This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is simple, healthy, and packed with fresh vegetables. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Healthy & balanced – A mix of lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables.
- Versatile – Customize with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Savory & satisfying – The garlic butter sauce enhances every bite.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the stir-fry.
- Onion & garlic – Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
- Chicken breast – Diced into bite-sized pieces for tenderness.
- Cabbage – Adds a crisp, slightly sweet texture.
- Bell pepper & carrot – Provide vibrant color and crunch.
- Soy sauce & oyster sauce – Create a rich, umami-packed sauce.
- Sesame oil – Adds a nutty finish.
- Black pepper & red pepper flakes – For a slight kick of heat (optional).
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add onions, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add cabbage and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine & Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until heated through.
4. Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian version – Swap chicken for tofu, mushrooms, or extra vegetables.
- Spicy kick – Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
- Extra protein – Try shrimp, beef, instead of chicken.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Crunchy topping – Garnish with crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes! Napa cabbage, green cabbage, or even bok choy work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dish low-carb?
Absolutely! Serve it on its own or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for more variety.
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more flavor and stay extra juicy.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
Can I skip the oyster sauce?
Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce.
How do I make this dish extra saucy?
Add a splash of chicken broth or extra soy sauce if you prefer a saucier consistency.
What oil can I use instead of butter?
Sesame oil, olive oil, or canola oil are great alternatives.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Cook everything ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.
How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?
Stir-fry the cabbage quickly over high heat to retain its crunch.
Conclusion
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a healthy, quick dinner. With a balance of protein, fresh veggies, and savory sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether served over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
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Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory garlic butter sauce. This easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be served over rice or noodles. Healthy, versatile, and packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a go-to stir-fry recipe the whole family will love!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter (or sesame oil)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add onions, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add cabbage and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
-
Combine & Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until heated through.
-
Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- For a spicier dish, add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- For extra crunch, top with crushed peanuts or cashews.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Stir-Fry, Asian-Inspired
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
