Quick and Easy Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage

Are you in the mood for a simple, yet flavorful stir-fry? This Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage is a quick and nutritious meal perfect for any night of the week. Packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s highly customizable—swap out the vegetables or add your favorite stir-fry ingredients to make it your own!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, water, fresh ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Toss the chicken until it’s well coated and allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep your vegetables. This will infuse the chicken with the savory flavors of the sauce and help tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the chopped cabbage, onion, and carrots. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender-crisp.
• The cabbage should soften slightly while still retaining a bit of crunch, which adds texture to the dish.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the vegetables.
• Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve immediately over your choice of rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the cabbage and carrots with broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. You can add extra vegetables if you want to increase the fiber and nutritional content.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve an extra teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water, and stir it into the skillet while combining the chicken and vegetables.

Pairing Ideas:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or fried rice make a perfect bed for this stir-fry.
• Noodles: Try serving this with lo mein noodles or even ramen for a hearty twist.
• Side Dish: A light cucumber salad or steamed dumplings would complement this stir-fry beautifully.

Final Thoughts:

This Chicken Stir-Fry with Cabbage is ideal for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, healthy, and delicious. With its flavorful marinade, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy!