There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of a chicken cabbage stir fry sizzling in the pan, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering medley of flavors. Crisp cabbage mingles with tender chicken, all wrapped in a savory sauce that dances on your taste buds. If you’re looking for a quick meal that packs a punch, this dish is your culinary superhero.

Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight and your family is hungry, but you don’t want to default to takeout again. Enter the heroic chicken cabbage stir fry, ready to save the day. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious and healthy dinner that even picky eaters will devour!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken cabbage stir fry is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also bursting with flavor
- The vibrant vegetables create an eye-catching dish that will impress anyone at your table
- You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s healthy enough for weeknight dinners yet flavorful enough for entertaining!
That one time I made this dish for my friends, they were so impressed they asked for the recipe right away. Nothing boosts your kitchen confidence like making something everyone loves!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Cabbage: Go for green or Napa cabbage; both add crunch and sweetness.
Carrots: Fresh carrots not only contribute color but also natural sweetness.
Bell Peppers: Use any color you like; they add flavor and visual appeal.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they provide aromatic depth to the dish.
Ginger: A small piece of fresh ginger adds warmth and zing that elevates the entire stir fry.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Honey or Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the saltiness from the soy sauce beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add these if you enjoy some heat in your stir fry!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and slicing all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cut chicken into strips or cubes for even cooking. This step ensures everything cooks quickly and evenly.
Heat Up Your Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat some oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. The pan should be hot enough to sizzle when adding ingredients; this helps seal in moisture and flavor.
Add Chicken First: Toss in your chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking.
Add Aromatics and Veggies: Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add minced garlic and ginger first; sauté until fragrant before adding cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook until veggies are tender but still crisp.
Pour in Your Sauce: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Drizzle this sauce over your stir-fried ingredients while stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until everything is well coated.
Serve Immediately: Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy every bite as you revel in your cooking triumph!
This delightful chicken cabbage stir fry isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience filled with colors, aromas, and flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. Perfect for busy nights but elegant enough for casual gatherings—so go ahead and be the culinary hero of your household!
You Must Know
- Chicken cabbage stir fry is not just delicious; it’s a quick meal option that packs a punch of nutrients
- The crispness of the cabbage alongside the tender chicken creates a delightful texture
- Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then stir-fry it until golden brown. Add vegetables next, allowing them to retain some crunch for that perfect bite.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or adding cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your chicken cabbage stir fry turns out perfectly, remember to use high heat for quick cooking
- Prepping all ingredients ahead saves time and ensures even cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this leads to steaming instead of frying
Cooking this dish always reminds me of my college days, where I had friends over every week. Their smiles after tasting my chicken cabbage stir fry made every late-night study session worthwhile.

FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in chicken cabbage stir fry?
Tofu or shrimp are great alternatives that pair well with cabbage and other veggies.
How can I make my stir fry more flavorful?
Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or a splash of soy sauce enhances flavor significantly.
Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, but fresh cabbage provides a better texture and taste in your chicken cabbage stir fry.

Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
Experience the delightful fusion of tender chicken and crisp cabbage in this quick chicken cabbage stir fry. Bursting with fresh flavors from vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a nutritious meal that even the pickiest eaters will love.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into strips
- 3 cups green or Napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by washing and slicing the vegetables and cutting the chicken into strips or cubes.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
- Add the chicken to the hot pan; cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant. Then add cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers; cook until veggies are tender yet crisp.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), and red pepper flakes. Pour over stir-fried ingredients; stir for about 2 minutes until well-coated.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg






