Description
This Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner packed with juicy chicken, tender napa cabbage, and a glossy garlic-soy sauce that comes together in one pan. If you’re always searching for quick breakfast and breakfast ideas, easy dinner inspiration, healthy snack options, dinner ideas, and overall easy recipe food ideas for busy days, this stir fry slides perfectly into your weekly rotation as a simple, satisfying meal that tastes just like takeout.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
6 cups chopped napa cabbage (about 1 small head)
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Place the bite-size chicken pieces in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated and set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth or water, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the honey dissolves and the sauce is smooth; set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in an even layer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep nearby.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white and light green parts of the sliced green onions. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped napa cabbage and sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes, tossing frequently, until the cabbage is starting to wilt but still crisp-tender and the peppers are slightly softened.
6. Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly.
7. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in the dark green tops of the green onions and the sesame seeds. Toss once more, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite grain.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken—cook it in a single layer so it browns instead of steaming, which keeps the meat juicy and the stir fry flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken cabbage stir fry, stir fry recipe, weeknight meal, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas