If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, fast, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and colorful carrots all tossed in a tantalizing blend of savory sauces and aromatic garlic and ginger. What makes this recipe a go-to weeknight favorite is its effortless preparation and the way the fresh, crunchy vegetables perfectly balance the succulent chicken. Every bite offers a harmony of textures and a punch of umami that will have you coming back for seconds, making this a recipe worth adding to your regular cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe to life, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing the flavor, delivering that satisfying crunch, or adding a luscious sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Chicken breast: The star protein, sliced thin for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Soy sauce: Adds the perfect salty, savory depth, boosting the overall umami.
- Cornstarch: Helps to create a silky coating on the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Sesame oil: Just a little for a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the stir-fry.
- Vegetable oil: The workhorse oil for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Shredded cabbage: The crunchy, fresh veggie that gives this dish its signature texture.
- Carrot, julienned: Adds a splash of color and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic, minced: Brings fragrant warmth that awakens your taste buds.
- Ginger, minced: Provides a bright, zesty punch to contrast the rich sauces.
- Chicken broth: Introduces moisture and richness to keep everything saucy.
- Oyster sauce: A luscious, slightly sweet sauce that binds the flavors wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: To season and balance all the ingredients perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breast and slicing it thinly against the grain. This technique ensures tender bites that cook quickly. Next, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir to coat every piece, then let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor and creates that beautifully glossy texture once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, spreading it out so it heats evenly. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and slightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This keeps the protein tender and prevents overcooking during the vegetable steps.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit more vegetable oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute or until fragrant. These aromatics are the heart of the dish, releasing savory notes that will permeate the vegetables and chicken alike.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot to the skillet, stir-frying them for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to soften them slightly while keeping that satisfying crunch that makes the dish so refreshing. The vibrant orange of the carrots and green of the cabbage also adds a beautiful visual contrast.
Step 5: Finish with Sauce and Combine
Pour in the chicken broth and oyster sauce, stirring well to blend all the flavors in the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. This final step melds the chicken and vegetables into a perfectly sauced dish that’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds on top adds a lovely finishing touch to this dish. These garnishes not only enhance the look but also introduce subtle layers of flavor and texture that complement the stir-fry beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles for a hearty meal. A side of steamed dumplings or a crisp cucumber salad can elevate your dining experience with added variety and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving this stir-fry inside lettuce cups for a light, handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing. Alternatively, pile it atop a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. The mix of colors and textures makes every serving feel special, even on busy nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir-fry for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore some moisture and keep the cabbage crisp-tender instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Pork, beef, or even tofu work beautifully in this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe. Just adjust cooking times to match the protein you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. The oyster sauce can be replaced with a vegetarian oyster sauce or a mushroom-based sauce for that umami kick.
How can I make the stir-fry spicier?
Adding sliced fresh chili peppers or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce during the garlic and ginger sauté stage will add a nice heat to the dish. Adjust according to your spice preference.
What can I do if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Soy sauce mixed with a touch of hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce is a good substitute that will provide a similar depth of flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe keeps well and is perfect for meal prepping. Just keep the rice or noodles separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s quick to make, full of fresh and comforting flavors, and endlessly adaptable. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own favorite twists. Trust me, once you whip up this stir-fry, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry featuring tender marinated chicken breast sautéed with fresh cabbage and julienned carrots, enhanced by a savory blend of garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce for a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breast and slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and stir-fry until fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary, then sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, to infuse flavor.
- Cook Vegetables: Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrot to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but retain slight crunch.
- Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and oyster sauce, stirring well to combine and coat the vegetables evenly.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until heated through and flavors meld.
- Season: Adjust taste by seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Serve: Serve the chicken cabbage stir-fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and balanced meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, consider adding sliced chili peppers during the sauté stage.
- Use fresh chicken breast for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure to slice chicken thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Vegetables can be substituted or added to, such as bell peppers or snap peas, for variety.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
