A fast, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s become a family favorite! Tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory soy-oyster sauce make this stir-fry a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort
Why This Recipe Works
I created this dish on a busy evening when I needed something healthy and quick—and now it’s one of the most requested meals in our house. The mix of juicy chicken, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant veggies delivers satisfying texture and bold flavors every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bite-sized chicken breast pieces cooked to juicy perfection
- Fresh cabbage for that satisfying crunch
- Colorful carrots and bell peppers to brighten the dish
- A simple yet flavorful sauce with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a finishing touch of fragrant sesame oil
How to Make It
Start by heating butter in a hot skillet, then sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and golden. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Toss in the cabbage, carrots, and peppers, stir-frying until the vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant. Finish by stirring in the soy and oyster sauces, then drizzle sesame oil over the top for an irresistible aroma and flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice or your favorite noodles. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to make it look and taste like your favorite takeout.
Tips for Success
- Use high heat to keep vegetables crisp and colorful.
- Prep all your ingredients before cooking, as stir-frying happens fast!
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce for 15 minutes beforehand.
Variations
Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu to change things up. Add snow peas, mushrooms, or snap peas when available. The sauce works with any combination of veggies and proteins you prefer.
Make-Ahead & Leftovers
This stir-fry tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to refresh the sauce.
Budget-Friendly and Family-Approved
Cabbage is affordable and stretches the meal to feed more people without breaking the bank. It’s a healthy, filling dinner that’s perfect for busy families and a great way to sneak in more veggies.
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy | Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ head cabbage, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until veggies are crisp-tender, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry. Toss lightly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu.
- Prep veggies and chicken ahead to speed up cooking time.