Easy Cabbage Chicken Rice Stir-Fry – Ready in 20 Minutes!
There's something about quick, home-style stir-fries that just hit the spot — comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy. This cabbage chicken rice stir-fry brings together juicy chicken, crisp cabbage, and fluffy rice in a perfectly balanced dish that's both light and satisfying. If you're searching for an easy chicken rice recipe that's healthy, fast, and full of flavor, this one's for you.
Inspired by simple Chinese home cooking, this healthy quick dinner transforms everyday ingredients into something special. The tender marinated chicken pairs beautifully with the slight crunch of cabbage, while day-old rice soaks up all those savory flavors. Best of all? This one-pan chicken rice is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the fuss. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or need a quick lunch fix, this Chinese stir fry delivers every single time.
Why You'll Love This Dish
This cabbage chicken rice stir-fry checks all the boxes for a winning weeknight meal:
✓ Ready in just 20 minutes – From prep to plate, this dish is lightning-fast without sacrificing flavor.
✓ One-pan meal = minimal cleanup – Everything cooks in one wok or large pan, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax.
✓ Great for meal prep or lunchboxes – This one-pan chicken rice reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.
✓ Light, healthy, and budget-friendly – Packed with lean protein and vegetables, it's a nutritious healthy quick dinner that won't break the bank.
✓ Family-approved and customizable – Even picky eaters love this simple Chinese stir fry, and you can easily adjust ingredients to suit your family's tastes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques — just a hot pan, fresh ingredients, and about 20 minutes of your time.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 boneless chicken thigh (diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp vinegar or fresh lemon juice
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or napa cabbage works great)
- 1 bowl cooked rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: sesame oil, chili flakes, or green onions for garnish
Ingredient Notes:
Day-old rice is ideal because it's drier and separates better during stir-frying. If using fresh rice, spread it on a plate to cool and dry out for 10-15 minutes before cooking. You can also substitute chicken breast for thigh meat, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cabbage chicken rice stir-fry:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (5 minutes)
In a bowl, combine diced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and vinegar or lemon juice. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it rest while you prepare other ingredients. The cornstarch helps tenderize the chicken and creates a light coating that locks in moisture.
Step 2: Cook the Egg (2 minutes)
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, crack in the egg and scramble quickly until just cooked through. Break it into small pieces with your spatula. Transfer the scrambled egg to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken (4 minutes)
In the same pan (no need to clean it), add a bit more oil if needed. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to get a nice golden color, then stir-fry until fully cooked and slightly caramelized on the edges.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage (2 minutes)
Toss in the shredded cabbage and stir-fry quickly over high heat. You want the cabbage to soften slightly but remain crisp and bright green — this usually takes just 1-2 minutes. Don't overcook it, or you'll lose that satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Combine Everything & Finish (3 minutes)
Add the cooked egg back to the pan along with the day-old rice. Break up any rice clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt to taste, and add a drizzle of sesame oil if desired for extra aroma. Give it one final toss and remove from heat.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
Master this cabbage chicken rice stir-fry with these expert tips:
Use day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in a mushy stir-fry. Day-old refrigerated rice has the perfect dry texture that separates easily and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Keep the heat medium-high to high. A hot pan is essential for that characteristic stir-fry "wok hei" (breath of the wok) flavor. It also helps maintain the cabbage's crisp texture while cooking the chicken properly.
Don't overcrowd the pan. If you're doubling the recipe, cook in batches. Overcrowding drops the pan temperature and causes ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry, resulting in soggy vegetables and rubbery chicken.
Add chili flakes or sesame oil for extra flavor. A few dashes of toasted sesame oil at the end adds incredible depth, while red pepper flakes give it a pleasant kick.
Try adding bell peppers or mushrooms for variation. This easy chicken rice recipe is incredibly versatile. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all work beautifully.
Season gradually and taste as you go. The soy sauce in the marinade adds saltiness, so start conservatively with additional salt and adjust at the end.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Nutritional Highlights:
This cabbage chicken rice stir-fry is a well-balanced meal that provides lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and important vitamins and minerals from cabbage. Cabbage is particularly rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion.
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates based on standard ingredient measurements. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient substitutions used.
(Nutrition information compiled with reference to USDA FoodData Central and Healthline – Balanced Meal Benefits)
Serving Ideas & Variations
Take your cabbage chicken rice stir-fry to the next level with these serving suggestions:
Serve with soup: Pair this Chinese stir fry with a bowl of hot miso soup, egg drop soup, or seaweed soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Make it spicy: Add Korean gochujang paste, Sriracha, or homemade chili oil for those who love heat. Mix the spicy sauce right into the stir-fry or serve it on the side as a condiment.
Protein swaps: Not a chicken fan? This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, firm tofu cubes, thinly sliced beef, or even leftover pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on your protein choice.
Vegetable variations: Transform this into a veggie-loaded meal by adding julienned carrots, snap peas, baby corn, broccoli florets, or bean sprouts. Just remember to add harder vegetables first and quicker-cooking ones later.
Sauce it up: Drizzle with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar for different flavor profiles.
Garnish game: Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fried garlic chips, or fresh cilantro for visual appeal and extra flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This cabbage chicken rice stir-fry succeeds because it follows the fundamental principles of great stir-fry cooking. The marinated chicken stays tender and flavorful, the cabbage provides textural contrast, and the day-old rice absorbs all the delicious pan flavors without becoming mushy.
The beauty of this one-pan chicken rice lies in its efficiency. By cooking the egg first, then the chicken, and finally combining everything with the vegetables and rice, you're building layers of flavor while maintaining the perfect texture for each ingredient. It's a technique borrowed from traditional Chinese home cooking that ensures nothing gets overcooked or undercooked.
This is also an incredibly forgiving recipe. Once you master the basic technique, you can customize it endlessly based on what's in your fridge. It's the kind of healthy quick dinner that becomes a regular rotation in your meal plan — reliable, satisfying, and always delicious.
Make It Your Own
This cabbage chicken rice stir-fry is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel effortless yet special. It's fast, wholesome, and full of flavor — everything you want in a comfort meal that doesn't compromise on nutrition or taste.
The next time you're staring at your fridge wondering what to make for dinner, remember this easy chicken rice recipe. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one pan, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the time it would take to order takeout.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments below! I love hearing about your variations and creative twists. Don't forget to rate the recipe and share photos of your creation — your feedback helps others discover this delicious dish.
Pin this cabbage chicken rice stir-fry recipe for later and share it with friends who need quick dinner inspiration! 📌
