Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re after a meal that’s big on flavor, quick to pull together, and packed with nourishing ingredients, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is about to become your new weeknight hero. Thinly sliced chicken and crunchy cabbage mingle with vibrant peppers, aromatic garlic, and an umami-rich blend of oyster sauce and soy sauce—all sizzled together for a satisfyingly wholesome dish. This colorful stir-fry is just as welcoming in a cozy home kitchen as it is impressive enough to serve to friends, and it promises to become a trusted favorite each time dinner needs to be on the table, fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes it’s the simplest pantry staples that create the most mouthwatering meals. For this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry, every ingredient has a purpose—from adding depth and crunch, to a pop of color or a gentle kick—making each bite as rewarding as the last.

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, juicy cooking that soaks up all the savory flavors.
• Green cabbage: Shredded to bring sweetness, subtle crunch, and plenty of healthy fiber.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for irresistible flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and rounds out the base aromatics.
• Garlic: Essential for that classic, robust stir-fry aroma.
• Jalapeño pepper: Brings a gentle heat—use more or less based on your spice preference.
• Orange pepper: Adds a burst of color and juicy sweetness to balance the savory notes.
• Chicken stock: Helps infuse the vegetables with extra flavor and keeps things saucy.
• Oyster sauce: The secret to umami-rich, lightly sweet depth in every bite.
• Soy sauce: Classic salty backbone that ties all the flavors together.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that let the freshness of the veggies and chicken shine.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start with your chicken breasts, and slice them as thinly as possible. This step is key—thin strips cook quickly and absorb the savory sauces beautifully, keeping the chicken tender rather than chewy. If you pop the chicken in the freezer for 15 minutes beforehand, it becomes much easier to slice.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Aromatics

Next, ready your vegetables. Slice the onion and orange pepper, mince the garlic, and finely dice the jalapeño. This is your chance to build layers of flavor; prepping everything ahead makes the stir-fry process fast and stress-free, so you can focus on getting the perfect sear.

Step 3: Shred the Cabbage

Take half a head of green cabbage and cut it into bite-sized shreds. Uniform pieces cook evenly, ensuring that sweet crunch in every forkful of your Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry. If you have a mandoline or sharp knife, either works great for this step.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat your butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it’s hot and foamy, add the chicken strips, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and just beginning to brown at the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate—it’ll finish in the final step.

Step 5: Sauté Veggies and Combine

Using the same pan, toss in the sliced onion and cook until it softens, around 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and jalapeño and cook another minute—that aroma is your cue! Add the shredded cabbage and orange pepper, pouring in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Stir in the oyster sauce and soy sauce, tossing to coat all the veggies. Let everything cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but still crisp. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the vegetables and sauce. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes so the flavors come together. Taste, and add more salt or pepper if you wish. Hot, hearty, and ready to serve!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Garnishes

A simple scatter of chopped green onions or cilantro on top offers a fresh, herbal touch, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds enjoyable crunch. If you love a little extra pop, a drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of lime right before serving can really elevate this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats spooning this stir-fry over a bed of steaming jasmine rice or a tangle of hot egg noodles. For extra color and variety, try serving it alongside a quick cucumber salad or with some crispy spring rolls for a more festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, pile the Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry into crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held appetizer. Or, scoop it onto a serving platter for a “help yourself” family meal—let everyone customize with their favorite toppings. For lunch prep, portion the stir-fry into meal-prep containers with rice and a few wedges of lime for an energizing midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry hold up beautifully! Let everything cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeks when you want something healthy to grab in a flash.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, freeze your cooled stir-fry in freezer-safe bags or containers. While the cabbage does soften a bit after thawing, the flavors remain delicious. Plan to enjoy within 2 months for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. If microwaving, use gentle power and cover lightly, stirring halfway through to prevent uneven heating. A splash of chicken stock or water helps bring back the sauciness if it thickens up in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef, pork, or even firm tofu work well in Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure your protein is beautifully browned and cooked through.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is classic for this recipe—it holds up nicely and stays a bit crisp. You can also use napa cabbage for a more tender result, or even red cabbage if you want a pop of color.

Is this dish spicy?

With just half a jalapeño pepper, Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry has only a gentle hint of heat. For more spice, add extra jalapeño, toss in some chili flakes, or drizzle with your favorite chili sauce before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and check that your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

The secret is to avoid overcooking—add the cabbage and peppers towards the end, and stir-fry just until they’re bright and still a bit crunchy. This keeps the texture lively and the colors vibrant in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Give this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry a spot on your dinner table and watch it become a go-to favorite for speedy, satisfying meals. Simple to prep, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable, it’s a delicious way to bring everyone together. I hope you love every colorful, savory bite!

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