Introduction & Inspiration
When I need a quick, nourishing meal, I always think of a good stir fry.
This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry has become one of my weeknight heroes because it’s so simple yet packed with flavor.
It’s light, hearty, and ready in no time, making it my go-to when life gets a little too busy.
Nostalgic Appeal
Stir fries always remind me of the vibrant kitchens I grew up in, full of sizzling sounds and rich aromas.
There’s something comforting about tossing fresh ingredients in a hot pan and creating a complete meal in minutes.
This recipe brings that same feeling of warmth and home with every bite.
Homemade Focus
One of the best parts about homemade stir fry is how easy it is to control the quality of your ingredients.
Fresh cabbage, tender chicken, and a simple sauce come together without any hidden additives or extra oils.
It’s honest, clean food that makes you feel good with every forkful.
Flavor Goal
My aim with this dish was to create a stir fry that is savory, slightly crunchy, and deeply satisfying.
I wanted the cabbage to retain some of its crispness while the chicken stays juicy and tender.
The soy sauce and ginger give it that irresistible umami flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredient Insights
Green onions add a sweet sharpness and a vibrant garnish to the stir fry.
Boneless chicken pieces cook quickly and soak up all the savory flavors beautifully.
Fresh ginger and garlic provide a warm, spicy depth that makes the dish truly comforting.
Cabbage, either green or napa, brings a crunchy, slightly sweet bite.
Soy sauce seasons the dish perfectly while keeping it light.
A touch of sesame oil or sesame seeds at the end adds nuttiness, and red pepper flakes offer a hint of heat.
Essential Equipment
A large, deep skillet or wok is ideal for stir frying all the ingredients quickly and evenly.
Sharp knives and a good cutting board make prep work a breeze.
Long chopsticks or a sturdy wooden spoon help stir everything together easily without overcrowding the pan.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
For the Stir Fry:
2–3 green onions, bulbs and stalks separated and sliced
8.5 ounces boneless chicken
1 inch fresh ginger, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
â…“ small head cabbage, shredded (green or napa)
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
¼ cup water (omit if using napa cabbage)
To Garnish:
Sesame seeds or sesame oil
Red chili pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before starting.
Slice the green onions, keeping the bulbs and green tops separate.
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, shred the cabbage, and mince the ginger and garlic.
Step 2: Start the Stir Fry
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Add the sliced onion bulbs and stir fry quickly to release their flavor.
Toss in the ginger and garlic and stir fry for another minute, reducing the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage and stir well.
Cook for about 2 minutes until it softens slightly and takes up less space in the pan.
I love using chopsticks to stir because it keeps everything moving lightly.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Chicken
Pour the soy sauce and water over the cabbage and stir to coat evenly.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the cabbage is tender.
Push the cabbage aside, add the chicken, and stir fry until it’s cooked through and juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once the chicken is done and the cabbage is tender-crisp, remove the pan from the heat.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil over the top, along with red chili flakes for heat.
Top with the sliced green onion stalks and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Troubleshooting
If your chicken feels dry, you may have cooked it too long—keep the heat high but cook quickly.
If the stir fry feels too watery, simply increase the heat and stir until the liquid reduces.
If using napa cabbage, remember you won’t need the extra water, as it releases plenty of moisture on its own.
Tips and Variations
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein.
Add thin slices of bell pepper or carrots for extra crunch and color.
Switch to tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your chicken cabbage stir fry over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Pair it with a crisp Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup for a complete meal.
A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of hot sauce can also take it to the next level.
Nutritional Information
This stir fry is low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with fiber from the cabbage.
It’s naturally dairy-free and can be adjusted to fit gluten-free diets easily.
It’s a wholesome, balanced meal that fuels your body without weighing you down.
Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Description
This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, healthy dinner packed with crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
2–3 green onions, bulbs and stalks separated and sliced
8.5 ounces boneless chicken
1 inch fresh ginger, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
â…“ small head cabbage, shredded (green or napa)
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
¼ cup water (omit if using napa cabbage)
To Garnish:
Sesame seeds or sesame oil
Red chili pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before starting.
Slice the green onions, keeping the bulbs and green tops separate.
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, shred the cabbage, and mince the ginger and garlic.
Step 2: Start the Stir Fry
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Add the sliced onion bulbs and stir fry quickly to release their flavor.
Toss in the ginger and garlic and stir fry for another minute, reducing the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage and stir well.
Cook for about 2 minutes until it softens slightly and takes up less space in the pan.
I love using chopsticks to stir because it keeps everything moving lightly.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Chicken
Pour the soy sauce and water over the cabbage and stir to coat evenly.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the cabbage is tender.
Push the cabbage aside, add the chicken, and stir fry until it’s cooked through and juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once the chicken is done and the cabbage is tender-crisp, remove the pan from the heat.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil over the top, along with red chili flakes for heat.
Top with the sliced green onion stalks and serve immediately while hot and flavorful
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today I shared my quick and easy Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry recipe, a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for busy nights.
We stir-fried juicy chicken, fresh cabbage, and aromatic ginger and garlic into a savory, satisfying skillet meal.
Can you prep it ahead? Yes—chop everything in advance and stir fry when ready to eat.
Can you freeze it? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
This easy stir fry proves that a homemade, nutritious meal can be just minutes away!