Simple Chicken And Cabbage Stir Fry
When you need dinner on the table fast but still crave something hearty and satisfying, this Simple Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is exactly what your weeknight routine needs. It’s light, flavorful, and uses minimal ingredients while delivering maximum taste. Every bite combines tender chicken with savory cabbage in a quick and tasty sauce that’s perfect over rice or on its own.
This dish is a perfect go-to for those nights when you’re short on time and don’t want to dirty too many dishes. It all comes together in one pan and takes less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Add in carrots, mushrooms, or even a scrambled egg for a little extra texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry
This stir fry isn’t just quick, it’s also budget-friendly, healthy, and easy to make in big batches for meal prep. The balance of protein and vegetables makes it both light and filling. And thanks to the simplicity of the ingredients, it’s also great for picky eaters or those who prefer mild, comforting flavors.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work beautifully in this stir fry. Thighs tend to stay juicier and offer a bit more flavor, but chicken breast keeps it lean. Whichever you choose, cutting the chicken into thin strips will help it cook quickly and evenly, keeping things tender and juicy without overcooking.
Ingredients for the Simple Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry
This dish uses humble, everyday ingredients that come together to make something truly comforting. The beauty is in its simplicity.
- Chicken breast or thighs: The main protein in the dish, lean and tender when sliced thin.
- Cabbage: Adds a slightly sweet crunch that soaks up all the savory sauce.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to flavor the entire dish.
- Garlic: A sharp, aromatic boost that makes everything taste better.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, zingy note that brightens the stir fry.
- Sesame oil: A finishing oil that adds depth and nuttiness.
- Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken and cabbage quickly.
- Green onions: For garnish and a pop of freshness.

How To Make the Simple Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Slice the chicken into thin strips and season lightly with salt and pepper. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and ginger. Have all your ingredients ready before heating the pan – stir fry moves fast!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir fry until just tender but still crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan, pour in soy sauce, and stir everything together until evenly coated. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss once more. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
How to Store and Serve Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry
This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or weekly meal prep. Serve it hot over white rice, brown rice, noodles, or even on its own if you’re going low-carb. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave for a quick meal.
What to Serve With Simple Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
The soft and fragrant rice soaks up the sauce and completes the meal perfectly.
Spicy Chili Crisp
Add a spoonful on top for those who love a kick of heat.
Fried Egg
Top your stir fry with a fried egg for an extra protein punch and a runny yolk that becomes part of the sauce.
Miso Soup
A light, savory broth on the side helps round out the meal.
Quick Pickled Cucumbers
They bring a refreshing crunch and tang that balances the savory stir fry.
Spring Rolls
Whether fresh or fried, they make an excellent starter or side.
Kimchi
Fermented and spicy, kimchi pairs naturally with cabbage dishes.
Want More Chicken Ideas?
If you love this simple stir fry, here are a few more flavorful ways to enjoy chicken:
- Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a one-pan rice dinner that feels like takeout.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza with smoky sweet flavor.
- Low Carb Chicken Casserole if you’re watching your carbs.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a creamy, cozy combo.
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine when you want something rich and bold.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s always handy for your next quick weeknight dinner.
Let me know how you made it your own! Did you toss in bell peppers? Use tamari instead of soy sauce? Add noodles? I love hearing how your kitchen makes these recipes your own.
Explore beautifully curated stir fry recipes, healthy meals, and more over on Luna Meals on Pinterest for daily inspiration.
Conclusion
This Simple Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is everything a weeknight dinner should be: quick, healthy, and comforting. With minimal prep and ingredients, it delivers satisfying flavor in every bite. Keep it simple or build on it with your favorite extras—you really can’t go wrong with this one-pan wonder.

Simple Chicken And Cabbage Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Simple Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and healthy weeknight meal packed with lean protein and crunchy cabbage. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect low-carb chicken stir fry dinner idea for busy nights, offering a light, savory bite with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs
4 cups chopped cabbage
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Slice chicken into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Chop cabbage and prepare garlic and ginger.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add cabbage and stir fry for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
5. Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce and stir to combine.
6. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss everything well.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
Do not overcook the cabbage to keep some crunch.
This dish is versatile — try adding mushrooms or carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 80mg


