Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

# **Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Delicious, Healthy, and Easy Meal 🍗🥬🍜**

Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together in **under 30 minutes**? Look no further than this **Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry**! With tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s packed with vegetables, lean protein, and rich flavors, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a balanced meal.

Let’s dive into why this stir-fry is a must-try and how you can make it right at home!

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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
✔ **Quick and easy** – This dish is ready in **30 minutes** or less!
✔ **Healthy and nutritious** – Packed with **lean chicken**, **cabbage**, and a flavorful sauce.
✔ **Full of flavor** – A savory mix of **soy sauce**, **garlic**, and a touch of **honey**.
✔ **Customizable** – Add your favorite veggies or spice it up with some chili flakes if you like a kick!

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## **Ingredients** (Serves 4)
– 2 **chicken breasts**, thinly sliced
– 4 cups **cabbage**, shredded (green or Napa cabbage works well)
– 1 **red bell pepper**, thinly sliced
– 1 small **onion**, sliced
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 2 tbsp **soy sauce**
– 1 tbsp **hoisin sauce**
– 1 tbsp **oyster sauce** (optional)
– 1 tbsp **honey** or **maple syrup**
– 1 tsp **sesame oil**
– 1 tbsp **vegetable oil** (for cooking)
– 1 tsp **fresh ginger**, minced (optional for added flavor)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– **Sesame seeds**, for garnish (optional)
– **Green onions**, sliced (optional, for garnish)

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## **Instructions**

### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies**
1. **Slice the chicken**: Cut the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
2. **Prep the veggies**: Shred the cabbage, slice the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. If using, mince the fresh ginger as well.

### **Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce**
3. In a small bowl, mix together the **soy sauce**, **hoisin sauce**, **oyster sauce** (if using), **honey**, and **sesame oil**. Stir well until the ingredients are combined and set aside.

### **Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
4. Heat **vegetable oil** in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the sliced chicken to the pan in a single layer and cook for about **5-6 minutes** until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

### **Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies**
6. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the **onion**, **red bell pepper**, and **garlic**. Stir-fry for **2-3 minutes** until they start to soften.
7. Add the **shredded cabbage** and stir-fry for another **3-4 minutes**, allowing it to wilt and become tender. You want the cabbage to stay slightly crisp, but soft enough to blend with the other ingredients.

### **Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce**
8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour the prepared **stir-fry sauce** over everything, tossing to coat evenly.
9. Cook for another **2-3 minutes** to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper if necessary.

### **Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
10. Transfer the stir-fry to serving plates and garnish with **sesame seeds** and **sliced green onions** if desired.
11. Serve hot over rice or noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option!

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## **Customizations and Tips**
– **Veggie Options**: Add or swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. **Carrots**, **snap peas**, or **mushrooms** all make great additions!
– **Heat it up**: If you like your stir-fry spicy, add some **chili flakes** or **sriracha** to the sauce for a nice kick.
– **For extra flavor**: Add a teaspoon of **rice vinegar** or **lime juice** to the sauce to give it a tangy edge.
– **Make it gluten-free**: Use **tamari** instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

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## **Why Cabbage?**
Cabbage is an often overlooked vegetable that deserves a spotlight in stir-fry recipes. Not only is it **low in calories** and **high in fiber**, but it also **absorbs flavors** beautifully while maintaining its satisfying crunch. It pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and sauce, making this dish both filling and nutritious!

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## **Final Thoughts**
This **Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry** is the perfect go-to meal when you need something quick, healthy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping a tasty meal for the week ahead, this recipe checks all the boxes. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich stir-fry sauce, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a **delicious, homemade stir-fry** that’s as satisfying as it is simple! 🥢🍗🥬