Easy Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

How to Make the Perfect Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant, nutritious one-pan chicken cabbage stir fry. Bursting with colorful vegetables and wrapped in a light, savory sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors while keeping preparation simple and cleanup minimal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or need a quick dinner solution, this versatile recipe has become a trusted favorite in countless home kitchens.
Why This Recipe Works
This chicken cabbage stir fry has earned its place as a weeknight staple through years of kitchen testing and refinement. The combination of tender chicken pieces and crisp-tender vegetables creates a satisfying texture contrast, while the carefully balanced sauce brings everything together without overwhelming the natural flavors of the ingredients.
The charm of this dish comes from its simplicity. Everything comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as each ingredient builds upon the last. The preparation takes just 20 minutes, with another 15 minutes of cooking time – perfect for those busy evenings when you want something nutritious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The success of this stir fry depends on fresh, quality ingredients and proper preparation:

For the Stir Fry

• ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups shredded cabbage (any variety)
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, cut into uniform strips
• 1½ cups frozen peas
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup chicken broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce and Marinate

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, lemon juice, soy sauce, ground ginger, and chicken broth until smooth.
• Add the diced chicken to the mixture and let it marinate for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the liquid) and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
• Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan.
• Add shallots and cook until softened, 1-2 minutes.
• Add bell pepper, cabbage, and carrot. Sauté for 4 minutes until the cabbage wilts and vegetables reach desired tenderness.

4. Combine and Finish

• Pour in the reserved marinade.
• Return the chicken to the pan.
• Add frozen peas.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the peas are heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Serve over steamed white rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain
• Pair with rice noodles or ramen for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl
• Add a kick of heat with sriracha or a drizzle of sesame oil
• Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh scallions for extra flavor and presentation

Storage and Meal Prep
This stir fry excels as a meal prep option:

• Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Reheat portions in the microwave or quickly in a skillet
• Pack in individual containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches
• The flavors often improve after a day as ingredients marry together

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Calories: 541 kcal per serving

More Quick and Healthy Recipes

Love this recipe? Try these other 30-minute favorites:

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom ‘Crab’ Cakes
• Kohlrabi and Kale Pizza Crust
• Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup
• Chinese Pineapple Chicken

Share Your Experience

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Rate the recipe and leave a comment below sharing any modifications or variations you tried. Your feedback helps other home cooks make this dish even better.
About the Author

About the Author

Olivia is a passionate home cook and food blogger with over a decade of experience creating and sharing accessible, healthy recipes. Her cooking philosophy centers on fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and bold flavors that bring joy to the kitchen.