Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage: A Tasty and Nutritious Dinner

Instructions for Making Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. This will help them cook quickly and evenly in the stir-fry.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Shred the cabbage and thinly slice the onion and bell pepper (if using). Mince the garlic and grate the ginger for maximum flavor.
3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, and chili paste (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: Heat the sesame oil (and olive oil, if using) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on the edges. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Cook the onion and bell pepper: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
2. Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Stir-fry the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch. If you like your cabbage softer, you can cook it a little longer.

Step 5: Combine and Coat in Sauce

1. Add the chicken back: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the cabbage and vegetables.
2. Pour in the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and cabbage mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Once the stir-fry is fully cooked and coated in sauce, remove it from the heat and transfer to serving plates.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.

Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage:

• Add more vegetables: This stir-fry is easily customizable. Feel free to add carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli for even more variety.
• Make it spicy: If you enjoy spicy dishes, add more chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce, or toss in some sliced fresh chilies for extra heat.
• Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Add a crunch: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted cashews or chopped peanuts over the top of the stir-fry just before serving.

Why You’ll Love Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage:

This dish is an absolute winner when it comes to flavor and nutrition. The tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and savory stir-fry sauce create a delicious combination that is both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can adjust the vegetables and spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, balanced meal that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it on its own or pair it with some steamed rice, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your cooking rotation.