Looking for a wholesome dinner that doesn’t take a mountain of ingredients or time? This Easy Ground Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry is a vibrant, nourishing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and tons of flavor, it combines tender cabbage and juicy ground chicken in a garlicky, gingery soy glaze that brings everything together in one crave-worthy skillet.
You’ll love how the cabbage softens and slightly caramelizes, creating a savory-sweet base that pairs perfectly with the lean protein. And since it comes together in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is ideal for those nights when you just need to get dinner on the table without fuss or compromise.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry
This stir fry is everything you want in a weeknight meal: easy, fast, affordable, and healthy. The flavors are bold and comforting without being heavy, and you can customize it with pantry staples or seasonal veggies. It’s also a great way to sneak more veggies into your routine without anyone noticing. Meal-prep friendly and endlessly versatile, this dish earns a regular spot on the dinner rotation.
Can I Use Bagged Slaw Mix Instead of Fresh Cabbage?
Absolutely! Bagged slaw mix is a fantastic shortcut if you’re short on time or just don’t feel like chopping. It cooks up just like fresh cabbage and often includes shredded carrots for bonus flavor and texture. Just be sure to grab the unseasoned kind so you can control the sauce flavors yourself.
Ingredients for the Easy Ground Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry
This recipe is all about simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture, and you probably already have most of them at home.
Ground chicken brings lean, protein-rich substance and cooks quickly, making it a convenient base for the dish.
Green cabbage adds bulk and crunch that softens beautifully in the skillet, absorbing the sauce for maximum flavor.
Garlic infuses the stir fry with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
Ginger brightens up the entire dish with its sharp, slightly sweet zing.
Soy sauce is the umami-packed backbone that ties everything together.
Rice vinegar gives the stir fry a gentle tang that lifts the other flavors.
Sesame oil adds a toasted, nutty finish that’s essential for that classic stir fry vibe.
Green onions bring a mild onion bite and a pop of fresh color at the end.
Red pepper flakes (optional) for just a touch of heat if you like a little kick.

How To Make the Easy Ground Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Toss in the shredded cabbage and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it wilts and starts to brown slightly, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Drizzle in the soy sauce and rice vinegar. If using red pepper flakes, sprinkle them in now. Stir everything well and let it cook another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and give it a final stir. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option.
How to Serve and Store Easy Ground Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry
This dish is fantastic served hot straight from the skillet, but it also makes an excellent meal prep option. It feeds 3 to 4 people generously, especially if paired with rice or noodles.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers just as satisfying the next day.
What to Serve With Easy Ground Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Light and fluffy, it soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
Brown Rice or Quinoa
For a heartier, fiber-packed base.
Stir-Fried Broccoli
Adds a contrasting green bite and extra veggies to the meal.
Fried Egg
A crispy-edged egg on top makes it feel extra indulgent.
Kimchi
The tangy, spicy crunch adds a fermented kick that pairs well.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet, soft, and caramelized to balance the savory stir fry.
Rice Noodles
Toss the stir fry right into some rice noodles for a noodle bowl twist.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you love this ground chicken stir fry, here are more flavor-packed dinners to try:
- Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for protein-rich comfort.
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta when you want a quick, creamy pasta fix.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Balls & Creamy Parmesan Pasta if you love indulgent flavors with simple prep.
- White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a cheesy Tex-Mex twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl for a tangy, protein-forward bowl.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you go spicy or keep it mild? Add mushrooms or carrots? I love seeing your twists.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to recipes!

Easy Ground Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Description
This easy ground chicken and cabbage stir fry is a healthy, low-carb dinner made in under 30 minutes. Packed with protein, flavor, and simple ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, it’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
4 cups shredded green cabbage
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until wilted and slightly browned, around 5 minutes.
4. Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar, add red pepper flakes if using, and stir well. Cook another 2–3 minutes.
5. Finish with green onions and serve hot over rice, noodles, or on its own.
Notes
This stir fry tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
You can substitute bagged coleslaw mix for convenience.
For extra depth, add a splash of hoisin or oyster sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
