distributed flavor that melts perfectly into the stir-fry.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days to streamline weeknight cooking.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly version without sacrificing taste or texture.
  • Protein Power-Up: Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean beef to match your dietary preferences or protein goals for a versatile meal solution.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes and sriracha quantities to create a mild, medium, or fiery hot stir-fry that matches your personal heat tolerance.
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Crispy Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Crispy Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory chicken cabbage stir-fry melds Asian-inspired flavors with crisp vegetables and tender protein. Simple ingredients create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 2 tbsps olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • ½ medium onion, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp honey (or sugar-free sweetener for keto)
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ tsp sriracha (optional for spice)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken, optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and fully blended.
  2. Chicken Searing: Heat oil in a large skillet, cooking chicken pieces until golden and thoroughly done, creating a caramelized exterior. Remove chicken and set aside on a separate plate.
  3. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté minced onion, crushed garlic, and grated ginger for one minute, releasing their intense flavors and creating a fragrant base.
  4. Vegetable Integration: Add shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and red pepper flakes, stirring quickly to maintain crisp texture. Cook until vegetables soften slightly while preserving their vibrant color and crunch.
  5. Final Fusion: Return chicken to the skillet, pour prepared sauce over the entire mixture, and toss energetically to ensure complete coating and even heating of all ingredients.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. Present immediately alongside steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or preferred noodle base for a complete, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper flavor profiles.
  • Prevent Soggy Vegetables: Stir-fry vegetables on high heat quickly to maintain crisp texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to limp, watery cabbage.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Mix cornstarch with cold liquid first to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that coats ingredients evenly without becoming too thick.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute honey with coconut aminos for a paleo-friendly version, or use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the recipe’s authentic Asian-inspired taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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