Name: Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter.; 1 medium onion, sliced.; 2 cloves garlic, minced.; 1 pound chicken breast, diced.; 2 cups cabbage, chopped.; 1 bell pepper, sliced.; 1 carrot, julienned.; 2 tablespoons soy sauce.; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional).; 1 teaspoon sesame oil.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional).; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional).

A close-up of a stir-fried chicken dish with vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions in a dark bowl. | tastyblom.com

Let me share my go-to Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry that saves dinner at least once a week in my house. Every time I make it the kitchen fills with that amazing garlic butter aroma and my family mysteriously appears wondering what smells so good. It's one of those perfect weeknight recipes that takes basic ingredients and turns them into something magical.

Why You'll Love It

This isn't just another stir-fry recipe. It's my secret weapon for those nights when I need something quick but still crave real flavor. The sauce is rich and savory, the chicken gets perfectly tender, and that cabbage? It soaks up all those amazing flavors while keeping just the right amount of crunch. Best part? It's ready in 30 minutes and cleanup is a breeze.

What You'll Need

Real Butter: Trust me on this one, it makes everything better
Fresh Aromatics: Onion and garlic create the perfect base
Chicken Breast: Cut it into bite-sized pieces they cook faster
Crispy Veggies: Cabbage, bell pepper, and carrots for color and crunch
The Sauce Stars: My trio of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil
Seasonings: Black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste
Cornstarch Slurry: Just if you like that sauce extra silky

Let's Cook

Prep Your Ingredients:: I like getting everything chopped and ready before I start - it makes the actual cooking so much smoother.
Cook That Chicken:: Get your pan nice and hot, melt that butter, and let the chicken get golden brown. The butter makes such a difference here.
Veggie Time:: Toss in those aromatics first, then add your cabbage and other veggies. Keep them crisp-tender - nobody likes mushy stir-fry!
Bring It All Together:: Add your chicken back in, pour in those sauces, and watch the magic happen.

Perfect Timing

This feeds my family of four perfectly, with maybe a little leftover for lunch next day (if we're lucky!). From chopping board to table, it's about 30 minutes - perfect for those busy weeknights when everyone's starving.

A close-up of a stir-fried dish featuring tender chicken pieces, colorful bell peppers, and chopped green onions in a savory sauce. | tastyblom.com

Mix It Up

Sometimes I'll swap in shrimp when it's on sale, or tofu when we're doing meatless Monday. The veggies are totally flexible too - throw in whatever's in your crisper drawer. That sauce makes everything taste amazing.

Keepin' It Fresh

Leftovers stay good in the fridge for about three days - just store them in a sealed container. When you're ready to eat, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a hot skillet brings everything back to life.

Quick Answers

Can I use frozen veggies?: Absolutely! Just thaw them well first.
What to serve it with?: Rice is classic, but noodles work great too.
No oyster sauce?: Skip it or try hoisin sauce instead.
Going vegetarian?: Tofu makes an awesome swap for chicken.

Gluten-Free Friends

Got gluten-free guests? No problem! Just swap in tamari for the soy sauce. Check your chicken broth too if you're using any. The taste stays just as amazing.

Chicken Tips

Cut those chicken pieces evenly - they'll cook at the same rate and stay juicy. If you've got leftover rotisserie chicken, that works great too! Just toss it in at the end to warm through.

A close-up of sautéed chicken pieces with green onions, red bell peppers, and bok choy in a glossy sauce. | tastyblom.com

Leftover Magic

This is the perfect recipe for using up that leftover rotisserie chicken from the store. Just dice it up and add it near the end - it'll soak up all those amazing flavors without drying out.

Sauce It Up

Play around with the sauce until it's just how you like it. Want it sweeter? Add a touch of honey. Need more tang? A splash of rice vinegar does the trick. Make it your own!

Meal Prep Magic

When I'm really on top of things, I'll chop everything the night before. Store it all separately in the fridge, and dinner comes together in minutes the next day.

Perfect Pairings

We love this with simple steamed rice, but sometimes I'll make some quick fried rice on the side. A bowl of miso soup makes it feel like takeout at home.

Final Thoughts

This stir-fry has saved dinner so many times I've lost count. It's quick, it's healthy, and it always gets those "mm, this is good!" comments from the family. Give it a try - I bet it'll become your go-to recipe too!

A close-up of a bowl filled with chicken stir-fry featuring colorful bell peppers, cabbage, and green onions in a glossy sauce. | tastyblom.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different vegetables?: Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on what you have. Broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms would work well in this stir-fry.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?: To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free certified.
→ Can I make this ahead?: While best served fresh, you can prep all vegetables and chicken ahead of time. Store separately until ready to cook.
→ What can I serve this with?: This stir-fry goes well with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
→ How spicy is this dish?: The spice level is mild but customizable. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference or omit them entirely.

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry