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Introduction
There’s something comforting about a sizzling wok — the hiss of chicken hitting the pan, the aroma of garlic mingling with soy sauce, and the way cabbage softens just enough to soak up all that savory flavor. For me, that’s what home cooking feels like — simple, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy.
This Weight Watchers Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry has become one of my weeknight lifesavers. It’s low in SmartPoints, packed with lean protein, and bursting with flavor that feels straight out of your favorite takeout spot — just without the guilt (or the sodium overload).
If you’re following WW or simply watching your carbs and calories, this recipe is a dream come true. It’s proof that “healthy” doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. Each bite balances tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a perfectly light stir-fry sauce with a hint of umami sweetness.
I first made this recipe on one of those rushed midweek evenings when I was craving Chinese food but didn’t want to burn through my WW points. I threw together what I had — chicken breast, a half head of cabbage, and a splash of low-sodium soy sauce — and what came out of the pan was so good it immediately earned a permanent spot on my dinner rotation.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a family, or cooking just for yourself, this Weight Watchers Chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry delivers everything you could want in a WW-friendly meal — quick, tasty, and low-point perfection.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥢 Low SmartPoints: Just 3 points per serving — perfect for WW members!
- 🍗 High-Protein Goodness: Lean chicken breast keeps you full and energized.
- 🥬 Veggie-Packed: Cabbage adds bulk, fiber, and crunch with zero points.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: 20 minutes from start to finish.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults.
- 🍶 Takeout Flavor Without the Guilt: All the savory umami you love, none of the greasy heaviness.
⚖️ WW SmartPoints Info
- SmartPoints per serving: 3
- SmartPoints for entire recipe: 12
- Serving size: ¼ of total recipe
How SmartPoints were calculated: Estimated using WW SmartPoints principles based on lean chicken breast, vegetables, and minimal oil. Sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil) contribute small amounts to the total.
If you add rice, noodles, or extra sauce, don’t forget to adjust your daily SmartPoints.
👩🍳 My Personal Experience
This stir-fry was born out of one of those “use whatever’s left in the fridge” moments — and honestly, those are often my best kitchen successes. I had a leftover chicken breast, some cabbage that was on its last leg, and a craving for something salty and satisfying.
Instead of ordering takeout, I decided to recreate that restaurant-style stir-fry flavor right at home. I remember standing by the stove, tossing the cabbage with tongs, and realizing how good the caramelized edges smelled — slightly sweet, slightly nutty. The chicken browned perfectly, and when I poured the sauce over, the kitchen filled with that warm soy-garlic aroma that makes your mouth water instantly.
When I sat down to eat it, I didn’t even miss the rice. The cabbage soaked up every drop of flavor, and the tender strips of chicken gave it that hearty, protein-rich bite that felt indulgent — even though it was only 3 WW SmartPoints. That’s when I knew I’d struck gold.
🥘 Required Equipment
🥢 Wok or Large Skillet
Essential for quick, even cooking at high heat. A wok gives that “stir-fry char” and lets the veggies stay crisp. If you don’t have one, use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet — just don’t overcrowd it.
🔪 Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
You’ll be slicing chicken thinly and shredding cabbage, so a sharp knife makes it easier (and safer).
🥄 Mixing Bowl
For marinating the chicken. It helps evenly coat the pieces with soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
🧄 Wooden Spoon or Tongs
Perfect for tossing ingredients without tearing delicate cabbage leaves.
🧂 Measuring Spoons
Because every teaspoon of oil counts on WW — precision helps keep SmartPoints accurate!
🥬 Ingredients & Substitutions
Serves 4
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean and high in protein. Zero points when grilled or cooked with minimal oil.
Substitute: Ground chicken or turkey (adds 1 extra SmartPoint). - 4 cups shredded cabbage: A zero-point superstar! Adds volume, crunch, and fiber.
Substitute: Shredded Napa cabbage or coleslaw mix (no mayo). - 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds color and sweetness.
Substitute: Bell peppers or snow peas (same points). - 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil: Needed for stir-frying.
Lower-point swap: 1 tsp sesame oil + nonstick spray = reduce by 1 SmartPoint per serving. - 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor with minimal calories.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Enhances richness and depth.
Optional but adds 1 SmartPoint total. - 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Balances flavor and adds brightness.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Gives authentic Asian aroma. (Adds 1 SmartPoint total.)
- 1 tsp minced garlic: Fresh or jarred — key for flavor.
- 1 tsp grated ginger: Adds warmth and helps digestion.
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional): For a spicy kick.
- Salt & pepper to taste.
🔥 How to Make Weight Watchers Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prep Everything First
Slice your chicken breast thinly against the grain — about ¼ inch thick. This ensures tender bites. Shred your cabbage and carrots ahead of time so you can move quickly once cooking starts (stir-frying happens fast!).
Tip: If you’re meal-prepping, you can store all prepped veggies in a zip bag for up to 2 days.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken, 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tsp sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This adds flavor without extra SmartPoints.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until golden brown (4–5 minutes). Remove from wok and set aside.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — it’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in two batches if needed.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same wok, add shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt but still has crunch.
Step 5: Combine & Sauce
Return chicken to the pan. Add remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Toss everything together over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes until evenly coated.
Step 6: Taste & Adjust
Give it a taste — add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar if it needs more balance. Sprinkle a touch of sesame oil before serving for that nutty finish.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve immediately as-is, or over cauliflower rice for a fuller meal (add 1 extra SmartPoint if using).
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Causes soggy cabbage and pale chicken. Cook in batches.
- Too much sauce: Adds unnecessary SmartPoints and dilutes flavor.
- Skipping the vinegar: You’ll miss that bright contrast that balances soy’s saltiness.
- Not drying chicken: Wet chicken won’t brown properly — pat it dry before cooking.
💡 Pro Tips for Best Results
- Cook over high heat — that’s the secret to restaurant-style texture.
- Add sauce at the end so veggies don’t get soggy.
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to deglaze if the sauce thickens too much.
- Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save prep time without changing points.
🧠 WW-Specific Nutrition & Strategy
Cabbage and chicken breast are both zero-point heroes, which means you get a filling, high-protein, fiber-rich meal for only 3 SmartPoints. The small amount of oil and sauce create flavor depth while keeping points minimal.
To balance your daily WW plan, pair this stir-fry with:
- ½ cup cooked brown rice (+3 points)
- Steamed broccoli (0 points)
- A bowl of miso soup (1 point)
This combo makes a satisfying dinner under 7 SmartPoints total!
🌶️ Variations You Can Try
- Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add 1 tsp chili paste = +1 SmartPoint.
- Beef or Turkey Version: Swap chicken for lean turkey or beef strips = +1–2 SmartPoints.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: Replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian version = +2 SmartPoints.
- Add Mushrooms or Zucchini: Bulk it up with zero-point veggies.
🍽️ Tips for This Recipe
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a fuller, low-carb option.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch (adds 1 SmartPoint).
- For meal prep, portion into containers and store sauce separately.
➕ Optional Additions
- ½ cup cooked jasmine rice = +3 SmartPoints
- 1 tbsp chopped peanuts = +2 SmartPoints
- 1 tsp honey in the sauce = +1 SmartPoint
🥢 Serving Ideas
- As a quick weeknight dinner.
- Part of a meal prep rotation — it reheats beautifully.
- For potluck lunches or WW group dinners (everyone loves it!).
🧊 Storage Recommendations
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: In a skillet with 1 tbsp water to keep it moist.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I freeze this stir-fry?
Yes! Freeze in portions and reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive texture.
2. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely — it’s a great shortcut! Just skip any mix that includes dressing.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper. Each adds minimal points.
4. Can I skip oyster sauce?
Yes, but it adds umami. Replace with 1 tsp soy sauce + ½ tsp hoisin for similar flavor (+1 SmartPoint).
5. What’s the best oil to use?
A mix of sesame and olive oil gives balance — sesame for flavor, olive for lightness.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Adjust SmartPoints accordingly (+2 per serving).
7. Does cabbage get soggy when reheated?
Not if reheated quickly in a hot skillet — avoid microwaving too long.
🧾 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Total Carbs | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Estimated SmartPoints | 3 |
📋 Recipe Snapshot
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine: Asian / Chinese
Servings: 4
Calories: 185 per serving
SmartPoints: 3
Weight Watchers Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Stir-Fry Base:
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced — lean protein, low in SmartPoints.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil — adds flavor depth; swap for cooking spray to save 1 SmartPoint.
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage — zero-point veggie that adds bulk and crunch.
- 1 cup shredded carrots — a touch of natural sweetness and color.
- 1 small onion sliced thinly — for aroma and depth.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced — for color, crunch, and Vitamin C boost.
- 2 cloves garlic minced — classic aromatic for stir-fry flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated — anti-inflammatory and fresh taste.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce — umami kick with minimal points.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional — for richer flavor; adds +1 SmartPoint if used.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar — brightens up the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water — thickens the sauce slightly.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes — optional heat.
- Salt & black pepper to taste — adjust carefully since soy sauce already adds saltiness.
Instructions
- Slice chicken and marinate with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat oil in wok; stir-fry chicken until browned. Remove.
- Add cabbage and carrots; stir-fry 3 minutes.
- Return chicken; add sauces and toss to coat.
- Cook 2–3 more minutes, garnish, and serve hot.
