Easy Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce Recipe

If you love a sizzling, saucy stir-fry with incredible flavor and crunch, you’ll adore this Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce! Sweet-charred chicken, colorful crisp veggies, and a mouthwatering blend of barbecue and soy make this dish a showstopper for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Great stir-fries are all about a few well-chosen fresh ingredients. Each element in this Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce plays a starring role: juicy marinated chicken, crisp cabbage, and just the right pop of alliums and aromatics.

• Chicken breast meat: Lean and quick-cooking, it absorbs all the saucy goodness—perfect for bite-sized pieces.
• Cornstarch: This coats the chicken for extra tenderness and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
• Char Siu sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce): Brings sweet, savory, and smoky flavors—the secret to that BBQ twist.
• Salt & ground white pepper: For simple seasoning that brightens all the other flavors.
• Light soy sauce: Adds depth and a little umami, rounding out the BBQ flavors.
• Carrot: Sliced into thin strips, it delivers both crunch and a splash of vibrant color.
• Scallions: These go in at the end for a fresh, oniony boost.
• Cabbage: The main veggie player—choose tightly-packed, crunchy green cabbage for the best results.
• Garlic: Classic aromatic that gets briefly sautéed for irresistible fragrance.
• Onion: Sliced or chunked, it adds sweetness and texture as it cooks down.
• Vegetable oil (for stir-frying): Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil to keep everything sizzling, not smoking.

Variations

The beauty of Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce is how flexible it is. Don’t be afraid to riff on the original—there are endless ways to personalize this dish to your tastes, fridge contents, or dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Try sliced pork tenderloin, firm tofu, or peeled shrimp instead of chicken—the BBQ marinade works well with all!
• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly-sliced mushrooms are welcome additions for even more color and crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in a sliced jalapeño or drizzle with chili oil before serving if you love a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce and BBQ sauce for an allergy-friendly dinner.

How to Make Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces—think slightly larger than diced, so they stay juicy after cooking. Mix the chicken with the Char Siu sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce), cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. This marinade not only flavors every piece, but the cornstarch ensures a velvety, moist texture. Let it soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better to let that BBQ character really shine).

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

While your chicken is bathing in that gorgeous marinade, prep the veggies. Remove the tough core from your cabbage, then slice the leaves into roughly two-inch pieces—they’ll wilt a little in the pan but still hold their sweet crunch. Julienne (thinly slice) the carrot, cut the scallions into half-inch sections, mince the garlic, and chop the onion into small chunks. Try to keep everything similar in size so it cooks evenly and looks great together in the final dish.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a splash of vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (give them a little shake—don’t crowd the pan, or they’ll steam). Sear until both sides develop a lovely golden color and the pieces are just cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate; you’ll return it to the pan shortly so don’t worry if it’s not fully done yet.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

If the pan looks dry, add another drizzle of oil. Toss in the onion and cook for a minute until it starts to soften, then add the garlic and carrot. Keep the heat on low to extract all those amazing aromas without burning. Now crank up the heat to medium-high and add the cabbage. Give everything a good toss and stir-fry until the cabbage just starts to wilt and turns a vibrant green—about 2-3 minutes. Pro tip: make sure your cabbage is well-drained so you don’t end up with a soggy stir-fry.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Return the chicken to the pan, add soy sauce, another pinch of salt, and the white pepper. Toss everything together so all the veggies and protein are evenly coated in that savory, saucy goodness. In the last minute, add the scallions, toss a final time, then taste and adjust seasoning. Serve your Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce immediately, spooned over hot steamed white rice. Enjoy that sizzle and aroma—it’s the best part!

How to Serve Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce

Garnishes

Finish your stir-fry with a sprinkle of freshly sliced scallions, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, or even a light dusting of cracked black pepper. These little touches not only make your Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce pop visually, but also add layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is pure comfort served over a fluffy bowl of white rice, but feel free to choose brown rice or jasmine rice for a twist. On the side, steamed broccoli, miso soup, or even a cooling Asian cucumber salad make fantastic partners to round out a nourishing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your stir-fry in a large shallow serving bowl, then garnish generously to wow dinner guests. For fun weeknight energy, serve the Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce in lettuce cups, as a filling for rice bowls, or tucked into warm wraps for a fusion-style roll up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce to an airtight container as soon as it cools. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an ideal choice for meal prep lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For the best taste and texture, freeze portions of the cooled stir-fry in freezer-safe bags with the air pressed out. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: cabbage may soften a little, but the flavors will still shine brightly.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring just until warmed through—add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Or, pop it in the microwave (covered) in short bursts, stirring halfway for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Now you’ve got all the secrets to make Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce a new favorite in your kitchen! This dish is as tasty as it is simple—don’t hesitate to try it, experiment with your own twist, and share it with the people you love. Happy cooking!

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