Easy Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes

After a long day, the last thing I want is a hard dinner. That’s why this chicken cabbage stir-fry is my go-to for busy nights. It turns simple ingredients into a tasty, healthy meal in just 20 minutes.

This stir-fry is more than just a recipe. It’s a quick fix for those who want healthy food without spending hours cooking. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a flavorful sauce, it’s the perfect quick meal.

Key Takeaways

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Packed with protein and vegetables
• One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
• Versatile recipe adaptable to dietary needs
• Nutritionally balanced dinner option
• Budget-friendly and easy to prepare

Quick and Healthy Asian-Inspired Dinner Solution

Imagine having a tasty, healthy meal ready in just 20 minutes. My easy chicken cabbage stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s fast, flavorful, and wholesome. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a dinner everyone will love.

Benefits of Quick Stir-Fry Cooking

Stir-fry cooking is great for home cooks. With a chicken cabbage stir-fry with soy sauce, you can:

• Prepare a complete meal in under 30 minutes
• Retain maximum nutritional value of vegetables
• Use minimal cooking oil
• Create restaurant-quality dishes at home

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

This recipe is perfect for what to serve with chicken stir-fry. It’s quick, tasty, and nutritious. You need only basic kitchen skills and minimal prep.

Nutritional Benefits at a Glance

This easy chicken cabbage stir-fry is not just quick—it’s nutritious. Each serving has:

• Protein: 35g to support muscle health
• Vegetables: Multiple servings in one dish
• Low-calorie: Around 338 calories per serving
• Quick energy: Balanced macronutrients

Choosing this stir-fry means you’re making a healthy, delicious meal. It supports your health and saves time.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Making a great chinese chicken cabbage stir fry needs the right ingredients. These ingredients add amazing flavors and health benefits. Let’s explore the key items that make this dish tasty and good for weight watchers.

Quick & Tasty Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Try Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry! Tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a savory sauce make a speedy, tasty dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Healthy Stir-Fry

Servings 4

Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Wok – For stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For slicing chicken and vegetables.
• Mixing Bowls – For marinating chicken and preparing the sauce.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Spatula or Tongs – For stirring and flipping ingredients.
• Serving Plates or Bowls – For plating the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

  

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium preferred
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cups green cabbage shredded
• ½ cup carrots julienned
• ½ cup red bell pepper sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 green onions chopped

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes optional for heat
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water to thicken

For Garnish & Serving:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
• Steamed rice quinoa, or cauliflower rice (optional)

Instructions

 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a small bowl, toss thinly sliced chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

• In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha.
• Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.
• Stir-fry cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

• Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the stir-fry sauce.
• Stir-fry for 1-2 more minutes until everything is coated and the sauce thickens.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~375 kcal
• Protein: ~40g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
  • Fiber: ~6g
  • Sugar: ~8g
• Fat: ~12g
  • Saturated Fat: ~2g
• Sodium: ~700mg
• Potassium: ~600mg

💡 For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or skip the sweetener in the sauce.

Keyword Chicken cabbage stir-fry, Easy chicken dish, Healthy stir-fry, High-protein meal, Low-carb recipe, Quick dinner

To make a top-notch chicken and cabbage stir fry with noodles, you’ll need these essential items:

• Protein Base: 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Vegetables:
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Aromatics:
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 shallot, chopped

The sauce ingredients are key for that authentic chinese chicken cabbage stir fry taste:

• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Adding noodles or more veggies is optional for extra flavor. This recipe is great for those watching their weight. By choosing the right ingredients and controlling portions, you can enjoy a healthy meal that’s full of taste.

Pro tip: Prep all your ingredients before cooking. This way, your chinese chicken cabbage stir fry will be ready fast and stay crunchy.

Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips

To make the perfect chicken cabbage stir-fry, you need more than just ingredients. I’ll show you the tools and techniques to make your dish stand out.

Recommended Cooking Tools

For a true Chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry, you’ll need a few key tools:

• 12-inch non-stick skillet or traditional wok
• Sharp chef’s knife for precise chopping
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spatula or metal wok spatula

Mise en Place Guidelines

Preparation is key for a great stir-fry. Mise en place means having everything ready before you start cooking. This is crucial for our chicken cabbage stir-fry recipe, as it cooks fast.

1. Chop chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces
2. Slice cabbage thinly
3. Mince garlic and ginger
4. Measure out sauce ingredients

Proper Heat Management

The secret to a great chicken cabbage stir-fry is high, consistent heat. Your pan should be hot enough to sear the chicken and keep the veggies crisp. A hot pan helps keep flavors in and reduces calories by using less oil.

Pro tip: Preheat your skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding oil. This ensures the perfect cooking temperature for a restaurant-quality stir-fry.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a great chicken cabbage stir-fry needs focus and skill. I’ll show you how to cook a tasty dish in just 20 minutes. It’s as good as recipes from Allrecipes and Woks of Life.

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • Cut 1 lb chicken breast into bite-sized pieces
   • Season with salt and pepper
   • Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy edges
2. Heat the Wok
   • Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a hot wok
   • Cook chicken for 4-6 minutes until golden
   • Remove chicken and set aside
3. Stir-Fry Vegetables
   • Add remaining oil to wok
   • Sauté 6 minced garlic cloves
   • Add 2 tbsp fresh ginger
   • Stir-fry 8-10 cups shredded cabbage
   • Cook vegetables for 3-5 minutes
4. Combine and Finish
   • Return chicken to wok
   • Pour in stir-fry sauce
   • Mix chicken cabbage stir-fry noodles if desired
   • Cook for additional 2-3 minutes

Pro tip: Keep your wok or large skillet on high heat to achieve that restaurant-style sear. The key is quick, high-temperature cooking that locks in flavors and keeps vegetables crisp.

This chicken cabbage stir-fry delivers an impressive 28.2g of protein per serving. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Master the Perfect Stir-Fry Sauce

Making a great sauce is key to turning a basic chicken cabbage stir-fry into a top-notch dish. My recipe for Chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry focuses on a sauce that’s both balanced and flavorful. It’s perfect for both chicken and veggies.

Base Sauce Components

For a tasty chicken cabbage stir-fry, use a versatile sauce base:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

Customization Options

It’s easy to adjust the sauce for different diets. For a keto version, swap honey for a low-carb sweetener. For weight watchers, use light soy sauce and less oil to cut calories.

Proper Sauce Consistency Tips

Getting the sauce just right is important. Mix cornstarch with cold water first to avoid lumps. Stir constantly while cooking to get a smooth, shiny sauce that sticks well to chicken and cabbage.

Pro tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or runny.

Choosing and Preparing the Cabbage

Choosing the right cabbage is key to a tasty ground chicken cabbage stir fry. Napa cabbage, or Chinese cabbage, is the best choice. It’s tender and flavorful. Here are my top tips for picking and preparing cabbage to make your stir-fry amazing.

Does chinese cabbage need to be cooked? Napa cabbage is versatile. You can eat it raw in salads or stir-fry it for a quick meal. Pro tip: Light cooking keeps nutrients and gives a perfect texture.

Here’s how to shred cabbage for stir-fry easily:

• Start with a sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Remove the tough core of the cabbage
• Slice into thin, uniform strips about 1/4 inch wide
• Aim for roughly 4 cups of shredded cabbage per recipe

Different cabbage varieties work well in stir-fries:

1. Napa cabbage: Lightest and most delicate
2. Green cabbage: Robust and crunchy
3. Savoy cabbage: Slightly wrinkled leaves with mild flavor

When making your ground chicken cabbage stir fry, cabbage cooks fast. It usually takes 5-7 minutes. This quick cooking time keeps nutrients and prevents the cabbage from getting mushy.

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Results

Want to make a chicken cabbage stir-fry like a pro? I’ve got the secrets to make your dish taste like it’s from a restaurant. Follow my expert tips for a meal that’s both tasty and impressive.

Temperature Control Secrets

Getting the heat right is key in stir-frying. My top tip is to use high heat. Cook the chicken first to get a nice golden-brown color.

• Preheat your wok or skillet until it’s smoking hot
• Use canola or vegetable oil with high smoke points
• Cook chicken in small batches to maintain high temperature

Timing and Technique Mastery

Knowing when to stop cooking is crucial for the right texture. Fresh ingredients are best, so store your stir-fry in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Pro tip: Add vegetables in order of cooking time. Start with harder veggies like carrots and add greens last. This keeps everything tender and crisp.

Master these techniques and you’ll make a stir-fry that rivals any restaurant. It’s sure to impress your guests.

Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines

Storing your chicken cabbage stir-fry right keeps it tasty and safe. For how long is chicken stir fry good for?, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for 4 days.

Meal prep is great for quick weeknights. Here are my best storage tips:

• Store cooked stir-fry in sealed containers
• Keep chicken and vegetables separate for optimal freshness
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking

Wondering how do you know when cabbage goes bad?, watch for these signs:

• Discoloration (brown or gray spots)
• Slimy texture
• Unpleasant or off-putting smell

For reheating, microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and then heat for 30-60 seconds more. This keeps your stir-fry moist and tasty.

Pro tip: Freeze individual portions to make your meal last longer. Properly stored, your chicken cabbage stir-fry can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When deciding what to serve with chicken stir fry, I’ve found some great options. A chicken and cabbage stir fry with noodles makes a full meal. It’s both tasty and healthy.

Looking for something with less carbs? Try these:

• Cauliflower rice
• Zucchini noodles
• Spiralized vegetable noodles

My top picks for side dishes with chicken stir fry are:

1. Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts – for a crunchy bite
2. Air Fryer Green Beans with garlic
3. Roasted asparagus
4. Asian slaw with peanuts

Finish your meal with a light drink like green tea or a crisp white wine. The goal is to mix flavors and textures for a great meal.

Conclusion

My easy chicken cabbage stir-fry recipe is more than just a meal. It’s a quick, nutritious solution for busy home cooks. This healthy dish delivers great flavor and nutrition in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight.

This recipe is very flexible. You can swap proteins, try different vegetables, or change seasonings to your liking. The chicken cabbage stir-fry recipe lets you be creative while still making a balanced, delicious meal.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re new to cooking or have lots of experience, this easy chicken cabbage stir-fry is a great choice. It’s all about exploring and enjoying the cooking process—so have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things!

With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you’ll make a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Your taste buds and body will thank you for this tasty culinary adventure.