Name: Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 3 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish (optional)

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This Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is the epitome of quick comfort food, marrying smoky-sweet barbecue sauce with crisp-tender cabbage, juicy chicken, and a rainbow of veggies. In just about 25 minutes, you’ve got a healthy dinner that’s packed with color, texture, and bold flavor—a total weeknight hero! Whether you’re cooking for a busy crew or meal-prepping lunches, this recipe stays vibrant and exciting every time you make it.

Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe really shines in the simplicity of its ingredients: each one has a clear role in creating the perfect balance of savory, sweet, crunchy, and fresh. Nothing complicated here—just flavorful building blocks you probably already have on hand or can grab on a quick market run.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness that helps everything sizzle to perfection without sticking.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced): Quick-cooking, lean protein that soaks up all those delicious BBQ flavors.
3 cups shredded green cabbage: Offers crunch and natural sweetness, plus it holds up beautifully in stir-frying.
1 cup shredded carrots: Bright color, gentle sweetness, and a perfect match for bold sauces.
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper: For a pop of color and mild bite that makes the dish visually irresistible.
1/2 cup chopped green onions: Adds freshness; the ideal finishing touch for aroma and a bit of zing.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings sharp, aromatic depth in just a quick sizzle.
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand): The signature flavor bomb—choose sweet, smoky, or spicy according to your mood.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: A dash of umami for balance and a hint of savoriness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to make all the flavors sing.
Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish (optional): For that final fancy touch—completely optional but always appreciated!

How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Get the Pan Hot

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Giving the pan a few minutes to get nice and hot ensures your chicken gets that irresistible golden-brown sear that locks in juiciness.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add those thinly sliced chicken breast pieces, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly and cook through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—you’re already halfway to flavor town!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to wash—hello convenience!), toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step infuses the oil with garlicky goodness that will carry through every bite of your stir-fry.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add your shredded green cabbage, carrots, and sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes, keeping the veggies moving so they stay crisp-tender and colorful instead of getting limp.

Step 5: Toss Chicken and Sauce Together

Now, introduce the cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour in your barbecue sauce and a splash of soy sauce. Toss everything well so each piece of chicken and all those vibrant veggies are coated in that rich, tangy, sweet-savory sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to marry all the flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot—and just wait for the smiles!

How to Serve Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a generous scatter of fresh green onions on top add a burst of flavor and that irresistible “just made” look. For extra freshness, a squeeze of lime or a pinch of chili flakes makes the whole Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe pop.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is completely satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, it pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even a quick batch of cauliflower rice. A side of edamame or a simple cucumber salad is refreshing next to the warm, saucy stir-fry.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon your Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe into lettuce cups for a party-friendly bite, or use it as a filling for wraps and flatbreads. It’s even fantastic piled over noodles for a change from the usual rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe will keep nicely for up to 3 days in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. The flavors get even better overnight, so it’s perfect for lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just let it cool, pop it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the cabbage will soften a bit more upon reheating, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, splashing in a tablespoon or two of water if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also zap it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fabulous swap; they add a touch more richness and stay extra juicy. Just cut them into thin strips and follow the recipe as written.

Is this Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free?

It sure can be! Just make sure your barbecue sauce and soy sauce are both certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Feel free to throw in snap peas, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or whatever veggies you have on hand. This is one recipe that welcomes improvisation.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

Because the BBQ sauce is a starring flavor, use one you love! Sweet, smoky, or spicy—let your taste buds decide. Homemade barbecue sauce also works beautifully.

Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh, use your favorite plant-based BBQ sauce, and you’ve got a fantastic vegetarian version of the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Give this Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe a whirl, and watch how quickly it becomes your family’s go-to for busy nights and meal prep alike. It’s the kind of quick dinner that feels special every single time, so grab your skillet and dig in!

Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with crunchy vegetables in a savory barbecue and soy sauce glaze. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stir-Fry:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

3 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Garnish:

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken slices seasoned with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, add barbecue sauce and soy sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.