Weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring, and this Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry proves it. This vibrant dish is all about crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, and a bold sauce that coats every bite with irresistible flavor. It comes together fast, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick but satisfying.

This stir fry is layered with colors and textures—bright bell peppers, tender Napa cabbage, and seared chicken breast or thighs. The sauce has a balanced kick of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, inspired by classic Chinese flavors. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome meal everyone will love.

What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use?

Napa cabbage is a great choice for this recipe. Its tender leaves soak up the sauce beautifully and cook quickly without getting mushy. You can also use green cabbage if that’s what you have on hand, but keep in mind it may take a few extra minutes to soften.

Ingredients for the Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work well. They cook quickly and absorb the stir fry sauce nicely.

Napa Cabbage: Light and crisp, Napa cabbage adds freshness and crunch without overpowering the dish.

Bell Peppers: Red or yellow bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are key to infusing the stir fry with deep, savory flavor.

Onion: Sliced onions bring a mild sweetness and balance the bolder ingredients.

Soy Sauce: A staple for saltiness and umami depth.

Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, savory complexity to the sauce.

Sesame Oil: Just a little goes a long way in adding nutty aroma.

Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.

Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of texture at the end.

How To Make the Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin strips and toss with a bit of cornstarch, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Let it marinate while you prep the veggies.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Thinly slice your Napa cabbage, bell peppers, and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger finely. Keep everything within reach—this recipe moves fast!

Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil. Toss in onions, garlic, and ginger first. Stir for a minute until fragrant, then add bell peppers and cabbage. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.

How to Serve and Store Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Serve this stir fry immediately while it’s hot and the veggies are still slightly crisp. It’s perfect over a bed of steamed rice, lo mein, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

For storing, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stir fry vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little brown sugar can work in a pinch.

Can I freeze this stir fry?

While you can freeze it, the cabbage may become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

What oil is best for stir frying?

Use neutral oils with high smoke points like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.

Can I add spice?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or sliced fresh chilies to bring the heat.

Want More Stir Fry Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry, you’ll probably love these easy savory meals too:

For even more dinner inspiration, check out my Pinterest where I share daily recipes you can pin and cook anytime: Life with Nina on Pinterest

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime!

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Napa or green cabbage? Spice it up or keep it classic?

I love hearing how you make my recipes your own. Ask away if you have questions—let’s stir fry smarter together!

Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Stir Fry
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is your weeknight dinner hero. Made in under 30 minutes, it combines juicy chicken, crisp Napa cabbage, and bell peppers in a savory, slightly spicy stir fry sauce. It’s vibrant, healthy, and perfect over rice or noodles.