Name: Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 4 cups green cabbage, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is the kind of dish that brings you comfort and freshness in every bite. It’s got that irresistible balance of savory, slightly sweet sauce with crisp cabbage and tender chicken, and it’s all done in under 30 minutes. This is the perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.

Stir-fry recipes are a true go-to when time is short but your tastebuds want something exciting. This one takes everyday ingredients like cabbage, garlic, and soy sauce and transforms them into something vibrant and satisfying. It’s light enough for a quick lunch and hearty enough for dinner with rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

You’ll love how versatile and budget-friendly this recipe is. It uses humble ingredients but delivers bold flavor with every forkful. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, and low in carbs, making it a smart option for many diets.

It also makes great use of cabbage, which holds up well in the stir-fry process, soaking in the sauce while staying just crisp enough. The chicken brings protein, and when paired with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, you get all those cozy Chinese takeout vibes without the delivery fee.

What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use?

Green cabbage is the most common and accessible choice, and it works beautifully in this recipe. It softens just right in the wok without turning soggy. Napa cabbage is another great option if you want a lighter, slightly sweeter finish. If you like a firmer texture, try using savoy cabbage. Whatever you have on hand will likely work just fine, but green cabbage tends to strike the best balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients for the Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

When it comes to making a great stir-fry, it’s all about building flavor in layers and not overcomplicating things. Here are the simple but essential ingredients you’ll need:

Chicken breast: Lean, quick-cooking, and soaks up the stir-fry sauce beautifully.
Green cabbage: Adds crunch, bulk, and pairs well with the savory sauce.
Garlic: A base aromatic that infuses every bite with flavor.
Ginger: Gives the dish warmth and that signature Asian taste.
Soy sauce: For savory depth. Use low-sodium or tamari as needed.
Sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma and authentic finish.
Vegetable oil: Neutral oil for stir-frying.
Green onions: Added at the end for brightness and a fresh bite.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity that balances the soy sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and coats the chicken.

How To Make the Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice the chicken breast thinly against the grain and toss it with a little cornstarch. This helps the chicken stay tender and gives it a light coating that clings to the sauce.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat your wok or skillet with vegetable oil over high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear for a couple of minutes before stirring. Cook until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir quickly to avoid burning and enjoy the amazing aroma that hits your nose.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to soften but still has crunch. The edges might caramelize a bit, which only adds more flavor.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Add the green onions last, give one final stir, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve and Store This Stir-Fry

This recipe yields enough to feed 3 to 4 people generously, especially if served with rice or noodles. It’s one of those meals that tastes just as great the next day, making it perfect for lunch leftovers.

To store, transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for a minute or two until warmed through. If the stir-fry looks a bit dry, splash in a touch of water or soy sauce.

What to Serve With Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy and fragrant rice makes the perfect base for soaking up all the saucy goodness.

Garlic Noodles

A garlicky, buttery noodle side would bring bold flavor to match the stir-fry.

Egg Drop Soup

Light and silky, this soup adds warmth and comfort without overpowering the main dish.

Roasted Broccoli

The crisp-tender texture of roasted broccoli complements the soft crunch of cabbage.

Spring Rolls

Whether fresh or fried, spring rolls offer a tasty appetizer that works well with the stir-fry.

Spicy Cucumber Salad

A cool and spicy cucumber salad adds contrast in both temperature and texture.

Fried Rice

Make it a takeout-style feast by serving alongside a small bowl of homemade fried rice.

Want More Stir-Fry Ideas?

If this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry hits the spot, here are some other quick and satisfying meals you might love too:

Try this hearty Hearty Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet for a beefy twist on the cabbage combo.
Make dinner cozy with Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms.
Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup packed with bold flavors.
Or go vegetarian with the savory Tasty Deconstructed Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with Napa or green cabbage? Did you add chili flakes for heat?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other stir-fry smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and stir-fry dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for vibrant, easy dinners!

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry proves that simple ingredients can still make a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it’s quick, affordable, and endlessly adaptable. Keep this recipe handy for those nights when you want something nourishing, fast, and delicious all in one wok.