Ginger Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Golden chicken, sweet cabbage and crisp carrots come together in a glossy ginger-garlic sauce over nutty brown rice.

  • Total time: 55 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $8
  • Calories per serving: 560 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Boneless Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs
    12 ounces $4.49
  • Kroger® Long Grain Brown Rice
    1/2 cup dry $1.89
  • Green cabbage
    1 pound $0.99
  • Carrots
    4 ounces $1.39
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $0.79
  • Organic ginger root
    1 tablespoon finely grated $3.99
  • Neutral cooking oil
    1 tablespoon
  • Table salt
    1 1/8 teaspoons, divided
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce
    1 1/2 tablespoons
  • Unseasoned rice vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Honey
    1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch
    1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1/2 cup dry brown rice. Combine it in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/8 teaspoon table salt. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 40–45 minutes, until tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Prepare the stir-fry while the rice cooks.

  2. Cut 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs into thin, bite-size strips. Toss with 3/4 teaspoon table salt and refrigerate while preparing the vegetables.

  3. Core and thinly slice 1 pound green cabbage. Scrub 4 ounces carrots and cut into thin matchsticks. Mince 2 garlic cloves and finely grate enough ginger root to measure 1 tablespoon; keep the aromatics separate from the vegetables.

  4. Whisk the sauce in a small bowl:

    • 1 1/2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 3 tablespoons water

    Stir until smooth.

  5. When the rice has about 15 minutes left to cook, heat a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil, then spread the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.

  6. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil to the skillet. Add the prepared cabbage and carrots and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon table salt. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, until lightly browned and crisp-tender. If the pan becomes dry before the cabbage softens, add 2 tablespoons water and let it evaporate.

  7. Add the prepared garlic and ginger to the vegetables and stir for 30 seconds. Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet. Stir the sauce again, pour it in and toss for 1–2 minutes, until it lightly coats everything.

  8. Fluff the brown rice and divide between two bowls. Spoon the chicken-and-cabbage stir-fry alongside, keeping the colorful vegetables visible, and serve hot.

Health: Brown rice adds whole-grain fiber and a nutty bite, but takes longer to cook than white rice.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling complements the ginger and sweet cabbage while refreshing the palate.