Easy Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce (Quick Dinner You’ll Crave Again!)
If you’re like me, sometimes you just want a dinner that’s quick, tasty, and doesn’t take 10 different pans. That’s exactly how I came up with this Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce.
I had some leftover cabbage sitting in the fridge and a half-empty bottle of BBQ sauce, and I thought—why not throw them together with chicken? The result blew me away.
It’s sweet, smoky, a little tangy, and packed with veggies. And the best part? It’s so simple that even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll nail it on the first try.
Let’s break this recipe down step by step so you can enjoy this easy, budget-friendly meal too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another stir-fry—it’s got a twist. Instead of soy sauce or teriyaki, we use BBQ sauce for that smoky-sweet flavor. It gives the chicken and cabbage an amazing caramelized glaze. Plus:
- Quick and easy: Done in under 25 minutes.
- Healthy & filling: Cabbage is loaded with fiber and vitamins, while chicken keeps it high in protein.
- Cheap ingredients: A small cabbage, some chicken, and BBQ sauce. That’s it.
- Kid-friendly: The sweet BBQ flavor makes it a hit with picky eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s all you need to pull this dish together:
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs) – cut into thin strips
- 3 cups cabbage – shredded (green or purple cabbage works)
- 1 onion – sliced thin
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 tablespoon oil – vegetable, olive, or sesame
- ½ cup BBQ sauce – use your favorite (smoky, sweet, or spicy)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Optional: sliced carrots, bell peppers, or a pinch of chili flakes if you like spice
How to Make Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps:
1. Prep the Chicken and Veggies
Cut your chicken into thin strips so it cooks fast. Shred the cabbage and slice the onion. Having everything ready makes stir-frying way easier.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 5–6 minutes).
3. Add Garlic and Onion
Toss in the garlic and onion, stir-frying until fragrant. This builds a strong flavor base for the stir-fry.
4. Add Cabbage
Throw in the shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until it softens but still has a little crunch.
5. Mix in BBQ Sauce
Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir everything together so the chicken and cabbage are coated evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce gets glossy and caramelized.
6. Serve & Enjoy
That’s it! Serve it as is, or pair it with rice, noodles, or even wrap it in a tortilla for a BBQ stir-fry wrap.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook chicken in a single layer so it browns nicely.
- Use a wok if you have one. The high heat makes the veggies crisp and delicious.
- Balance flavors. If your BBQ sauce is too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar.
- Make it your own. Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli for extra veggies.
What to Serve With It
This stir-fry is flexible. You can keep it light or make it hearty:
- Over white or brown rice – classic and filling.
- With noodles – ramen or rice noodles soak up that BBQ flavor perfectly.
- In a wrap or tortilla – makes an easy grab-and-go meal.
- On its own – it’s satisfying enough without extras.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The secret is really the BBQ sauce. Most stir-fries use soy sauce or oyster sauce, but BBQ sauce adds a smoky-sweet depth that pairs so well with cabbage. The cabbage softens but still has crunch, the chicken stays juicy, and the sauce ties it all together. It’s comfort food with a little twist.
FAQs About Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of strips?
Yes! Ground chicken works perfectly and cooks even faster.
Q: What type of cabbage is best?
Green cabbage is classic, but napa or even red cabbage will work. Each adds a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap chicken for tofu or even chickpeas for a plant-based version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for the best flavor.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Of course. Just add chili flakes, hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
Any you like! Sweet and smoky BBQ sauces are my personal favorite for this stir-fry.
This Easy Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, affordable, and crazy delicious. Next time you’ve got a cabbage sitting in your fridge, give it a shot—I promise you’ll be surprised how good it tastes.
