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Healthy Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry

Healthy Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry

Healthy Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and versatile one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant vegetables cooked in a simple flavorful sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this balanced meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, delivering satisfying taste while keeping things light and wholesome.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced

Vegetables

  • 4 cups finely sliced green or Napa cabbage
  • 1 cup thinly sliced or julienned carrots
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Sauces and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (plus extra if needed for cooking)

Optional

  • Chili flakes, to taste
  • Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Finely shred the cabbage. Mince the garlic and ginger. Chop the carrots into thin strips and slice the green onions. Having all ingredients ready before cooking helps the process go smoothly and quickly.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the shredded cabbage and carrots, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Drizzle the low-sodium soy sauce evenly over the contents. Toss everything together to coat well and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. If desired, add salt or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  5. Finish with Green Onions: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Give it one final toss to distribute the fresh onion flavor. The stir fry is now ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use high heat to keep vegetables crisp and to properly sear the chicken without steaming.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed for even browning.
  • Prep all vegetables and measure sauces ahead of time to speed up cooking.
  • Customize your sauce by adding a splash of rice vinegar or honey for extra balance.
  • Include colorful vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and appeal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Healthy, chicken stir fry, cabbage, quick dinner, nutritious, one-pan meal, gluten-free option, lean protein, vegetables, easy recipe