Crispy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Speedy Chinese Crispy Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a quick, flavor-packed solution that brings zest to the table, and this crispy Chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry recipe delivers excitement in every bite.

Bold Asian-inspired seasonings dance through tender chicken and crunchy cabbage with remarkable ease.

Robust wok techniques create a perfect balance of textures that sing with authentic flavors.

Chopped green onions and a light soy-based sauce add depth to this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Minimal prep time means you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

This stir-fry will become your new go-to recipe for satisfying, speedy meals that never compromise on taste.

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

For Sauce Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and saltiness, choose low-sodium for healthier option.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, savory depth with slight sweetness, select high-quality brands for authentic taste.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness, look for clear, mild variety.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Offers sweet-savory complexity, optional but recommended for authentic Chinese flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and create glossy texture, use fresh, lump-free cornstarch.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat, adjust according to spice preference.
For Protein and Aromatics:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs flavors well, choose boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent base note, use fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
  • Ginger: Brings warm, slightly spicy undertone, select firm, smooth root without blemishes.
  • Onion: Creates foundational flavor, white or yellow varieties work best.
For Vegetables and Finishing Touches:
  • Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and mild sweetness, select fresh, compact heads.
  • Carrots: Adds color and subtle sweetness, choose firm, bright orange carrots.
  • Green Onions: Offers fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish, select bright green, crisp stalks.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal, toast lightly before sprinkling.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for stir-frying, use high smoke point oils like canola or.

Tools That Make Chinese Stir-Fry Quick and Easy

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying chicken and vegetables with high, even heat.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing and whisking sauce ingredients together smoothly.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce components quickly and eliminates lumps in cornstarch mixture.
  • Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping chicken, vegetables, and garnishes.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing chicken, chopping garlic, ginger, onions, and green onions.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient proportions for balanced flavor.

How to Stir-Fry Chicken and Cabbage With Great Flavor

  • Whip Up the Flavor Boost

Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set this zesty mixture aside for later.

  • Sizzle the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Toss in chicken slices and cook until golden and fully done. Scoop out the chicken and keep it warm.

  • Dance with Vegetables

In the same skillet, splash in more oil and quickly sauté garlic, ginger, and onions until they’re wonderfully aromatic. Toss in cabbage and carrots, stirring rapidly to keep them crisp and vibrant.

  • Marry the Flavors

Slide the chicken back into the skillet and drizzle the prepared sauce over everything. Swirl and toss until each morsel is perfectly coated and the sauce transforms into a glossy glaze.

  • Plate with Pizzazz

Slide the stir-fry onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds. Serve alongside steamed rice or noodles for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Sauce and Spice Ideas for Stir-Fry Lovers

  • Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
  • Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Use a high-heat wok or cast-iron skillet to achieve that authentic restaurant-style crispy texture and smoky flavor.
  • Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based version that maintains the same delicious stir-fry essence.
  • Swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the recipe exciting.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from mild warmth to fiery kick, making the dish personalized to your taste buds.

Serve Stir-Fry With Rice or Noodles

  • Cozy Rice Bowl Companion: Serve this stir-fry over fluffy jasmine or brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.
  • Noodle Nest Transformation: Toss the chicken and cabbage mixture over hot egg noodles or rice noodles for a quick twist on traditional stir-fry presentations.
  • Fresh Green Topper: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a dash of sriracha for added crunch, heat, and vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add a soft-boiled egg on top or mix in some toasted cashews or peanuts for extra protein and a delightful nutty crunch that complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.

Store Stir-Fry for Lunches or Meal Prep

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original texture.
  • Pack cooled stir-fry in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain optimal taste and quality.
  • If possible, store sauce and chicken-vegetable mixture separately to prevent soggy vegetables. Combine just before reheating to maintain the crisp texture of cabbage and carrots.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 61 kcal

Servings: 4

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Crispy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling Chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry delivers an explosion of authentic Asian flavors in minutes. Quick weeknight dinner brings restaurant-quality taste straight to home kitchens with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) green or Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Blend soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl, creating a harmonious flavor base.
  2. Chicken Searing: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, introduce oil, and sizzle chicken slices until golden and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a holding plate.
  3. Vegetable Infusion: In the same skillet, awaken garlic, ginger, and onion with a quick sauté, then introduce cabbage and carrots, stir-frying until they reach a vibrant, crisp-tender state.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Reunite chicken with vegetables, cascade the prepared sauce across the mixture, ensuring every morsel is generously coated. Allow the sauce to caramelize and thicken, melding all components into a cohesive dish.
  5. Plating: Elevate the stir-fry with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic meal alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and quick heat absorption, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Stir-fry cabbage and carrots briefly to maintain crisp texture and preserve nutritional value, avoiding soggy or limp vegetables.
  • Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, glossy sauce that coats ingredients evenly without being too thick or thin.
  • Use high, consistent heat for authentic stir-fry technique, allowing quick cooking that seals in flavors and maintains ingredient integrity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star