Name: Easy Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry | Healthy Weeknight Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 tsp sea salt (divided); 1/2 tsp black pepper (divided); 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp fresh ginger (minced; or 1/2 tsp ground ginger); 1/2 large onion (diced); 1 large bell pepper (diced); 1 medium head cabbage (chopped or coarsely shredded; about 8–10 cups); 2 medium carrots (shredded); 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce); 2 tbsp honey (optional); 2 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional); 1/4 cup green onions (sliced); 1 tbsp sesame seeds

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chicken cabbage stir fry: quick, healthy, and so flavorful

Sometimes the best dinners come from the most humble ingredients. This chicken cabbage stir fry is proof that a head of cabbage and a couple of chicken breasts can turn into something seriously delicious.

It's fast (about 30 minutes start to finish), budget-friendly, and packed with protein and veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights when you don't feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

If you love quick skillet meals like this, you'll also enjoy my chicken and broccoli stir fry for another healthy dinner idea.

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chicken cabbage stir fry: quick, healthy, and so flavorful
why you'll love this recipe
key ingredients and swaps
tips for success
variations
storage and reheating
serving ideas
frequently asked questions
recipes you may like
conclusion
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💬 Reviews

ingredients

for the stir fry

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)
½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
2 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced; or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
½ large onion (diced)
1 large bell pepper (diced)
1 medium head cabbage (chopped or coarsely shredded; about 8-10 cups)
2 medium carrots (shredded)
¼ cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
2 tablespoon honey (optional)

optional garnishes

2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
¼ cup green onions (sliced)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

instructions

step 1: season and cook the chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet, Dutch oven, or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover.

step 2: sauté the aromatics

Lower heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

step 3: cook the onions and peppers

Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes, until onions are soft and peppers tender.

step 4: add cabbage and carrots

Whisk coconut aminos with honey (if using). Turn heat to medium-high. Add cabbage, carrots, and the sauce mixture. Season with remaining salt, pepper, and ground ginger (if you didn't use fresh earlier). Stir fry 3-5 minutes until cabbage is tender and liquid cooks off.

step 5: finish the stir fry

Return chicken to pan and stir 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat. Stir in sesame oil if using. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

why you'll love this recipe

one-pan meal - everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
healthy & filling - lean chicken, lots of veggies, and light seasoning.
fast - ready in about half an hour.
customizable - add your favorite veggies or swap chicken for tofu.

key ingredients and swaps

chicken: chicken breasts are lean, but thighs work great too.
cabbage: green cabbage is classic, but napa or savoy will also work.
coconut aminos: use soy sauce if you prefer.
honey: optional for sweetness-skip it for a lower-carb meal.

tips for success

pat the chicken dry before cooking-it helps with browning.
don't overcook the cabbage, you want it tender but still with a little bite.
cook the chicken first, then add it back at the end to stay juicy.

variations

spicy: add chili flakes or sriracha.
low-carb: skip the honey and serve with cauliflower rice.
vegetarian: swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas.

storage and reheating

fridge: keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
reheat: warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, or microwave until hot.

serving ideas

This stir fry pairs well with:

steamed rice
quinoa
cauliflower rice
warm flatbread or crusty bread

frequently asked questions

can i use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw fully before cooking so it browns evenly.

can i make this ahead?
Yes! Chop the veggies and season the chicken earlier in the day. Cook just before serving.

what other veggies work?
Mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas are great additions.

is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce.

recipes you may like

conclusion

This chicken cabbage stir fry is a recipe I come back to again and again. It's quick, nourishing, and flexible enough to fit whatever's in the fridge. Whether you're cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, it's a keeper.

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