Cabbage stir fry with chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice noodles in a savory sauce. This stir fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option. The combination of vegetables and chicken provides a balanced meal packed with nutrients and flavors. Follow this guide to create a delicious cabbage stir fry with chicken that will become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil or light flavored olive oil (divided)
- ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce and an additional 2 tablespoons (separated)
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups of carrots, sliced thinly (from approximately 2 medium carrots)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut bite-size
- 8 large mushrooms, sliced thin (about 2 cups)
- 4 cups of green cabbage, sliced into very thin strips
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare the Rice Noodles
- Noodle Preparation: Prepare the rice noodles following the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and keep aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Toss Chicken with Cornstarch and Soy Sauce: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-size chicken thigh pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until well coated.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or light flavored olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir Fry the Vegetables
- Heat Oil: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Cook Carrots and Broccoli: Add the thinly sliced carrots and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir fry for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Mushrooms and Cabbage: Add the sliced mushrooms and very thinly sliced green cabbage. Continue stir-frying for 5 more minutes until the vegetables become soft.
Combine and Serve
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Mix thoroughly and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to fully integrate.
- Add Noodles: Finally, add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Serve: Serve the cabbage stir fry with chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh ginger or chili paste if desired.
Conclusion
This cabbage stir fry with chicken is a delightful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice noodles in a savory sauce creates a balanced and flavorful dish that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the delicious taste and wholesome goodness of this cabbage stir fry with chicken, and happy cooking!