This Spicy Asian Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly dinner that tastes just like your favorite restaurant takeout—only healthier and made right at home. Packed with tender chicken breast, crunchy cabbage, colorful bell peppers, and a bold garlic-soy sauce with chili flakes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone craving a high-protein Asian-inspired meal.
Stir-fries like this are popular because they’re quick, customizable, and nutritious, making them a top choice for home cooks searching for healthy dinner recipes, low-carb meals, and easy Asian recipes. The cabbage adds volume and crunch while keeping calories low, and the sauce brings everything together with a glossy, crave-worthy finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir Fry
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
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3 cups green cabbage (roughly chopped)
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1 cup red bell pepper (sliced)
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1 cup green bell pepper or snap peas
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2 medium carrots (julienned)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
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2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil
For the Stir Fry Sauce
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar or honey
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½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast thinly against the grain. This ensures tender, juicy pieces that cook quickly—key for any good stir fry recipe. -
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside. -
Heat the Pan
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it get hot until shimmering. -
Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. -
Combine and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients beautifully. -
Serve Hot
Serve immediately over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Why This Recipe Works
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High protein, low carb: Perfect for healthy eating and weight-loss meal plans
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One-pan meal: Easy cleanup and fast cooking
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Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu
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Budget-friendly ingredients: Cabbage is affordable and filling
This recipe aligns perfectly with high-search food trends like quick dinner ideas, healthy Asian food, homemade takeout, and meal prep recipes, making it ideal for food blogs and AdSense monetization.
Pro Tips for the Best Stir Fry
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Always cook on high heat to avoid soggy vegetables
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Slice everything before you start cooking
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed
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Use a wok if possible for authentic flavor
Frequently Asked Questions (SEO-Focused)
Is chicken and cabbage stir fry healthy?
Yes! This dish is high in protein, rich in fiber, and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for healthy eating, keto-friendly diets (with sauce adjustments), and balanced meal plans.
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and easy lunches.
What is the best cabbage for stir fry?
Green cabbage is the best option because it holds up well to high heat and stays slightly crunchy.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes—add extra chili flakes, fresh chilies, or chili garlic sauce for more heat.
What can I serve with chicken stir fry?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice all pair perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re searching for easy Asian dinner recipes, healthy homemade meals, or high-protein weeknight dinners, this dish checks all the boxes.
