If you’re craving a flavorful, veggie-packed meal that’s easy to whip up, look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry. This dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant bell peppers – all simmered in a savory sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
To make this delectable Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, you’ll need just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions for garnish
The combination of chicken, cabbage, and vibrant vegetables not only creates a visually stunning dish but also packs a nutritional punch. Cabbage is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the chicken provides a lean source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bring this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry to life? Let’s get cooking!
Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, letting the delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
Cook Chicken
Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Add Vegetables
Now, it’s time to toss in the chopped cabbage, bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Sauté for another 4–5 minutes, until the veggies are just tender but still maintain a satisfying crunch.
Add Sauces & Seasonings
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Thicken Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker, more luxurious stir-fry sauce, simply add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce has thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
Finish & Serve
Remove the Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve this flavorful dish hot over a bed of steaming rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Try serving it over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, or alongside a simple side salad for a well-rounded dinner. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with steamed or sautéed Chinese-style noodles.
When it comes to portion sizes, a typical serving of this stir-fry is about 1 cup. However, feel free to adjust the serving sizes based on your appetite and the number of people you’re feeding. This recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or feeding a family.

Health Benefits of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Not only is this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry delicious, but it’s also a nutritious and health-conscious meal option. Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable that’s high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The chicken breast provides a lean source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Additionally, this stir-fry is a great low-carb option, as the vegetables take center stage rather than relying on heavy starches or grains. For those watching their calorie intake, a serving of this dish contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on your portion size and any additional ingredients you may include.
Variations of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
The beauty of this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can switch it up:
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the chicken and use extra-firm tofu or sliced mushrooms instead. You can also swap the butter for a plant-based oil, such as sesame, peanut, or avocado oil.
Alternative Proteins
While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute other proteins, such as shrimp, beef, pork, or even a mix of vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
Different Vegetable Combinations
Feel free to experiment with different vegetable combinations. You could try adding sliced zucchini, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or even some fresh ginger for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs about Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
What type of cabbage is best for stir-fry?
For this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe, you can use a variety of cabbage types, such as green cabbage, Napa cabbage, or even savoy cabbage. The key is to choose a cabbage that has a firm, crunchy texture that can hold up well to the high heat of stir-frying.
What is the best way to eat Chinese cabbage?
Chinese cabbage, also known as Napa cabbage, is fantastic in stir-fries like this one. It has a slightly sweeter flavor and more tender texture compared to green cabbage. You can also enjoy Chinese cabbage raw in salads, sautéed as a side dish, or even pickled for a tangy crunch.
How many calories are in stir-fried cabbage?
A serving of this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on portion size and any additional ingredients. Cabbage itself is a low-calorie vegetable, with just 22 calories per cup of raw, shredded cabbage.
Can you put sweetheart cabbage in stir-fry?
Absolutely! Sweetheart cabbage, also known as Savoy cabbage, is an excellent choice for stir-fries. Its delicate, frilly leaves and mild, sweet flavor make it a wonderful addition to this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe.
Conclusion
Embrace the vibrant flavors and textures of this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meal. With its perfect balance of protein, veggies, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok and get ready to enjoy a flavorful stir-fry that’s sure to satisfy!
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Whip Up a Flavorful Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry in Just 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful, veggie-packed Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry with tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant bell peppers, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cup cabbage, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
3. Now, it’s time to toss in the chopped cabbage, bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Sauté for another 4–5 minutes, until the veggies are just tender but still maintain a satisfying crunch.
4. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. If you prefer a thicker, more luxurious stir-fry sauce, simply add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce has thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Remove the Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve this flavorful dish hot over a bed of steaming rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
This recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings. A typical serving size is about 1 cup. Adjust serving sizes based on appetite and number of people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams