Ground Chicken And Cabbage Stir Fry

Name: Ground Chicken And Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 4 cups chopped cabbage; 1 cup sliced bell peppers; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Speed Meals

I absolutely love making this Ground Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry for dinner on busy nights. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and packed with flavor. The combination of juicy ground chicken and crunchy cabbage creates a delightful texture that I find irresistible. Plus, I can easily customize it with whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it a versatile dish I keep coming back to. Trust me, once you've tried this recipe, it'll become a weeknight favorite in your household too!

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2026-02-28T09:57:35.267Z

When I first tried a stir fry with ground chicken, I was amazed at how quickly it cooked and how well it absorbed flavors. The simplicity of this dish never ceases to impress me, and I often find myself reaching for it when I need a satisfying meal without too much fuss. I usually add a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame oil to enhance the taste even more.

Another tip I've learned over time is to add the cabbage at the right moment. I like to give it a brief sauté before adding other ingredients. This way, it retains its crunch, adding a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken. Once you get the timing right, you'll appreciate the texture even more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
Packed with nutritious veggies alongside savory chicken
Perfectly customizable with additional spices or sauces

Understanding Your Ingredients

The star of this Ground Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is undoubtedly the ground chicken. Its juicy texture and mild flavor absorb the seasonings beautifully, making it essential in creating the dish’s overall taste. When choosing ground chicken, look for a balance between dark and light meat; this will provide more flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey works as a suitable substitution, though it may have a slightly drier texture.

Cabbage adds crunch and substance to the stir fry while also being packed with nutrients. Both green and savoy cabbage work well in this dish, but if you’re craving something sweeter, try adding napa cabbage. The key is to chop the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If using pre-packaged coleslaw mix, you can skip the cutting altogether, but be mindful of the additional seasonings if it comes with flavoring.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Stir Fry

Stir frying requires high heat and quick cooking. You'll want to keep your skillet (or wok) at medium-high to high heat throughout the process. This ensures that the ingredients get a nice sear and stay crisp rather than steaming. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause ingredients to release moisture. If you're doubling the recipe, consider cooking in batches instead of all at once for the best results.

Making a great stir fry also hinges on your timing. Cook the chicken until no longer pink and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5 minutes. After adding your aromatics, you’ll want to stir them in only until fragrant, which takes about a minute—overcooking can result in a bitter taste. The cabbage should be tender yet still firm after about 3–4 minutes of cooking; a vibrant green color indicates it’s perfectly cooked.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
4 cups chopped cabbage
1 cup sliced bell peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious stir fry:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Ensure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

Add Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Incorporate Vegetables

Add the chopped cabbage and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir well and cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Season and Serve

Pour in the soy sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve hot!

Enjoy your homemade stir fry!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots or snap peas, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This stir fry is a fantastic make-ahead option! You can prepare the chicken and chop your vegetables a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, which allows you to whip up dinner in mere minutes. Just remember to let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for even browning.

Once cooked, ground chicken and cabbage stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir periodically until heated through, usually around 5-7 minutes.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

Feel free to experiment with flavors in this recipe by adding more spices or sauces. For a spicier kick, toss in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha right before serving. You could also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and a boost of nuttiness. Additionally, swapping soy sauce for tamari can make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

If you want to expand your vegetable intake, consider adding shredded carrots, snap peas, or even broccoli florets. These can be added at the same time as the cabbage. Just remember that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time to keep everything at the right texture. Mix and match with what's in your pantry for a unique twist every time you make this stir fry!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! This stir fry works well with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead.

→ What can I serve this with?

It pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, but can also be enjoyed on its own for a low-carb option.