Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces combine with crisp cabbage and savory seasonings for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients
- 2-3 green onions (bulb and stalks separated and sliced)
- 8.5 ounces boneless chicken
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- ⅓ small head cabbage, shredded (green or napa)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (thin, regular type)
- ¼ cup water (not needed if using napa cabbage)
- Sesame seeds or sesame oil, for garnish
- Red chili pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by slicing the green onion bulbs and stalks separately. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cabbage. Finely chop the ginger and garlic.
- Step 2: Heat the oil in a pan over high heat and stir-fry the white bulb slices of the green onions until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the chopped ginger and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about one minute, then reduce the heat slightly.
- Step 4: Add the shredded cabbage and cook over high heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the cabbage reduces in size and softens.
- Step 5: Pour in the soy sauce and water (if using green cabbage) and stir to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the cabbage is cooked through. If using napa cabbage, skip the water and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Step 6: Push the cabbage to the sides of the pan to create space in the center. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry over medium-high heat until cooked through, turning to brown all sides.
- Step 7: Mix the cabbage with the chicken and continue cooking until everything is hot and well combined. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil and red chili pepper flakes. Sprinkle the green onion stalks over the dish and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use napa cabbage for a softer texture and skip the water when cooking the cabbage.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Try adding sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the heat to your preference.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the chicken which could make it tough.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier, richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly until fully cooked.
Is there a substitute for green onions in this recipe?
If you don’t have green onions, you can use shallots or regular onions sliced thinly. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but it will still be delicious.
PrintChicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
This Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces and fresh shredded cabbage cooked to perfection with aromatic ginger and garlic. Enhanced with soy sauce, sesame seeds, and a hint of chili flakes, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2–3 Green Onions (bulb and stalks separated and sliced)
- 1 inch Fresh Ginger (chopped)
- 2–3 Garlic Cloves (fresh, chopped)
- ⅓ small head Cabbage (shredded, green or napa)
Protein
- 8.5 ounces Boneless Chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauces and Oils
- 1 Tablespoon Oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (thin, regular type)
- ¼ cup Water (not needed if using napa cabbage)
- Sesame Seeds or Sesame Oil (for garnish)
Seasonings
- Red Chili Pepper Flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Slice the green onions separating bulbs and stalks. Shred the cabbage, chop the ginger and garlic, and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Stir fry onion bulb slices: Heat oil in a pan on high heat and stir-fry the sliced green onion bulbs until fragrant.
- Stir cook ginger and garlic: Add chopped ginger and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about a minute, then reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
- Stir cook cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry over high heat for 2 minutes or until cabbage reduces in volume and softens slightly.
- Stir in liquids: Pour soy sauce and water over the cabbage mixture, stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes on high heat until the water evaporates and cabbage is cooked through. If using napa cabbage, omit water and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken: Push cabbage to the side, add chicken strips in the center of the pan, and stir-fry over medium-high heat.
- Cook combined: Mix chicken and cabbage together and cook until chicken is cooked thoroughly on all sides. Avoid overcooking to keep chicken tender.
- Toppings: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil, red chili flakes, and the green stalks of the sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results.
- Green or napa cabbage can be used; Napa cabbage requires less cooking time and no added water.
- Soy sauce options vary in sodium, choose low sodium if preferred.
- Use cooking chopsticks if available for easier stir-frying.
- Adjust chili flakes to your desired spice level.
Keywords: Chicken stir fry, cabbage stir fry, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, healthy stir fry, Asian chicken recipe

