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Healthy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry – A Quick & Flavorful Fix!

Published: by Chef Sarah · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Introduction

Craving Something Quick, Healthy, and Satisfying?

If you’ve been searching for a no-fuss, nutritious dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is your new go-to recipe. Packed with lean protein, crunchy cabbage, and a savory sauce that’s irresistible, this dish checks all the boxes: fast, healthy, and delicious.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this stir fry takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to customize — so you can make it your own every time!

Whether you're watching carbs, eating clean, or just want something warm and hearty, you'll love this flavorful combination of chicken and cabbage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

chicken and cabbage stir fry

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Low-carb & gluten-free
✅ Made with simple ingredients
✅ Perfect for meal prep
✅ Savory, satisfying, and family-friendly
✅ Customizable with veggies, spices, or sauces

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – or use sesame oil for extra flavor
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded (about half a medium head)
  • 1 small onion, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey – adds a touch of sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional for heat
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Green onions and sesame seeds – for garnish

Substitutions:

  • Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or ground turkey.
  • Use purple cabbage for a pop of color.
  • Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Pro Tip:

For the best texture, shred your cabbage just before cooking and don’t overcook it — it should stay slightly crisp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

chicken and cabbage stir fry

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the chicken, cabbage, and other veggies before you begin — stir fries cook fast!
  2. Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
  3. Cook the veggies: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add carrots and cabbage: Stir in carrots and shredded cabbage. Cook for 5–7 minutes, tossing frequently until slightly wilted but still crisp.
  5. Return chicken to pan: Add the cooked chicken back in and pour in soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Stir & finish: Toss everything together for 2–3 more minutes until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot on its own or with a side of rice or cauliflower rice.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips
📦 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Meal prep-friendly!

Reheating Tips
🔥 Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for best texture, or microwave with a splash of water to avoid drying out.

Variations

  • Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas
  • Spice it up with sriracha or chili garlic sauce
  • For keto: Skip the carrots or reduce honey

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

chicken and cabbage stir fry

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
290 28g 12g 15g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
✅ Yes! It’s perfect for meal prepping and reheats well throughout the week.

❓ Can I make this low-carb?
✅ Absolutely — just skip the honey and serve it without rice.

❓ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
✅ Yes, just skip the sauté step and add it with the cabbage to heat through.

❓ Why is my cabbage soggy?
❌ You may have overcooked it. Cabbage should be sautéed quickly and stay slightly crisp.

❓ Can I make it spicy?
✅ For sure! Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Conclusion

chicken and cabbage stir fry

This Healthy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is more than just a quick dinner — it's a wholesome, hearty, and flavor-packed meal you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this easy stir fry will become a weeknight favorite.

🍽️ Try it tonight and tag us @Infinity Recipes on Pinterest!

Print

Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

chicken and cabbage stir fry
Print Recipe

This quick and healthy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight dinner! Packed with lean protein, crunchy cabbage, and savory flavors, it’s low-carb, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes.

  • Author: sellie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame oil for flavor)

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)

  • 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

  2. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. Stir in carrots and cabbage. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly wilted.

  5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Toss well.

  6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.

  7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave.

  • Variations: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or swap chicken with tofu or shrimp.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Chicken and cabbage stir fry, healthy stir fry, quick weeknight dinner, low-carb chicken recipe

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