Chicken and Cabbage Stir-fry Soup

Name: Chicken and Cabbage Stir-fry Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups chopped green cabbage; 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup sliced bell pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love the warm, comforting flavors of Chicken and Cabbage Stir-fry Soup. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. As the weather turns cooler, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this soup to nourish the body and soul. It's a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it easy to whip up on busy evenings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:05:28.071Z

I first made Chicken and Cabbage Stir-fry Soup on a chilly evening, hoping for something quick yet satisfying. The combination of tender chicken and crunchy cabbage caught my eye. As I sautéed the ingredients, the kitchen filled with delightful aromas that promised warmth and comfort.

To enhance the flavors, I decided to add a splash of soy sauce and a hint of ginger. This simple addition transformed the broth, giving it depth and a bit of an Asian twist. I was thrilled with how quickly everything came together, proving that comfort food doesn't always have to be time-consuming!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and warming—perfect for chilly days
Quick preparation makes it a weeknight favorite
Packed with nutritious vegetables for a balanced meal

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of chicken and cabbage creates a hearty base for this soup. Chicken provides not only protein but also a rich flavor that enhances the broth, especially when using leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts. The cabbage, on the other hand, adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Opt for green cabbage for a more traditional flavor, or try Napa cabbage for a slightly milder taste. Both will wilt nicely in the broth, contributing to the soup's texture.

The addition of garlic and ginger is crucial for elevating the taste profile of the soup. Garlic provides a savory depth, while ginger adds a hint of warmth that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Mince them finely to release their essential oils fully, enhancing the aromatic quality of the dish. Keeping your heat at medium ensures that they sauté without burning, which can lend a bitter taste to the soup.

Technique Tips for Perfect Soup

When sautéing your vegetables, aim for them to be tender but still vibrant in color. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and dull flavors. A good rule of thumb is to cook the carrots and bell peppers until they're just beginning to soften, usually around 3-4 minutes. Keeping the vegetables slightly crisp adds a satisfying bite to the dish and balances the tender chicken and cabbage well.

To ensure your cabbage cooks perfectly, add it to the pot last and allow it to simmer for about 8-10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it turns translucent and softens without losing all of its structure. If you prefer your cabbage even softer, feel free to let it simmer an additional couple of minutes but watch closely to prevent it from becoming too disintegrated.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious soup:

Ingredients

2 cups shredded chicken
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped green cabbage
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup sliced bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chicken and Cabbage Stir-fry Soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the chopped carrots and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add Chicken and Broth

Stir in the shredded chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and then add the shredded cabbage. Allow it to cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.

Season the Soup

Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy the comforting warmth!

Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Cabbage Stir-fry Soup!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of chili sauce or lime juice before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Chicken and Cabbage Stir-fry Soup is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the soup base and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before adding the cabbage, which will retain its texture better if added fresh. Upon reheating, add a splash more chicken broth to refresh the flavors, as these can sometimes fade over time. Simply heat it on medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

For those looking to freeze portions, cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often to avoid uneven heating.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize this soup based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Adding other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy can enhance the texture and flavor profile. For an added kick, consider incorporating a teaspoon of chili paste or some red pepper flakes to elevate the heat level of the broth. You can also substitute tofu for chicken if you're looking for a plant-based alternative, ensuring it warms through without overcooking.

As for serving, I love topping bowls of this soup with fresh chopped green onions, which add a beautiful crunch and a burst of freshness. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth, making it even more of a filling meal. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings like sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce to personalize your bowl further.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking to ensure even cooking.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add mushrooms, snow peas, or any other favorite vegetables you have on hand!

→ How long does leftovers last?

Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.