Name: Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Soy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp. neutral oil, such as avocado oil, divided; 1 lb. ground chicken; 16 oz. coleslaw cabbage mix; 2 medium carrots, grated; 2-3 green onions, sliced; ½ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving; Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tbsp. honey; 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger; 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar; 1 tsp. sesame oil; Hot chili sauce, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 85 reviews

If you’re craving a quick, vibrant meal that bursts with flavor and satisfies your hunger, this Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Soy Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender ground chicken, crispy cabbage, and fresh carrots, all tossed in a luscious peanut and soy sauce that elevates the dish into something irresistibly addictive. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to share with friends or family. Plus, it’s packed with textures and bold tastes that make every bite a delight.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white marbled surface holds various ingredients neatly arranged in a flat lay style. At the center left is a white tray with pink ground chicken, next to a clear small cup with a transparent liquid labeled rice vinegar. Two whole orange carrots and a small piece of beige ginger root are placed horizontally nearby. A small clear bowl with light brown peanut butter is at the bottom left, and above it are two small clear bowls filled with dark brown soy sauce and a golden yellow honey, respectively. To the right of the chicken, there are three white garlic cloves in a small round white dish, a white bag of coleslaw mix filled with white and orange shredded vegetables, and a small bunch of green cilantro in a white cup. A few long green onions lie diagonally across the bottom right, with a smaller glass bowl of amber sesame oil between the garlic and green onions. Everything is on a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and accessible, each one playing an important role in building the rich layers of flavor and satisfying textures that define this dish. From the creaminess of peanut butter to the freshness of cilantro, every item matters.

3 Tbsp. neutral oil: Avocado oil is a great choice for its high smoke point and subtle flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.

1 lb. ground chicken: A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauces beautifully.
16 oz. coleslaw cabbage mix: This pre-shredded cabbage and carrot combo adds crunch and color effortlessly.
2 medium carrots, grated: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely vibrant hue to the stir fry.

2-3 green onions, sliced: Offers a mild oniony brightness that freshens up every bite.
½ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving: Brings a burst of herbaceous flavor and gorgeous green color.
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Hot chili sauce, for serving: A nice kick to brighten and balance the creamy peanut sauce.
¼ cup creamy peanut butter: Provides richness and a subtle nutty depth that makes the sauce unforgettable.
¼ cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free): Adds the perfect salty, umami base to the sauce.

3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungent aroma and flavor are crucial for that classic stir-fry fragrance.
2 Tbsp. honey: Sweetness that mellows the savory and spicy notes, creating balance.
1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger: Brings a zesty warmth and freshness to the dish.

1 Tbsp. rice vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity for brightness and depth.
1 tsp. sesame oil: Just a dash to finish with a toasty, nutty aroma that takes the recipe up a notch.

How to Make Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Soy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by mixing the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is the star of the show, marrying the sweetness, saltiness, nuttiness, and tang into one harmonious blend. Set it aside so it’s ready to take your stir fry to the next level.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the ground chicken. Break it apart and cook until it loses any pinkness, turning golden where it touches the pan. This browning adds great flavor. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a bowl, leaving any juices behind. Wipe the pan clean to avoid burning the vegetables later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet and raise the heat back to medium-high. Toss in the coleslaw cabbage mix and grated carrots. Stir constantly so everything cooks evenly and reaches that perfect tender-crisp texture in about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent any scorching — a gentle sizzle is what you want.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the peanut soy sauce. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the dish is warmed through and the flavors have melded. This step lets the sauce cling wonderfully to every morsel.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. These fresh elements add a lovely brightness and pop of color, making the dish feel light and inviting. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and a drizzle of hot chili sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice to add an exciting tangy note.

How to Serve Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Soy Sauce Recipe

A large white pot with red handles on a white marbled surface holds a colorful mix of shredded orange carrots and white cabbage as the base layer. On top, there is a light beige layer of ground chicken and a dollop of dark brown sauce centered over it. In the next image, the same pot shows the mixture all combined, with fresh green herbs and chopped green onions added on top in the middle, creating a bright, fresh contrast against the orange and beige mix below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can truly elevate your dish. Fresh cilantro leaves provide herbal brightness, while a drizzle of hot chili sauce adds welcome heat that awakens your taste buds. A wedge of lime on the side is also fantastic for those who love an extra citrusy zing.

Side Dishes

While this stir fry is fabulous on its own, pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice makes it a complete and satisfying meal. For a little extra crunch and freshness, a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame would complement the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Soy Sauce Recipe inside crispy lettuce cups for a vibrant, handheld experience. You can also spoon it over noodle bowls or even stuff it into warm pita pockets for an Asian-inspired sandwich that will delight everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, and the dish remains just as delicious when reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

This stir fry freezes well! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for convenient meals on busy days. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stir fry gently over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through to prevent drying out. A splash of water or broth can help restore moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the vegetables crisp-tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for the stir fry?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even diced chicken breast work wonderfully as substitutes, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be! Just be sure to use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten friendly.

What can I use instead of peanut butter if I have allergies?

You can substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter, though the flavor will change slightly. For a peanut-free sauce, tahini mixed with a bit of honey and soy sauce can also be delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap the ground chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based soy sauce to keep it vegan. The peanut soy sauce is naturally vegan and adds wonderful richness.

How spicy is the dish?

The base recipe isn’t very spicy, as the heat comes mainly from the hot chili sauce added at serving. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili sauce or fresh chopped chilies according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Soy Sauce Recipe, it feels like a little celebration of flavor and ease combined. It’s one of those meals that feels nourishing and indulgent at the same time, satisfying your craving for something both healthy and comforting. I hope you give this recipe a try — your dinner table will thank you!

Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Soy Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need