If you’re anything like me, the perfect weeknight dinner is all about simplicity, speed, and loads of flavor. That’s why I’m obsessed with this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry. It’s one of those dishes that comes together so quickly, you’ll barely have time to set the table! The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and the umami-rich sauce will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, this stir-fry will make any meal feel like a takeout treat—minus the wait!

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your kitchen already!
Customizable: It’s a fantastic way to use up veggies hiding in your fridge.
Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes.

So, grab your wok or skillet, and let’s dive into the easiest and tastiest stir-fry you’ll ever make!

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

The secret to a stress-free stir-fry? Prepping everything before you start cooking. Trust me, once the heat is on, things move fast! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts into strips. This ensures even cooking and tender bites.
Veggies: Slice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, finely dice the jalapeño, and shred half a head of cabbage. If you want to add a personal twist, feel free to toss in some carrots or snap peas for extra crunch.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Let’s get that chicken sizzling! Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, toss in the chicken strips. Season lightly with salt and pepper and stir-fry until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Want extra-tender chicken? Marinate it for 15 minutes in a mix of soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a teaspoon of cornstarch before cooking.

Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics

Here’s where the magic begins. In the same skillet (because we’re all about fewer dishes), toss in the sliced onion. Sauté it for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften. Next, add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and cook for about a minute. By now, your kitchen should smell absolutely amazing!

Aromatic Boost: Want more depth? Add a small piece of grated ginger for a warming kick.

Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables

With the onion, garlic, and jalapeño already working their flavor magic, add the shredded cabbage and diced orange bell pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the veggies mingle with the aromatics.

Here’s the game-changer: pour in ½ cup of chicken stock. Not only does this deglaze the pan (lifting up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom), but it also gives the vegetables a gentle steam, ensuring they cook evenly without losing their crunch.

Quick Tip: If you prefer your vegetables softer, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to trap the steam.

Step 5: Making the Sauce

Now for the heart of the stir-fry—the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. The rich, savory flavor of the oyster sauce combined with the salty depth of soy sauce creates a balanced, irresistible glaze for the vegetables.

Cook the veggies for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. This is the perfect texture for a stir-fry—it should have enough bite to complement the tender chicken.

Optional Add-In: Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 6: Combining It All

It’s time to reunite the chicken with the veggies! Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and give everything a good toss. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and the flavors have blended beautifully.

This is also the perfect time to taste-test (chef’s privilege!) and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer a saltier profile, add a splash more soy sauce. If you love a hint of sweetness, a drizzle of honey can work wonders.

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How to Serve Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Once everything is mixed and cooked to perfection, transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. You can serve it as-is for a low-carb option or pair it with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or stir-fried noodles to make it a hearty meal.

Serving Tip: Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top can also brighten the flavors.

Variations to Try

What I love most about this stir-fry is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can customize it:

Protein Swap: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu to switch things up.
Veggie Bonanza: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for more color and texture.
Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, add more jalapeño or drizzle in some sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

FAQ and Conclusion

You’ve mastered the steps to create this delicious Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, but maybe you still have a few lingering questions. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions to help ensure your stir-fry turns out perfectly every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cabbage?

Absolutely! While green cabbage works wonderfully, you can also use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage. These options are slightly milder and softer, which can give your stir-fry a different texture and flavor.

2. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No oyster sauce? No problem! You can substitute hoisin sauce or even a mix of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sugar to mimic the sweet-savory profile.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press the tofu first to remove excess water, then stir-fry it until crispy before proceeding with the recipe.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken stock to revive the sauce.

5. What’s the best way to add more heat?

If you’re a fan of spicy dishes, add more diced jalapeño, sprinkle in red chili flakes, or drizzle sriracha or chili oil over the finished dish.

6. Can I prep this in advance?

Yes! Slice and dice all your ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. This makes the cooking process even faster—perfect for busy weeknights!

7. Can I freeze this stir-fry?

While the chicken freezes well, the cabbage and bell peppers may lose their crisp texture after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, cook the chicken separately and prep fresh veggies when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There you have it—a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious and healthy. This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is the ultimate combination of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a savory sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also endlessly customizable. You can make it spicier, swap out the protein, or load it up with extra veggies—whatever fits your taste buds or fridge contents that day.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and whip up this vibrant stir-fry. Trust me, it’ll become one of your go-to dinners in no time. And if you do try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience, any variations you made, or even a quick photo in the comments below. Let’s keep the cooking inspiration flowing!

Now go grab your skillet and get ready to stir things up in the tastiest way possible. Enjoy your stir-fry journey, and happy cooking!

Chicken Cabbage Stir-fry

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 35 mins

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a touch of heat from jalapeños. This meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the ingredients:

Thinly slice the chicken breasts into strips.

Slice the onion and orange bell pepper, mince the garlic, and finely dice the jalapeño pepper.

Shred the cabbage.

2️⃣ Cook the chicken:

In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stir-fry the chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3️⃣ Sauté the aromatics:

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, or until it begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for another minute while stirring frequently.

4️⃣ Cook the vegetables:

Add the shredded cabbage and diced orange bell pepper to the skillet.

Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine.

Add the oyster sauce and soy sauce, mixing well to coat the vegetables evenly.

5️⃣ Simmer:

Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.

6️⃣ Combine with chicken:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the vegetables and sauce.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

7️⃣ Serve:

Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Serve hot on its own, or over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of red chili flakes.
Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for a variation.
Ensure the cabbage retains some crunch for the best texture.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins

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