Name: chinese chicken and cabbage stir fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ head cabbage, chopped; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Jump to Recipe

Let’s be honest—some nights, the mere thought of prepping dinner feels like running a marathon in stilettos. But that’s where this Chinese Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry swoops in like a culinary superhero. Packed with vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and bold flavors, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights—and it all comes together in under 30 minutes!

As someone who’s basically built a shrine to chicken in my kitchen (hello, Chicken Magic Recipes!), I can confidently say this dish is one of my favorite go-to meals. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing dinner guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this stir fry hits all the right notes—fast, flavorful, and downright comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

Quick & Easy: Perfect for those days when you’re short on time but still crave something homemade.
Healthy-ish: Loaded with crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and colorful peppers.
Flavor Explosion: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil bring that classic Chinese takeout vibe—without the mystery ingredients.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t blow your grocery budget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for your Chinese chicken and cabbage stir fry:

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ head cabbage, chopped
1 carrot, julienned
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame oil

How to Make Chinese Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

Let’s whip this up!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until your kitchen smells like a cozy Chinese restaurant.

Tip: Keep stirring to avoid burning the garlic. Burnt garlic = bitter city.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Toss in the chopped cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-6 minutes. You want the veggies crisp-tender—not soggy!

Aneta’s Note: This part always reminds me of colorful confetti swirling in the pan. It’s like throwing a veggie party!

Step 4: Flavor Boost

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything in that glorious sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two, just enough for flavors to meld.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Aneta’s Tips for Stir Fry Success

High Heat is Your Friend: Stir fries shine on medium-high to high heat. It keeps veggies crisp and locks in flavor.
Slice Evenly: Try to keep all your veggies and chicken pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Go Wild with Veggies: Swap in snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn if you’re feeling fancy.
Leftovers = Winning: This stir fry reheats beautifully for lunch the next day—no sad desk lunches here!

My Personal Chicken Stir Fry Story

This Chinese chicken and cabbage stir fry became my kitchen hero one chaotic week when my kids were bouncing off the walls, deadlines loomed, and takeout menus tempted me from the fridge door. I threw it together on a whim—and it was love at first bite. Now, it’s my “get-dinner-on-the-table-fast” secret weapon, and my picky eaters practically lick their plates clean

Chinese chicken and cabbage stir fry with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce — Savor every bite of this Chinese chicken and cabbage stir fry, bursting with crisp veggies and bold Asian flavors.

FAQs About Chinese Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and add extra richness to this stir fry.

Is there a low-sodium version?

Yes! Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip or reduce the oyster sauce for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until piping hot.

Let’s Get Stir-Frying!

If you’re craving a meal that’s speedy, colorful, and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Chinese chicken and cabbage stir fry. It’s proof that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated—or takeout-dependent. I hope it becomes your weeknight hero, just like it did for me. Happy cooking, friends!

Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you loved whipping up this quick and flavorful Chinese Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other mouthwatering chicken creations. They’re perfect for spicing up your weekly meal rotation, keeping things exciting, and making dinnertime feel like a mini escape!

For another irresistible Asian-inspired dish, try my Mango Chicken Stir Fry—a vibrant combo of sweet mangoes and savory chicken that’s sure to brighten your plate.
Craving something creamy and comforting? Dive into my Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole for bold Tex-Mex flavors with minimal fuss.
Keep things healthy and colorful with my Tex-Mex Chicken and Zucchini—a low-carb skillet meal that’s big on taste and easy on time.
Or explore another quick skillet wonder with my Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet—a delicious, lighter option for busy nights when you still want maximum flavor.

There’s a whole world of easy, flavorful dinners waiting for you—so keep exploring, and let’s keep the magic happening in your kitchen!