Do you need to boil cabbage before stir-frying?

Nope—you definitely don’t need to boil cabbage before stir-frying . In fact, boiling cabbage can make it soggy and bland. Stir-frying preserves the crunch, color, and natural flavor of cabbage. If you prefer it softer, just add a splash of water or broth during the stir-fry to steam it lightly in the pan.

What is the secret to a good stir-fry chicken?

The secret to perfect stir-fried chicken? High heat, quick cooking, and a great marinade. Slice the chicken thinly, marinate it in soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch, and cook it in a single layer over hot oil without stirring too much. This gives it a golden crust and seals in those juices. Always cook in batches if needed—crowding the pan = steamed chicken, not stir-fried.

Can I mix cabbage with chicken?

Absolutely! That’s what makes chicken and cabbage stir fry so popular—it’s a perfect combo. Chicken adds protein while cabbage brings in crunch, fiber, and flavor. Together, they create a well-balanced meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Is cabbage good for stir-fry?

Yes, cabbage is one of the best vegetables for stir-fry . It cooks quickly, absorbs sauces beautifully, and adds a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Whether you’re using green cabbage, Napa, or Savoy, it’s a fantastic, low-cost veggie that elevates any stir fry dish.

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking?

Some people soak cabbage to remove dirt, reduce bitterness, or make it more tender. For stir-frying, it’s not required. A quick rinse under cold water and a good dry with a paper towel is enough. If you're slicing cabbage far in advance, soaking it in ice water can help keep it crisp—but it’s not necessary for same-day use.

How to season cabbage stir-fry?

To season cabbage stir fry , use bold flavors like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of vinegar. Want it spicy? Add chili flakes or sriracha. You can also balance the flavor with a pinch of sugar or honey. Don’t forget a dash of pepper and finish with green onions or lime juice to brighten things up.

Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry – The Best 30-Minute Healthy Meal

Name: Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced; 3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded; 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 tsp rice vinegar (optional); 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional for heat); 1 tbsp cooking oil (canola, peanut, or avocado); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Description

This chicken and cabbage stir fry is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal you can make in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights and easy meal prep, this dish delivers bold taste with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional for heat)
1 tbsp cooking oil (canola, peanut, or avocado)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix sliced chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger. Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes without stirring. Then cook through, stirring occasionally, about 3–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook cabbage: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry shredded cabbage for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add vinegar and chili flakes if using.
Combine and finish: Return chicken to the pan, toss with cabbage, and cook another 1–2 minutes until everything is coated and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb meal.

Notes

For a low-carb version, skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.
Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free and Whole30 version.
Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
Adjust chili flakes or add sriracha for spicier versions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: chicken and cabbage stir fry, stir fry recipe, healthy chicken stir fry, cabbage stir fry, low carb chicken dinner, quick stir fry, Asian chicken cabbage