Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Featured in: Dinner Winners

This chicken cabbage stir-fry combines tender sliced chicken with crisp vegetables in a rich, savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic depth, while the quick cooking method preserves the vegetables' crunch. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal that's both dairy-free and nut-free.

Updated on Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:41:13 GMT
Golden chicken and vibrant crisp cabbage coated in a glossy, savory umami sauce in a wok, ready for a weeknight dinner. Save
Golden chicken and vibrant crisp cabbage coated in a glossy, savory umami sauce in a wok, ready for a weeknight dinner. | tastybattle.com

Looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner? This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a perfect solution, featuring juicy chicken and crisp cabbage tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Inspired by classic Asian flavors, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying, coming together in just 30 minutes.

Golden chicken and vibrant crisp cabbage coated in a glossy, savory umami sauce in a wok, ready for a weeknight dinner. Save
Golden chicken and vibrant crisp cabbage coated in a glossy, savory umami sauce in a wok, ready for a weeknight dinner. | tastybattle.com

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The key to this recipe is the high-heat stir-frying, which keeps the vegetables vibrant and crisp-tender while the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that perfectly coats every ingredient.

Ingredients

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  • Protein: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • Vegetables: 1 small head green cabbage (about 600 g), cored and thinly sliced; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, sliced
  • Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water, 1 tsp sugar
  • Aromatics & Cooking: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
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Instructions

Step 1
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and sugar. Set aside.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4
Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6
Stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7
Serve hot, optionally with steamed rice or noodles.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking, as the stir-fry process moves very quickly once the pan is hot.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein source. For those who like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry alongside steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even tossed with your favorite noodles to soak up all that savory umami sauce.

Freshly stir-fried Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry with julienned carrots, red bell peppers, and green onions steaming in the pan. Save
Freshly stir-fried Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry with julienned carrots, red bell peppers, and green onions steaming in the pan. | tastybattle.com

This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a reliable, healthy, and delicious meal that is sure to become a staple in your weeknight cooking rotation.

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Recipe Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this stir-fry. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicy during high-heat cooking. Just slice them thinly and cook until golden and cooked through.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?

Cook the cabbage over high heat for only 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This ensures it stays crisp-tender rather than wilting. Don't overcrowd the pan, and make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the vegetables.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

For a vegetarian option, use mushroom-based oyster sauce. You can also substitute with extra soy sauce combined with a touch of brown sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different from traditional oyster sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Whisk the sauce ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before adding to your stir-fry since the cornstarch may settle.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil when cooking the garlic and ginger. You can also include diced jalapeños with the vegetables for extra heat throughout the dish.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is ideal for its mild flavor and sturdy texture that holds up well to stir-frying. Napa cabbage works too but cooks faster and has a more delicate texture, so reduce the cooking time slightly.

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Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Juicy chicken and crisp cabbage in savory umami sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage Asian-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications No dairy

Components

Protein

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

Vegetables

01 1 small head green cabbage (approximately 1.3 lbs), cored and thinly sliced
02 1 medium carrot, julienned
03 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 3 green onions, sliced

Sauce

01 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
02 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
03 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
04 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 2 teaspoons sesame oil
06 2 teaspoons cornstarch
07 2 tablespoons water
08 1 teaspoon sugar

Aromatics & Cooking

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Phase 02

Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Phase 03

Infuse aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 04

Stir-fry vegetables: Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Phase 05

Combine and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.

Phase 06

Finish and serve: Stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally with steamed rice or noodles.

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Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, hoisin sauce)
  • Contains wheat in standard soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce
  • May contain shellfish allergen from oyster sauce
  • Verify all sauce labels for additional allergens when selecting brands

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 29 g

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