Sautéed Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
A quick and flavorful sautéed chicken and cabbage stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic garlic and ginger, finished with a savory soy-sesame sauce. This healthy and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner and can be served on its own or with rice, noodles, or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For Cooking
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (about 1 lb total)
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded (about 4–5 cups)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp grated ginger (optional)
For Seasoning & Flavor
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Toss in chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Sauté the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and toss well to coat in the aromatics. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until cabbage is just wilted but still slightly crisp. Avoid overcooking to keep the vibrance and crunch.
- Return Chicken & Add Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together to blend flavors. Cook for 2 more minutes to warm through and let flavors meld.
- Taste & Garnish: Season again with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish, if desired.
- Serve Hot & Fresh: Serve warm as a quick main dish on its own or over steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or stir-fried rice. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Add grated ginger to enhance warmth and depth of flavor, but it is optional.
- Do not overcook the cabbage; it should retain slight crunch for texture contrast.
- Toasted sesame seeds add a nuttier flavor and more texture.
- Sesame oil is best added at the end to preserve its aroma and flavor.
- This dish can be made low-carb by skipping grains and serving as is.
Keywords: chicken stir fry, sautéed cabbage, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken dish, Asian stir fry, gluten-free stir fry
