Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Featured in: Home Kitchen Cooking

This quick and flavorful weeknight meal features tender chicken and crisp cabbage, complemented by a vibrant mix of carrots and bell pepper. The dish is brought together with a savory, umami-rich sauce made from soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, balanced with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness. The cooking process is straightforward: sear the chicken, sauté aromatics and vegetables, then combine with the sauce until it thickens. It's an easy, Asian-inspired option that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Updated on Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:59:58 GMT
A close-up of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, featuring juicy chicken and crisp veggies coated in a savory umami sauce. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, featuring juicy chicken and crisp veggies coated in a savory umami sauce. | saborzerrin.com

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner solution that perfectly balances juicy protein with crisp vegetables. This Asian-inspired dish features thinly sliced chicken and fresh cabbage tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.

A close-up of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, featuring juicy chicken and crisp veggies coated in a savory umami sauce. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, featuring juicy chicken and crisp veggies coated in a savory umami sauce. | saborzerrin.com

What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔

Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.

Free. No spam. Just easy meals.

The secret to this stir-fry is the high-heat cooking method, which ensures the chicken stays succulent while the cabbage retains a satisfying crunch. It's a dairy-free and nut-free meal that doesn't compromise on depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Tired of Takeout? 🥡

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

  • Protein: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • Vegetables: 1 small head green cabbage (600 g), cored and thinly sliced; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, sliced
  • Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water, 1 tsp sugar
  • Aromatics & Cooking: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and sugar. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Final Touch
Stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot, optionally with steamed rice or noodles.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a large skillet or wok is essential to allow the vegetables to sear rather than steam. Ensure your cutting board and knife are ready for prep, as having all ingredients sliced before you start the heat is key for a successful stir-fry. Whisk your sauce again just before adding it to the pan to ensure the cornstarch hasn't settled.

Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇

Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.

Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you prefer a different protein. For those who like a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce mixture. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari and verify that your oyster and hoisin sauces are certified gluten-free brands.

Serviervorschläge

This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is best served hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. For a different texture, you can toss it with cooked wheat or rice noodles. It also makes for a great low-carb meal when enjoyed on its own.

Golden-brown pieces of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry in a hot wok, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown pieces of Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry in a hot wok, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. | saborzerrin.com

With 260 calories and 29g of protein per serving, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious. It is a reliable staple for anyone looking for a fresh, homemade Asian-inspired dish that beats takeout every time.

Common Questions

Can I use a different protein for this dish?

Absolutely! Chicken is versatile, but you can easily swap it for shrimp, sliced pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a kick, you can include a pinch of red chili flakes with the aromatics or stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or other chili garlic sauce along with the main sauce. A finely diced fresh red chili would also work well.

What is the best way to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy?

The key to crisp vegetables in a stir-fry is high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Cook the vegetables in batches if necessary, ensuring the pan remains hot to sear rather than steam them. Also, avoid overcooking them; they should be crisp-tender.

What are some good serving suggestions for this stir-fry?

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, consider cauliflower rice. Noodles, such as lo mein or ramen noodles, can also be a fantastic accompaniment for a heartier meal.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, it can. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, and ensure that your oyster sauce and hoisin sauce brands are certified gluten-free, as these often contain wheat. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

20-Minute Dinner Pack — Free Download 📥

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Juicy chicken and crisp cabbage unite in a quick, flavorful weeknight dish. Features a savory, umami-rich sauce.

Time to Prep
15 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Recipe by Wesley Grimes


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin Asian-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Diet Information No Dairy

What You'll Need

Protein

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

Vegetables

01 1 small head green cabbage (about 1.3 lbs), cored and thinly sliced
02 1 medium carrot, julienned
03 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 3 green onions, sliced

Sauce

01 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
02 1 tbsp oyster sauce
03 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
04 1 tbsp rice vinegar
05 2 tsp sesame oil
06 2 tsp cornstarch
07 2 tbsp water
08 1 tsp sugar

Aromatics & Cooking

01 2 tbsp vegetable oil
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

Cooking Steps

Instruction 01

Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.

Instruction 02

Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Instruction 03

Sauté Aromatics: Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Instruction 04

Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still retain some crunch.

Instruction 05

Combine and Thicken: Return cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and evenly coats all ingredients.

Instruction 06

Finish and Serve: Stir in green onions and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

You Just Made Something Great 👏

Want more like this? Get my best easy recipes — free, straight to your inbox.

Join 10,000+ home cooks. No spam.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and talk to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, hoisin sauce), wheat (soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce unless using gluten-free versions), and shellfish (oyster sauce). Double-check sauce labels for allergens if using gluten-free or allergy-sensitive brands.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Details are for your reference only and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 260
  • Fat content: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Protein amount: 29 g

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard ❤️

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.