Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Zesty Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up a delectable chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry sparks joy in my kitchen every single time.

Crisp vegetables and tender meat dance together in a wok, creating magic with minimal effort.

Authentic flavors burst through each carefully seasoned bite, transporting you straight to street markets in beijing.

Quick and nutritious, this dish proves that home cooking can be both simple and spectacular.

Fragrant garlic and ginger provide depth, while soy sauce adds that irresistible umami punch.

Colorful ingredients come together in less than twenty minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

You will love how effortlessly this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that everyone craves.

FAQs On Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Is this stir-fry spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of jalapeno you use. Remove seeds for less heat or add more for extra spiciness.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Swap chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for variety while keeping the same cooking method.

  • What if I don't have oyster sauce?

Use hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce as a replacement. If unavailable, mix soy sauce with a bit of honey for similar depth of flavor.

  • How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?

Cook cabbage for a short time, around 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently and keep high heat to maintain its crisp texture.

Why Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Is A Quick Meal

  • Quickly Customize Flavors: Adjust heat levels by controlling jalapeno quantity or swap peppers for personal preference, making this recipe adaptable to different taste buds.
  • Master One-Pan Cooking: Prepare an entire meal using a single skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing dishwashing time while creating a delicious, nutritious dinner.
  • Boost Protein and Veggie Intake: Combine lean chicken with nutrient-rich cabbage and colorful vegetables, delivering a balanced meal packed with essential vitamins and minerals in one satisfying dish.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Create a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, perfect for busy families seeking quick and tasty meal solutions.

Ingredients For Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the main protein source for this stir-fry.
Vegetables:
  • Cabbage, Orange Pepper, Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, flavor, and nutrition to the dish.
Sauces and Seasonings:
  • Butter, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Chicken Stock, Salt, Pepper: Ingredients that enhance the flavor, create moisture, and season the stir-fry.

Step By Step Guide To Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare Protein and Produce

Slice chicken breasts into thin, elegant strips. Chop onions and orange peppers into vibrant pieces. Mince garlic and jalapeno peppers with precision. Shred cabbage into delicate ribbons that will absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high flame. Melt butter until it shimmers and dances. Toss in chicken strips, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Vegetables

In the same skillet, sauté onions until they turn translucent and soft. Add garlic and jalapeno, letting their aromatics fill the kitchen. Introduce shredded cabbage and diced orange peppers. Pour in chicken stock and stir everything together, creating a vibrant medley of colors and textures.

Step 4: Infuse with Flavor

Drizzle in oyster sauce and soy sauce, coating the vegetables thoroughly. Let everything simmer and meld together for 5-7 minutes. The cabbage should remain slightly crisp, maintaining its delightful crunch.

Step 5: Reunite and Warm

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently mix with vegetables and sauce, allowing the flavors to harmonize. Warm everything through for 2-3 minutes, creating a cohesive and mouthwatering dish.

Step 6: Plate and Delight

Serve the stir-fry steaming hot. Nestle it atop fluffy steamed rice or twirled noodles for a complete meal that celebrates Chinese culinary traditions.

Helpful Tips For Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Slice chicken uniformly for even cooking and quick heat distribution.
  • Control heat to prevent burning garlic and jalapeno, which can turn bitter and ruin the dish's flavor.
  • Use high-heat cooking method to maintain cabbage's crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Consider substituting butter with sesame oil for more authentic Asian flavor profile.
  • Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt content and customize taste preferences.

Variations To Try With Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Spicy Thai Chicken Cabbage Fusion: Replace oyster sauce with red curry paste, add lime juice, and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a zesty Thai-inspired version.
  • Korean BBQ Chicken Cabbage Bowl: Swap soy sauce for gochujang, include sesame oil, and top with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a Korean-style meal.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Stir-Fry: Substitute cabbage with riced cauliflower, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and add ginger for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Cabbage Mix: Incorporate oregano, lemon zest, and swap butter with olive oil to create a Mediterranean-inspired stir-fry with a fresh, herbal profile.

Pairing Ideas For Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Light, slightly sweet German white wine cuts through the dish's savory heat, balancing the stir-fry's spicy jalapeño and rich oyster sauce.
  • Complement with Green Tea: Refreshing, grassy Japanese green tea cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the cabbage's crisp texture and chicken's tender profile.
  • Match with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant steamed rice absorbs the stir-fry's flavorful sauces, creating a perfect base that enhances the overall meal's complexity and depth.
  • Garnish with Chopped Scallions: Fresh, zesty green onions add a bright, sharp note that lifts the dish's umami flavors and provides a delightful crunchy contrast.

Proper Storage For Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the stir-fry completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Note that cabbage might lose some crispness when frozen.
  • Place stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
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Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Savor the bold flavors of Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, a quick and zesty dish that dances with aromatic spices and tender chicken. Crisp cabbage and juicy meat come together in a sizzling pan, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 orange pepper, diced
  • 1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare all ingredients with precision: slice chicken breasts into thin strips, chop onions and orange peppers into uniform pieces, mince garlic, dice jalapeno pepper, and shred cabbage into delicate ribbons.
  2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high temperature, melt butter until it sizzles, then add chicken strips seasoned with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 3 minutes until translucent, then introduce garlic and jalapeno, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromatic flavors.
  4. Incorporate shredded cabbage and orange pepper into the skillet, pour chicken stock, and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Allow vegetables to become slightly tender.
  5. Drizzle oyster sauce and soy sauce over the vegetable mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, maintaining a slight crispness in the cabbage.
  6. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently mixing with vegetables and sauce. Heat for 2-3 minutes to harmonize flavors and ensure everything is thoroughly warmed.
  7. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required. Serve piping hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Slice chicken against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that prevents tough, chewy meat.
  • Use high heat and quick cooking techniques to maintain cabbage’s crisp texture and prevent soggy, wilted vegetables.
  • Consider swapping butter with sesame or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that adds rich, authentic Asian flavor profiles.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or replacing with milder peppers like bell peppers for sensitive palates.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 305 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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