If you’re craving a meal that’s full of vibrant flavors, textures, and a hint of sweetness, the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. This dish brings together tender chicken marinated in a luscious Char Siu barbecue sauce, crisp-tender cabbage, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a pan for a quick and satisfying meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a balance of protein and greens with a burst of savory, sticky barbecue goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is delightfully simple, but each ingredient plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the sweet and savory Char Siu sauce to the crunchy cabbage and bright scallions, every item is handpicked to make this dish pop.
- 450g (1 pound) chicken breast meat: Use fresh chicken breast for tender, juicy bites that soak up the barbecue marinade beautifully.
- 2 tsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the marinade and creates a slight glaze on the chicken as it cooks.
- 4 tbsp Char Siu sauce: The star of the show, this Chinese-style barbecue sauce adds a smoky-sweet depth that elevates the stir-fry.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, making sure each element sings.
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper: Offers a subtle peppery warmth without overpowering the dish visually.
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce: Adds a savory umami kick that complements the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
- 1/2 medium-sized carrot: Adds a splash of bright orange color and a natural sweetness.
- 2 stalks scallions: For fresh, oniony crunch and a vibrant pop of green.
- 450g (1 pound) cabbage: The crunchy, slightly sweet base vegetable that balances the rich chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic: Gives fragrant pungency that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 medium-sized onion: Sautéed until translucent to bring subtle sweetness and depth.
- Vegetable oil for stir-frying: Neutral-flavored oil that helps everything cook evenly without overpowering flavors.
How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce, with a sprinkle of salt and cornstarch, for at least 30 minutes up to an hour. This step is crucial as the marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with the deep, sweet, and smoky notes that make this dish so wonderfully addictive.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the chicken marinates, get your vegetables ready. Remove the core from the cabbage and chop the leaves into roughly two-inch pieces which will stay crisp when stir-fried. Thinly slice the carrot into delicate two-inch strips to add a touch of color and sweetness. Cut the scallions into small half-inch pieces, mince the garlic cloves finely, and dice the onion into small chunks. Prepping everything ahead makes cooking a breeze.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, spreading it out so pieces cook evenly, and stir-fry until golden brown on both sides. This step locks in the flavor and creates a lovely caramelized crust. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll return to the pan soon enough.
Step 4: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Carrot
Add a bit more oil if the pan looks dry and toss in the diced onions. Sauté them gently until they turn translucent and soften, about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and carrots, lowering the heat slightly to allow their aromas to bloom without burning—just about a minute or two will do the trick.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Cabbage
Now it’s time to give the cabbage a quick sauté over medium-high heat. Stir-fry until the leaves become crisp-tender, retaining their lovely bite and slight sweetness. This usually takes around 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, the light soy sauce, and white pepper for that perfect savory balance that makes the cabbage sing beside the rich chicken.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together so the flavors meld beautifully. Sprinkle in the chopped scallions right at the end for a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor. Give it a final toss, taste for seasoning, and it’s ready to serve piping hot!
How to Serve Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of extra scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds takes this dish up a notch with an added crunch and visual appeal. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also add a bright contrast to the smoky barbecue sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, which acts as the perfect blank canvas soaking up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve it alongside garlic fried rice or even noodles if you want a hearty twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, consider serving this stir-fry in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option or over a bed of lightly toasted quinoa for added texture and nutrition. A small side of pickled vegetables can offer a tangy counterpoint to the savory-sweet chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to keep freshness intact.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully if you want to prep meals in advance. Pack cooled stir-fry into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or a drizzle of oil can help revive the veggies and prevent dryness during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breast gives a lean and tender bite, boneless thigh meat works well too, offering a juicier, more flavorful result in this Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.
Is Char Siu sauce necessary?
Char Siu sauce is what lends the dish that signature sweet and smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, a good-quality hoisin sauce mixed with a bit of honey and soy sauce can be a decent substitute.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap light soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your Char Siu sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for 30 minutes is sufficient to impart great flavor, but if you have the time, an hour or two will only deepen the taste and tenderness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to customize the stir-fry while keeping the essence of the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those weeknight wonders that balances speedy prep with a satisfying, vibrant flavor profile. It’s comforting, colorful, and effortlessly delicious, perfect for those days when you want something nourishing but not complicated. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Print
Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender marinated chicken with crisp cabbage, aromatic garlic, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this stir-fry balances savory Char Siu sauce with a light soy seasoning, delivering a satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 450g (1 pound) chicken breast meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp Char Siu sauce (barbecue sauce)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 medium-sized carrot, sliced into thin two-inch strips
- 2 stalks scallions, cut into half-inch sections
- 450g (1 pound) cabbage, core removed and leaves chopped into two-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped into small chunks
Cooking
- Vegetable oil for stir-frying (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and combine with Char Siu sauce, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to develop flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the vegetables: Remove the core from the cabbage and chop the leaves into two-inch pieces. Slice the carrot into thin two-inch strips. Cut the scallions into half-inch sections, mince the garlic, and chop the onion into small chunks.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they turn golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add additional oil to the pan if needed, then sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sliced carrots, cooking over low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir-fry the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage is crisp-tender. Season with salt, light soy sauce, and ground white pepper to taste.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss all ingredients together evenly. Add the chopped scallions last, adjust seasoning if needed, and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken and cabbage stir-fry immediately, ideally over steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating time can be extended to overnight for more intense flavor.
- Use a wok or large skillet for best stir-fry results.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and white pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute light soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or as a filling for lettuce wraps.
