The savory blend of garlic, soy, and sesame oil makes this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry a standout among quick-and-easy dinners. Juicy, pan-seared chicken pairs beautifully with the crunch of shredded cabbage, offering a nutritious, low-carb meal that’s full of flavor.
Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week or whip up a fast dinner, this stir-fry delivers on all fronts. It’s versatile, satisfying, and made with wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be adapted for keto or paleo lifestyles with just a few tweaks.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (sliced thin)
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3 cups green cabbage, shredded
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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2 green onions, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and ground ginger. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic and onion for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in shredded cabbage and cook for 3–4 minutes, until slightly wilted but still crisp.
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Return the chicken to the pan and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through and coat evenly.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 265 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Stir Fry Recipe Works So Well
Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create an incredibly flavorful, balanced dish. This meal checks all the right boxes: it’s quick to prepare, healthy, budget-friendly, and adaptable to many dietary needs. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
What makes this stir fry stand out is the contrast of textures and savory flavor profile. The chicken is seared until golden and juicy, while the cabbage provides a tender crunch that holds up beautifully during cooking. Aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger elevate the dish with bold flavors, while a touch of soy sauce and sesame oil add umami and a slightly nutty finish. It’s the perfect balance between hearty and light, savory and clean.
A Healthy Take on Classic Comfort Food
This recipe caters to modern dietary needs without sacrificing taste. It’s naturally low in carbs and sugar, making it a great fit for keto, paleo, Whole30, or gluten-free lifestyles. Unlike heavy takeout stir-fries that are often thickened with cornstarch or loaded with sodium, this version uses real, whole ingredients and minimal oil, offering a cleaner, more nourishing alternative.
Cabbage is an underrated powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, yet it’s low in calories and carbs. When paired with lean chicken thighs or breasts, the result is a high-protein, fiber-rich meal that helps stabilize blood sugar and keep you full for hours. It’s a meal you can feel good about serving to your family, and one that easily fits into any wellness routine.
A Go-To Meal for Busy Weeknights
We all need those recipes in our rotation that come together effortlessly after a long day. That’s exactly where this Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry shines. With just one pan and under 30 minutes from start to finish, this is a dish that delivers big on taste without demanding your entire evening. It’s also incredibly meal prep-friendly, as it stores well and reheats beautifully.
For families, the stir fry format is ideal—it’s easy to double for larger portions, and you can customize it based on what your household enjoys. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce. Need to sneak in more veggies? Throw in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. It’s endlessly flexible.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Staple Approved
Eating well doesn’t need to be expensive. This dish proves that you can use inexpensive staples—like cabbage, chicken thighs, garlic, and soy sauce—and still produce a meal that’s vibrant and satisfying. These are ingredients that are available in most kitchens, especially if you enjoy Asian-inspired cooking.
Cabbage, in particular, is one of the most affordable and versatile vegetables out there. It keeps well in the fridge for weeks and stretches your grocery dollar further than leafy greens or prepackaged salad mixes. Paired with protein-rich chicken, you’ve got a complete meal that’s filling and affordable.
Adapt It to Your Taste or Dietary Needs
Another major benefit of this stir fry is its adaptability. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Watching your sodium intake? Choose low-sodium soy sauce and skip the extra salt. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and it still works beautifully with the same flavor profile.
You can also modify the flavor base to suit your taste preferences. Add freshly grated ginger for a zesty kick, a drizzle of hoisin sauce for sweetness, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up. Garnishing with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts adds a lovely crunch that takes the dish to the next level.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This recipe isn’t just great on the day you make it—it shines as leftovers, too. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight as the sauce gets absorbed into the chicken and cabbage. It reheats quickly and easily, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or planning ahead for the week.
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry stays fresh for up to 4 days. You can also portion it into containers with some rice or cauliflower rice for a ready-to-go meal.
Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas
While this dish is hearty enough on its own, there are plenty of ways to round it out for a more complete meal. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa if you want to add a bit of starch. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles.
You can also serve it with a simple soup like miso or egg drop for an Asian-inspired dinner spread. A side of steamed or roasted broccoli, bok choy, or green beans would also pair nicely with the savory, umami flavors of the stir fry.
Kid-Friendly and Family Approved
The mild flavors and easy textures in this dish make it a win for picky eaters, too. Kids may enjoy the slightly sweet and savory taste from the soy and sesame sauce, especially when served over rice. You can also reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to keep the heat level low for young eaters.
Since it’s such a quick-cooking dish, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help shred cabbage, stir the sauce, or set the table while you cook—it turns dinner into a collaborative and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion: A True Weeknight Winner
In a world full of complicated meal ideas and long ingredient lists, this Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry stands out as a recipe that offers simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s quick, clean, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it’s the kind of dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and bold savory flavor, it hits every note you want in a weeknight dinner. It’s budget-friendly, great for leftovers, and totally customizable to your preferences. This stir fry proves that with just a few key ingredients and some smart seasoning, you can put a restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than 30 minutes—no takeout required.