If you dream of a dinner that’s equal parts smoky, saucy, and packed with nutritious veggies, you’re absolutely going to adore this Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe. Tender strips of chicken sizzle with crisp cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a finger-licking BBQ and soy sauce combo that clings to every bite with irresistible flavor. This one-pan wonder comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or anyone craving a bold yet balanced dish that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition. Whether eaten on its own or piled onto rice, this is a fresh, satisfying take on stir-fry that’ll find a place in your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe shine is its short lineup of everyday ingredients, each serving a real purpose in flavor, color, or crunch. Grab these basics and you’re set for a meal that looks vibrant and tastes deeply satisfying!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything get that perfect golden sear.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thinly sliced): The star protein, juicy and tender once cooked, soaking up all that sauce.
- Garlic powder: Infuses mellow garlicky flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
- Salt: Just enough to wake up all the flavors and make the dish pop.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle hint of heat and earthiness.
- Shredded green cabbage: The crunchy, nutritious vegetable base that soaks up every drop of sauce while adding freshness.
- Shredded carrots: Give natural sweetness and a pop of bright color to the stir-fry.
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand): The signature saucy element that offers smoky, tangy goodness and ties the whole recipe together.
- Soy sauce: Deepens the umami and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- Green onions (sliced): Bring fresh, zippy flavor and a pretty garnish on top.
- Optional sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for garnish: Sprinkle these on for extra flair and a hint of nuttiness or herby zip.
How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Seasoned Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Take those beautifully thin slices of chicken and season them all over with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slide them into the hot pan and let them get that irresistible golden-brown color as they cook, stirring every so often. This step locks in juiciness and builds a flavorful base for your Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Cabbage & Carrots
Once your chicken is cooked through, add the heaps of shredded green cabbage and carrots right into the skillet. Toss them together with the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until the cabbage and carrots soften just a bit. Aim for veggies that are tender but still have enough crisp bite to make every forkful interesting.
Step 3: Sauce and Toss
Now, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the BBQ sauce and the soy sauce. Use a heatproof spatula or large spoon to toss everything thoroughly, making sure all the chicken, cabbage, and carrots are glazed with that shiny, flavorful sauce. Cook for another minute or two until everything is hot and well-coated; don’t be surprised if the aroma makes everyone in the house wander into the kitchen.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Take the skillet off the heat, and shower your Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe with sliced green onions, and (if you feel a little fancy) a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro. Serve it up right from the skillet or dish it over steamy rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
How to Serve Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your stir-fry with bright green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or some fresh chopped cilantro. These fresh touches give extra flavor and color, making the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe extra inviting and vibrant when you bring it to the table.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is perfect on its own but shines even more served over steamed rice, brown rice, or fluffy noodles. Want a lighter meal? Serve it in lettuce cups for a fun, crunchy twist or pair it with a quick cucumber salad on the side for ultimate freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe onto a big platter with extra garnishes for family-style serving. Or, portion it into meal-prep containers with your favorite grain for grab-and-go lunches. You can even spoon it inside warm tortillas for a BBQ-inspired taco night the whole family will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, transfer the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually mingle and get even better as it sits, so don’t hesitate to enjoy as an easy lunch the next day.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead for busy weeks? Simply cool the stir-fry completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It keeps well in the freezer for up to three months, making it an excellent option for meal prep planners who want a comforting meal ready anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to help loosen the sauce. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat until steaming hot. Garnish again for that just-cooked look!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it in after you cook the veggies. Toss with BBQ sauce and soy sauce, and you’re good to go—this shortcut makes the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe even quicker!
Can I substitute red cabbage or other veggies?
Definitely. Red cabbage will add a gorgeous color, and you can toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms, making this stir-fry endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand or what’s in season.
What type Main Course
Smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy—use your favorite BBQ sauce and feel free to experiment. A classic smoky or honey BBQ is always a hit, but anything you love will make the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe uniquely yours.
Is this dish gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, so everyone at the table can dig in without worry.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
You bet! Slice your chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. At dinnertime, all you’ll need to do is stir-fry—it’ll taste freshly made every time you whip up the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, bold, and crowd-pleasing meal, you can’t go wrong with the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe. Give it a try next time you need dinner in a hurry, and don’t be surprised if it fast becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen lineup!
Print
Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and carrots are coated in a savory BBQ sauce for a delicious meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thinly sliced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Veggies and Sauce:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- optional sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add Veggies: Add cabbage and carrots to the skillet and cook until slightly softened.
- Finish with Sauces: Reduce heat, stir in BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Cook until heated through and coated in sauce.
- Final Touches: Remove from heat, top with green onions, and garnish with sesame seeds or cilantro. Serve hot on its own or over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for a time-saving shortcut.
- Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
