Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

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This chicken and cabbage stir fry is simple, affordable, and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare! The cabbage and onions are delicate and buttery, and there are bits of tender chicken. A quick and healthful one-pan dish, colorful chicken cabbage stir fry is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner on a hectic evening.

a plate with chicken and cabbage stir fry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One pan, quick cook: It's made in one pan and cooks in just over 30 minutes, prep time included.
Beautiful and nutritious: Vegetables give it a beautiful color and a fresh, healthy flavor that's unbeatable.
Perfect for any meal: It's great for lunch, dinner, or made as meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

Chicken breast or thighs: Choose chicken breast for a leaner option but thighs will have extra flavor!
Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables to golden perfection.
Napa cabbage: Super tender with a touch of sweetness, perfect for stir-fries. Regular green cabbage will work too!
Carrot: Sweetness and crunch! I also love using grated sweet potatoes, so good!
Garlic: The heart of the flavor! It makes the whole dish smell amazing.
Fresh ginger: It gives the dish that warm zing that ground ginger can't match.
Soy sauce: It adds umami flavor and a salty touch to the meal, and therefore you don't need to salt your dish.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce, I use low-sodium for balance.
Maple syrup: My secret ingredient! It brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory.
Lime juice: A fresh, tangy burst to tie everything together.
Sesame seeds: I like to just sprinkle some sesame seeds, black and white, over my meal to give it an Asian touch altogether and great aesthetics!
Green onions: Aka spring onions. You can use scallions too. Separate the bulb from the stalks and use the sliced stalks as a garnish to add a green, fresh touch to your meal.
Paprika: Mild paprika is a classic ingredient in European dishes with so much flavor.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

sauteing chicken in a skillet, then cooking cabbage and onions

Heat the oil. Add a tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado oil) to a large frying pan or wok over high heat.
Cook the chicken. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and season with salt and white pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, keeping the juices.
Sauté the aromatics. Return the pan to the heat, then add the garlic and ginger. Add a drizzle of cooking oil if needed. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the veggies. Toss in the cabbage and carrots, stirring frequently. Cook for about 2 minutes until they're tender-crisp.

adding paprika and chicken to a skillet with sauteed cabbage

Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, and sesame oil.
Combine everything. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve and garnish. Remove from heat, top with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Tips

Use chicken thighs. For a juicier, more flavorful stir fry, substitute chicken thighs for the breast.
Add more veggies. You can add snap peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to this stir fry for more variety.
Make it gluten free. If you need a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, tamari or coconut aminos work beautifully.
Try a different protein. This stir fry works great with shrimp, tofu, or even beef.
Use fresh lime zest. If you have extra limes, add a little zest for an even brighter flavor.
Keep in mind the salt. Keep in mind there's a lot of cabbage in here, so it's important to add enough salt to draw out the flavors!

What to Serve with Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

This recipe calls for low-carb chicken and cabbage, but if that's not your thing, try serving it with rice to complete the dish. For a heartier option, consider serving this stir fry over rice or soba noodles.

Leftovers and Storage

Any leftovers can be kept for up to five days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in a hot skillet for a few minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until well heated.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cabbage?

Napa cabbage adds the best texture and flavor to the dish, but you can also use green cabbage or even bok choy.

Can I make this without fish sauce?

You may try using some extra soy sauce or tamari in its place if you're not a fan.

Do you need maple syrup?

I like to add a little sweetener to balance the sweet and savory flavors. But honestly, you can leave it out completely. You can also use honey or agave if you prefer something a bit milder, or just add a light drizzle.

Can I use broccoli instead of cabbage?

Of course, but to ensure that the broccoli is thoroughly cooked, cut it into tiny pieces.

Is this good for meal prepping?

This dish is an excellent one to scale up and make as meal prep because it's so simple and reheats well. When you are ready, a nutritious, light, and vibrant lunch will be prepared by portioning it into single-serving containers.

If you tried this chicken and cabbage stir fry or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!