If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that’s brimming with flavor, color, and comfort, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe. Succulent bites of chicken mingle with just-tender cabbage and crisp carrots, all tossed in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce for a meal that comes together in mere minutes. It’s ideal for busy nights, easy clean-up, and best of all, every bite feels like a little celebration at the dinner table. Let’s take your love for stir-fry to the next level!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe isn’t just convenient—it truly brings something special to the plate! From the smoky warmth of paprika to the crunch of fresh cabbage, you’ll love how these simple ingredients work together. Here’s what you’ll need to make the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe shine:
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): Perfect for using up leftovers or a speedy rotisserie chicken shortcut.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of richness and helps veggies sauté evenly.
- Green cabbage (3 cups, thinly sliced): Brings crunch, color, and a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
- Shredded carrots (1/2 cup): Offers a sweet bite and extra color to every serving.
- Red onion (1/2 small, thinly sliced): Lends a subtle sharpness and a pop of purple that’s oh-so pretty.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers irresistible aroma and a classic flavor base.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses smokiness for that backyard BBQ flavor—without firing up the grill!
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Lets you season everything just right.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): The star of the show—choose your favorite brand or homemade for perfect sauciness and tang.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Brings a final fresh touch and gentle crunch to top it off.
How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
It all begins with a good sizzle! Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. The moment your pan is hot, add the red onion and minced garlic. Let them sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and just starting to soften—your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
Next up, stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Give everything a good toss and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is to soften the veggies while keeping them crisp for that perfect stir-fry texture. Don’t walk away—the color will brighten as they cook!
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Now, fold in the cooked chicken along with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the chicken warm through and soak up those flavorful aromatics. Every piece should be glistening and ready for its saucy finale.
Step 4: Get Saucy
Pour in the barbecue sauce, then toss and stir until everything is well-coated and sticky-sweet-smoky. Let it cook for another minute or two, just enough to meld the flavors and let the sauce thicken slightly. The Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe truly comes together in a snap!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from the heat and get ready for the best part—pile your stir-fry into bowls or onto plates. Top with green onions and sesame seeds if you like a touch of crunch and color, and serve it up hot. It’s comfort food with a BBQ twist, ready in just 20 minutes total!
How to Serve Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or a handful of sesame seeds takes your dish from homey skillet dinner to eye-catching centerpiece. You can even add a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a squirt of lime for a little something extra on top.
Side Dishes
This Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe pairs perfectly with warm jasmine or brown rice, nutty quinoa, fluffy cauliflower rice, or a tangle of noodles. For a lighter touch, serve it over a big leafy salad or alongside steamed snap peas.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not try a stir-fry bowl bar and let everyone build their own plate? You can also spoon the mixture into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist, or stuff it into steamed bao buns for a playful mashup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe will keep for up to 4 days, staying delicious for quick lunches or another easy dinner later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, portion the stir-fry into freezer-safe containers. It will freeze well for up to 2 months. Just know that the veggies may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will stay bold and barbecue-y.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if you need. The microwave works great too—just heat in short bursts and stir to ensure everything’s perfectly steamy and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Purple cabbage adds a fun color twist, or you can save prep time with a pre-shredded slaw mix. The Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is super flexible with veggies.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce will shine here. You can go sweet and smoky, spicy, or tangy—pick what you love for the boldest results in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use a certified gluten-free barbecue sauce and you’re all set! Double-check your other condiments, and you’ll have a naturally gluten-free version of the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for drained canned chickpeas or cubes of extra-firm tofu. Sauté as directed, then follow the rest of the steps—it’s just as hearty and satisfying!
Can I prep this in advance?
Definitely. You can slice all your veggies and shred the chicken ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated until ready to cook. When that dinner rush arrives, just toss everything together in minutes for a fresh and hot Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about a skillet full of saucy, smoky, and vibrant goodness—especially when it comes together so quickly. I can’t wait for you to try the Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe and make it your own. Whether you’re sharing it for a speedy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for busy days, this dish will bring BBQ joy to your table every time!
Print
Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy BBQ Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken with crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and a smoky barbecue sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a satisfying stir-fry.
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken:
2 cups
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Green Cabbage (thinly sliced):
3 cups
Shredded Carrots:
1/2 cup
Red Onion (thinly sliced):
1/2 small
Garlic (minced):
2 cloves
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Barbecue Sauce:
1/2 cup
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add Cabbage and Carrots: Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened but still crisp.
- Combine Chicken and Spices: Add shredded chicken, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in Barbecue Sauce: Coat everything evenly and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot alone or over rice or noodles.
Add the red onion and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Swap green cabbage with purple cabbage or a pre-shredded slaw mix.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
