Craving something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor? This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a go-to recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with deliciousness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Let me share with you why this dish has become a staple in my kitchen and why it should be in yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity is key. This stir fry is quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies you might have in your fridge. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry, gather these simple, fresh ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
- 1 orange pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ons
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for an herbal touch
- Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Step-by-Step Directions to Perfect Stir Fry
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Thinly slice the onion and chicken breasts, mince the garlic, and shred the cabbage. Don’t forget to dice the jalapeño and orange pepper. Having everything ready before you start cooking is crucial for stir fry success.
2. Cook the Chicken
Melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken breasts. Stir fry them for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until it turns translucent—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the garlic, jalapeño, and orange pepper. Continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Incorporate the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir to combine with the other vegetables. Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender.
5. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the vegetables. Pour in the oyster sauce and soy sauce, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish and Serve
Allow the stir fry to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld. Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
1. Customize the Spice Level
If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce or omit the jalapeño. On the flip side, if you love a bit of spice, feel free to add more or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
2. Protein Alternatives
Not a fan of chicken? This recipe works just as well with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
3. Make It a Complete Meal
Serve this stir fry over steamed white or brown rice, or toss it with your favorite noodles for a more filling meal.
4. Add Extra Veggies
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
Nutrition Details
Here’s what you can expect from a serving of this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry:
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 35% DV
- Vitamin C: 80% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
FAQs About Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Yes! You can prep the veggies and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, the dish will come together in a flash.
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. You could also serve it with a light soup or salad.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to revive the sauce.
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of your favorite mushrooms. The oyster sauce and soy sauce will still provide that rich umami flavor.
Final Thoughts: A Stir Fry That Hits the Spot
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is more than just a recipe—it’s a quick fix for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious, nutritious, and comforting. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stir fry is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try tonight and taste the magic yourself!
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Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious goodness.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
- 1 orange pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the green cabbage. Thinly slice the chicken breasts. Finely dice the jalapeno pepper and dice the orange pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it’s fully melted. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, finely diced jalapeno pepper, and diced orange pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded green cabbage to the skillet and stir well to combine with the other vegetables. Pour in the chicken stock and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to wilt and becomes tender.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the oyster sauce and soy sauce, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Keep cooking for an extra 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend. Remove from heat and transfer the stir fry to a serving dish.
Notes
- Customize the Heat: If you’re not a fan of too much spice, you can reduce or omit the jalapeño pepper. Alternatively, if you love heat, add a dash of chili flakes or more jalapeños!
- Protein Swap: While this recipe calls for chicken, feel free to substitute it with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Make It a Meal: Serve this stir fry over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.
- Veggie Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas to give the stir fry more color and variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry, Easy stir fry recipe, Healthy chicken dinner, Chinese cabbage recipe