Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
If you’re craving a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal, this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is exactly what you need! With tender chicken, crispy cabbage, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of taste and texture. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights and will have your family coming back for seconds.
What Is Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry?
A Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a simple yet delicious dish that combines juicy chicken strips, crunchy cabbage, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir-frying locks in the flavors while keeping the ingredients crisp and fresh, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 3 cups cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium carrot (julienned)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced thinly)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the chicken into thin strips for even cooking.
- Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and slice the bell pepper.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch mixture.
- Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a little spice.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil and sesame oil.
- Toss in the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything together.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!

Pro Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat to preserve texture and flavor.
- Prep everything first: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust sauce to taste: If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for extra tang, add more vinegar.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary to maintain a good sear on the chicken.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for heat.
- Swap the protein: Try shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as a lettuce wrap.
- Extra crunch: Toss in some water chestnuts or cashews for added texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Whip up this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry in minutes! Packed with juicy chicken, crisp cabbage & bold flavors, it’s the perfect easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 3 cups cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium carrot (julienned)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced thinly)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the chicken into thin strips for even cooking.
- Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and slice the bell pepper.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch mixture.
- Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a little spice.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil and sesame oil.
- Toss in the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything together.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!
Notes
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat to preserve texture and flavor.
- Prep everything first: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust sauce to taste: If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for extra tang, add more vinegar.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary to maintain a good sear on the chicken.
Keywords: Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry, Easy Stir Fry Recipe, Chicken Stir Fry, Healthy Chinese Stir Fry
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and stir-fry when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze cooked stir fry in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.