Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe at Home

A Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry exemplifies the elegance of simple ingredients transformed into a restaurant-quality meal. With tender slices of chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce that perfectly balances flavors, this dish is both light and satisfying. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, delivering bold, fresh flavors without compromising on nutrition or taste. Every bite combines the delicate sweetness of cabbage, the umami of soy and oyster sauce, and the subtle warmth of ginger and garlic.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry?

Begin by preparing a silky, flavorful sauce that will coat every ingredient beautifully. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch mixture. Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth consistency, which will give the stir fry a glossy finish.

Next, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, then set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining oil along with garlic, ginger, onion, and carrot. Stir fry briefly until aromatic, then introduce the shredded cabbage. Return the chicken, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients, creating a vibrant, flavorful dish.

Cooking Time

Preparation for this dish takes approximately 10 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of cooking time. In just 25 minutes, a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal is ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

This stir fry is a balanced choice for a nutritious meal. Each serving provides around 290 kcal, with 27 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates, 12 g of fat, and 3 g of fiber. Sodium content is approximately 680 mg, making it flavorful yet manageable for a healthy diet.

Suggestions and Variations

To add depth and variety, consider incorporating bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for extra texture and color. A touch of chili flakes or chili oil can elevate the dish with subtle heat. For alternative proteins, tofu or shrimp work wonderfully, providing diverse flavor profiles. Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles to complete a satisfying, versatile meal.

Seasonal Relevance

This stir fry is suitable throughout the year but shines particularly in winter and early spring when cabbage is at its freshest and most flavorful. Its light yet satisfying nature also makes it ideal for summer meals when a nourishing but non-heavy dish is desired.

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Recipe by Huma
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

320

kcal
Total time

25

minutes

This Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a light yet satisfying dish made with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a flavourful savoury sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick stir fry delivers authentic Chinese-style flavour right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage

  • 1 medium carrot, julienned

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • Marinate Chicken: Toss sliced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  • Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir fry for 4–5 minutes until cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir in garlic and ginger, then add cabbage and carrots. Cook until tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Combine: Return chicken to the pan. Add rice vinegar and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well coated and heated through.
  • Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Add soy sauce or chili flakes to taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Works great with chicken thighs or tofu for variation.

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