Chinese Garlic Chicken with Cabbage
This Chinese Garlic Chicken with Cabbage is a quick, flavorful stir-fry made with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, fresh garlic, ginger, and a delicious savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners and tastes amazing served over steamed rice or noodles!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the vegetables:
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced (optional)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the garlic sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
¼ cup chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Sauté the garlic and ginger
Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Add the cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage and sliced carrot. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes, until the cabbage softens slightly but remains crisp.
Step 6: Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately while hot!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken
For extra garlic flavor: Add another 2 cloves of minced garlic.
For crunchy cabbage: Avoid overcooking the vegetables.
For more spice: Add chili oil or extra red pepper flakes.
For a low-carb meal: Serve on its own or with cauliflower rice.
For meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this delicious stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice. You can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Garlic Chicken with Cabbage is savory, garlicky, satisfying, and easy to make at home. The tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and glossy garlic sauce make every bite delicious. It’s a fantastic recipe for anyone who loves quick Asian-inspired meals!
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and work perfectly in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make this recipe without oyster sauce?
A: Absolutely. Replace oyster sauce with extra soy sauce and a little honey, or use a vegetarian mushroom-based oyster sauce.
Q3: How long does it take to make Chinese Garlic Chicken with Cabbage?
A: It takes about 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking.
Q4: Can I make this recipe low-carb?
A: Yes! Use a low-carb thickener or omit the cornstarch, choose a suitable low-sugar sauce, and serve with cauliflower rice.
Q5: How do I keep the cabbage crunchy?
A: Stir-fry the cabbage over medium-high heat for just 3–5 minutes and avoid overcooking it.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots are excellent additions.
Q7: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q8: What can I serve with this chicken stir-fry?
A: Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or your favorite side vegetables.
Q9: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Yes! Add red pepper flakes, fresh chili, or chili garlic sauce to taste.
Q10: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes! Divide it into meal-prep containers with rice or vegetables for convenient lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese Garlic Chicken with Cabbage!
