The Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is a vibrant, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken pieces and crisp, colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner or a wholesome lunch, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you looking forward to your next bite. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this stir-fry is both satisfying and nourishing, showcasing how easy it is to create something special in just about 25 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe shine. Each component plays an important role, from the juicy chicken that provides protein to the crunchy cabbage and vibrant veggies that add freshness and color, enhanced by flavorful seasonings and aromatics for depth.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped: Adds a wonderful crunch and mild sweetness that balances the dish.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the base of the stir-fry.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Offers vibrant color and a subtle fruity crunch.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Provides a touch of earthiness and a crisp texture.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the chicken and vegetables.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a wonderful aromatic punch that lingers deliciously.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: The salty, savory backbone of the sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional): Brings an extra layer of umami for deeper flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and finishing touch to the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle kick that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the flavors without overpowering the natural ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a bit of heat without being overwhelming.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional): Helps thicken the sauce for a nice glossy finish.
- Green onions for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of bright green color just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the diced chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. This simple step allows the chicken to absorb those savory, nutty flavors and tenderizes the meat. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes — it’s a little bit of patience that pays off in deliciousness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients — including oyster sauce if you’re using it — and set this mixture aside. This sauce will be the magic that brings all your ingredients together with a harmonious umami punch.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or wok until hot and melt your butter. Add the marinated chicken and cook it until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan — you want to achieve that perfect sear. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan so you can build out the veggie layers.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in your sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook them just until they’re fragrant and starting to soften, around 2 minutes. This step unlocks their sweet and savory aroma that’s the foundation of the stir-fry’s flavor.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the cabbage, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re tender-crisp — you want them to keep a little crunch and bright color, which makes the dish visually appealing and satisfying to eat.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and mix everything thoroughly. Let it heat through for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly if you used the cornstarch mixture, and for all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving to add a fresh, zesty finish that catches the eye.
How to Serve Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are not just a garnish but a flavor booster, lending a mild sharpness and crisp freshness. For a little extra flair, you can add toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of additional sesame oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a fresh handheld bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun presentation, or spoon it over a bed of noodles for a heartier take. You can also turn it into a filling for warm tortillas or lettuce wraps for an exciting fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for a tasty next-day meal that reheats well.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may soften a bit after freezing, but the dish will remain delicious and convenient.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to help restore the slightly crisp texture of the vegetables. Alternatively, microwave it covered in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini to customize the dish based on what you have on hand or your preferences. Just adjust cooking times to keep the veggies crisp-tender.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is optional but highly recommended. It infuses the chicken with flavor and helps keep it tender and juicy during the quick stir-fry cooking process.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it altogether. This way, you’ll keep all the flavor without gluten.
What can I substitute for the butter in the recipe?
You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or any neutral cooking oil instead of butter to stir-fry the chicken and vegetables. Each will give a slightly different flavor but still excellent results.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
The recipe is mildly spiced and the crushed red pepper flakes are optional. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe. It feels like a hug on a plate with its balanced flavors, quick prep, and wholesome ingredients. I hope you give it a try soon — it might just become one of your favorite go-to meals too!
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Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe featuring tender chicken breast and crisp vegetables cooked to perfection in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. This easy stir-fry is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, combining vibrant veggies with aromatic garlic and a hint of sesame oil.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Vegetables
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Green onions for garnish
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Other
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Marinate the diced chicken breast in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients including oyster sauce (if using), salt, crushed red pepper flakes (optional), and cornstarch slurry (optional) and set aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, melt butter, and add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add chopped cabbage, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 5–6 minutes until they are tender-crisp but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot. Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry!
Notes
- Optionally, add oyster sauce for a richer umami flavor.
- Use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce if you prefer a glaze-like consistency.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This recipe works well with other veggies like snap peas or broccoli.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
