When you’re craving something quick, vibrant, and absolutely packed with flavor, Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce swoops in to save dinner. A medley of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible sweet-savory sauce comes together in just 25 minutes—delivering big, bold taste in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Satisfying: Dinner on the table in just 25 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
- Sauce That Sings: Char Siu BBQ sauce infuses every bite with an irresistible blend of smoky, sweet, and savory notes that take this stir-fry to the next level.
- Colorful Crunch: Crunchy cabbage, carrots, and scallions add beautiful texture and a burst of color to your plate.
- Effortlessly Adaptable: Mix and match veggies, tweak the spice, or swap proteins—this recipe is endlessly customizable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday staples shine in Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce, coming together to create a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. Each ingredient adds its own “wow” factor—so don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken breast (450g): Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean, tender pieces that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Cornstarch (2 tsp): A little cornstarch helps the chicken stay juicy and gives it that classic velvety stir-fry texture.
- Char Siu sauce (4 tbsp): The secret star—this Asian BBQ sauce packs in complex flavor, balancing sweet, salty, and umami notes.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for rounding out the flavors and enhancing everything else in the wok.
- Ground white pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle heat with a slightly floral touch (you can swap for black pepper if you wish).
- Light soy sauce (1 tbsp): For extra savory depth and a boost of natural umami.
- Carrot (1/2, medium): Sliced into thin strips for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Scallions (2 stalks): Fresh, mild onion flavor and a bright green finish.
- Cabbage (450g, after cutting): The backbone of this dish—crisp, juicy, and perfect for soaking up that BBQ sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves): A must for aromatic depth; don’t be shy!
- Onion (1 medium): Adds natural sweetness and rounds out the vegetable medley.
Variations
The beauty of Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce is how easily it welcomes swaps, upgrades, and even complete overhauls based on your mood and pantry! Here are just a few ways to make this dish truly your own.
- Swap the Protein: Try thinly sliced pork, shrimp, or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian spin that sings with BBQ goodness.
- Extra Veggie Power: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for even more color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Kicking Up the Heat: Add a dash of chili oil, sliced fresh chilies, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to turn up the spice factor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve your stir-fry over cauliflower rice or crunchy lettuce wraps for a lighter but just as satisfying meal.
How to Make Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Prep & Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with Char Siu sauce, cornstarch, and a sprinkle of salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour if you have the time!). This is how the chicken gets so succulent and loaded with BBQ flavor—totally worth the quick wait!
Step 2: Chop & Prep Your Veggies
While the chicken marinates, remove the core from your cabbage and chop the leaves into rough 2-inch pieces—they’ll cook evenly and pick up plenty of sauce. Slice carrots into thin, matchstick lengths and scallions into short, half-inch segments. Roughly chop the garlic and cut the onion into small, chunky wedges for that satisfying bite.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in your wok or largest skillet over medium heat. Spread out the chicken and cook until both sides are golden and lightly caramelized—don’t overcrowd, and resist the urge to stir too much. Once seared, set the chicken aside so it stays juicy until the very end.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics & Veggies
Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the onions. Sauté for a minute until just turning translucent, then add garlic and carrots. Turn the heat slightly lower to avoid burning the garlic—let the kitchen fill with that mouthwatering aroma!
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Cabbage
Bump the heat to medium-high and add the cabbage. Stir-fry quickly, flipping and tossing, just until it’s bright and crisp-tender. If you washed your cabbage, make sure it’s dry—excess water can make the dish soggy and dilute the sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Flavor
Season the veggies with a little salt, the light soy sauce, and ground white pepper. When the cabbage is just right, slide the cooked chicken back in. Add the scallions and toss everything for a final minute so the BBQ sauce and veggies marry together. Taste, tweak the seasoning if needed, and get ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
- Velvety Chicken Every Time: Don’t skip the cornstarch in the marinade—it’s the secret to ultra-tender, juicy bites in your stir-fry.
- Searing for Flavor: Give your chicken room in the pan and let it brown—those caramelized edges bring out the best in the BBQ sauce.
- Crisp, Not Soggy Cabbage: After washing, dry cabbage thoroughly. Excess moisture can make stir-fries watery and dilute that luscious sauce.
- Balance the Sauce: If your BBQ sauce is on the sweeter side, add an extra dash of soy sauce or a squirt of lemon to brighten things up at the finish.
How to Serve Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
Garnishes
Garnish with a generous sprinkle of sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of green and bright flavor. If you like a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes works wonders right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce is stunning with fluffy white rice, but it also plays well with jasmine, brown rice, or even noodles. Feeling healthy? Try it over a bed of quinoa or pile it into lettuce cups for extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style on a big platter, pile it high in colorful bowls, or stuff leftovers into wraps or rice paper rolls for a fun next-day lunch. Layer with extra veggies and sauce for an Instagram-worthy, rainbow-inspired meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits and make a fantastic next-day lunch!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this stir-fry! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers. When freezing, the cabbage might soften a touch on thawing, but the flavors will still be wonderful. Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch—cover loosely and heat until hot, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage is a great shortcut and will save you prep time. Just be mindful that thinner shreds cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on texture to avoid overcooking.
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Is it possible to make Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce gluten-free?
Definitely! Just be sure to choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce and swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Also, check your cornstarch to ensure it’s certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
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What if I don’t have Char Siu sauce—can I use another BBQ sauce?
You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce; just note the flavor profile will shift. If your sauce isn’t as sweet or smoky as Char Siu, consider adding a dash of honey and a splash of soy sauce.
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Can I double the Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! To avoid overcrowding, stir-fry the chicken and veggies in batches. Mix everything together with the sauce at the end for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now you have everything you need to make Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce a shining star in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s quick, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable—can’t wait for you to taste how the smoky, saucy chicken and crisp veggies steal the show! Let me know how you make it your own!
Print
Easy Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Easy Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce is a flavorful and quick dish that combines tender chicken pieces marinated in barbecue sauce with crisp cabbage, carrots, and fragrant seasonings. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Chicken Stir-Fry:
- 450g (1 pound) chicken breast meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp Char Siu sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
Vegetables:
- 1/2 medium-sized carrot, cut into thin strips
- 2 stalks scallions, sliced
- 450g (1 pound) cabbage, cored and cut into pieces
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion, cut into small chunks
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with barbecue sauce, salt, and cornstarch. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables: Cut cabbage into pieces, carrots into strips, and chop garlic, scallions, and onions.
- Cook Chicken: Stir-fry marinated chicken until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Cook Vegetables: Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot. Add cabbage and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
- Combine and Serve: Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the pan, add scallions, and toss. Adjust seasoning and serve with rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1111mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 53g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
