Looking for a flavorful, healthy dish that’s quick, easy, and perfect for your Weight Watchers journey? This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a vibrant, low-calorie meal that’s bursting with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and classic Asian flavors. Best of all, it’s WW-friendly, with a low SmartPoints value, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. This detailed recipe provides step-by-step instructions, nutritional insights, and expert tips for the perfect stir-fry every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy and Balanced: Loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.
  2. Weight Watchers Approved: Carefully portioned ingredients keep this dish low in SmartPoints.
  3. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with just 30 minutes from start to finish.
  4. Customizable: Adapt it to your preferences with additional vegetables or spices.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Stir-Fry

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
  • 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 cup bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

For Cooking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • Cooking spray

Optional Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Additional sliced green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken into thin strips, shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and thinly slice the bell peppers. Mince the garlic and ginger for the base flavor.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add a bit more cooking spray if needed. Toss in the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the carrots and bell peppers first, as they take longer to cook. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Next, add the cabbage and stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until it begins to wilt but retains some crunch.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the top.
  2. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.
  2. Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry

  1. Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients sliced and ready before cooking. Stir-fry moves quickly and requires constant attention.
  2. High Heat is Key: A hot pan ensures the vegetables stay crisp and the chicken sears beautifully.
  3. Cut Uniformly: Slice the chicken and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
  4. Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of browning.

Why This Recipe is WW-Friendly

  1. Low in Calories: Lean chicken breast and cabbage are naturally low-calorie yet filling.
  2. SmartPoints Breakdown: The minimal use of oil and careful portioning of flavorful sauces keeps the points low.
  3. Rich in Fiber and Protein: This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients that keeps you full longer.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving; Serves 4)

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 5g
  • Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 490mg

WW SmartPoints (Per Serving)

  • Blue Plan: 1 point
  • Green Plan: 2 points
  • Purple Plan: 1 point

Customization Ideas

  1. Vegetable Swap: Use bok choy, snap peas, or mushrooms instead of cabbage for variety.
  2. Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicier kick.
  3. Add a Crunch: Top with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews (adjust SmartPoints accordingly).

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

  1. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the stir-fry’s texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
  3. Make Ahead: Prep the vegetables and sauce a day in advance to save time on cooking day.

Why This Recipe is Ideal for Your Website

This WW Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect addition to your recipe collection. Its low SmartPoints value and rich, satisfying flavors will attract health-conscious readers. The detailed instructions, pro tips, and nutritional breakdown make it approachable for home cooks while providing professional value. Its versatility as a main dish or meal-prep option ensures broader appeal to your audience.

Serve and Enjoy

This vibrant Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a winning combination of health, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the skillet or as part of your weekly meal prep, it’s a dish that delivers on all fronts. Give it a try today and elevate your healthy eating game with this WW-friendly recipe!