Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a delicious and healthy meal that combines tender chicken with crunchy vegetables, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. With the combination of cabbage, peppers, and a hint of spice from the jalapeño, this stir fry is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 1 orange pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare the Ingredients:
Slice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the green cabbage. Thinly slice the chicken breasts, and finely dice the jalapeño pepper. Dice the orange pepper.

Cook the Chicken:
Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the sliced chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink.

Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, jalapeño, and orange pepper, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add the Cabbage:
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Pour in the chicken stock and cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender.

Combine and Season:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to combine with the vegetables, and add the oyster sauce and soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.

Finish and Serve:
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Once done, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy this flavorful stir fry as a standalone meal or with rice for a more filling option.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serving Tips:
  Serve this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry hot, either on its own or over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles for a heartier meal. You can also pair it with a side of fried rice or a light soup for a balanced, delicious dinner.
• Storing Leftovers:
  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the stir fry has cooled down completely before transferring it to the container.
• Freezing Tips:
  If you wish to freeze the stir fry, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 1 month. To maintain the texture, freeze without rice or noodles.
• Reheating Instructions:
  Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version:
  Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and ensure the oyster sauce is replaced with a plant-based option like hoisin sauce.
• Add Noodles:
  For a heartier meal, toss in cooked noodles like lo mein, rice noodles, or soba noodles toward the end of cooking. This turns the dish into a complete one-pan meal.
• Spicy Kick:
  Increase the heat by adding more jalapeño, or swap it with a spicier chili like serrano or Thai chili peppers. You can also drizzle a little sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
• Additional Vegetables:
  Feel free to bulk up the dish by adding other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, broccoli, or bell peppers. These veggies add more texture, color, and nutrients to the stir fry.
• Saucy Stir Fry:
  For a saucier dish, double the amount of oyster sauce and soy sauce or add a couple of tablespoons of hoisin sauce. You can also increase the chicken stock for a brothier consistency.
• Ginger Twist:
  Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger when sautéing the garlic to introduce a zesty, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Low-Carb Option:
  Skip the rice and serve this stir fry on its own for a low-carb, high-protein meal. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Peanut Sauce Stir Fry:
  For a unique twist, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce mixture, along with a splash of lime juice, to create a delicious peanut-flavored stir fry.
• Gluten-Free Version:
  Make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. Also, double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Sweet and Sour Variation:
  Add a splash of rice vinegar and a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweet and tangy version of this stir fry.