Imagine a quick weeknight dinner that dances between the savory realms of chicken and the crisp delight of vegetables, all highlighted with the tangy sweetness of a favorite backyard condiment. That’s exactly what our delicious Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce offers. This dish captures the essence of home-cooked comfort with a delightful twist, making it a sure hit with family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You need just 25 minutes to create a meal that’s both fulfilling and delightful.
- Bold Flavors with Minimal Ingredients: The combination of tender chicken and crisp cabbage glazed in BBQ sauce is a flavor explosion.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect on its own or as a complement to something as simple as steamed rice.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is nutritious and keeps you satiated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this vibrant Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce, gather ingredients that are both accessible and essential. Each one is thoughtfully selected to either embellish the flavor or enhance the texture, making every bite a memorable experience.
- 450g (1 pound) chicken breast: Provides lean protein and remains tender when cooked just right.
- 2 tsp cornstarch: Ensures your chicken has a succulent, glossy finish that’s truly appetizing.
- 4 tbsp Char Siu sauce: This is the heart of our BBQ taste, adding a tangy and sweet complexity.
- 1/2 medium-sized carrot: Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
- 450g (1 pound) cabbage (weight after cut): The star veggie, providing crunch and nutritional value.
- 3 cloves of garlic & 1 medium-sized onion: Aromatics that set the savory foundation.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to get creative with this Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce. It’s incredibly adaptable and welcomes personalization based on what’s in your pantry or your unique taste preferences.
- Add Heat: Incorporate sliced chili for an extra kick or a dash of Sriracha for a spicy sauce twist.
- Vegetable Swap: Try adding bell peppers or broccoli for additional color and vitamins.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a vegan BBQ sauce for a plant-based dish.
How to Make Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it in Char Siu sauce along with cornstarch and salt for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables: slice the cabbage into sizable chunks, julienne the carrot, and have your onion and garlic neatly chopped. A little preparation makes the cooking process a breeze!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up your skillet, add a splash of oil, and let it shimmer. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown on both sides. This ensures a juicy, flavorful result that forms the foundation of the dish. Transfer the chicken to a plate once cooked.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, and then toss in the carrots for an additional sauté. Finally, add the cabbage and stir-fry everything together until your veggies are crisp-tender. The contrast between the tender chicken and crunchy veggies is utterly satisfying.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine with the veggies. Add scallions during the last minute for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Adjust seasoning with light soy sauce, and a sprinkle of white pepper completes this delightful dish.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
- Marinate Magic: Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Perfect Heat: Use medium to high heat for the stir-fry stage to achieve those ideal crispy edges on the vegetables.
- Water Beware: Make sure the cabbage is thoroughly drained to avoid steaming the stir-fry.
- Final Seasoning: Adjust the salt and soy sauce at the end, as the Char Siu sauce already provides a base of seasoning.
How to Serve Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro works beautifully atop this dish. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a lovely visual contrast to the earthy tones of the chicken and cabbage.
Side Dishes
While this Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce is delightful on its own, serving it with steaming white or brown rice completes the meal, making it a heartier option. Alternatively, consider pairing with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb choice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in lettuce cups as an appetizer or light main dish. The fresh crispness of the lettuce perfectly complements the warm, flavorful stir-fry, creating an enticing textural dance with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This dish maintains its flavor well, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this stir-fry! Place it in a freezable container or bag and seal tightly for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or more BBQ sauce to bring back the moisture. Stir gently until everything is warmed through.
FAQs
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Can I substitute chicken breast with another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fabulous alternative due to their richer flavor, or you could use prawns for an interesting seafood twist.
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What other vegetables can I add to this stir-fry?
Feel free to incorporate any of your favorites, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or even mushrooms for added variety and texture.
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Is there a way to make this dish less salty?
To reduce saltiness, opt for a low-sodium soy sauce and ensure you don’t over-season while cooking. Taste as you go!
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What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
Potato starch or arrowroot powder are great alternatives that would help maintain a similar consistency and texture for the dish.
Final Thoughts
Bringing a touch of the unexpected to a table staple, the Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce is here to add excitement to your dinner repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a solo offering or as part of a grander feast, it’s a recipe worth sharing and savoring. I’m thrilled for you to try it out and let it become a part of your cherished meal rotations.
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Easy Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry with BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This quick and flavorful Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry is enhanced with a rich BBQ sauce, combining tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce for a satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Marinade
- 450g (1 pound) chicken breast meat
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp Char Siu sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium-sized carrot
- 2 stalks scallions
- 450g (1 pound) cabbage (weight after cut)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 medium-sized onion
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken in 4 tablespoons of Char Siu sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch for at least 30 minutes to ensure flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Remove the core of the cabbage and chop the leaves into 2-inch pieces. Slice the carrots into thin strips about 2 inches long. Chop the scallions into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and cut the onion into small chunks.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok with some vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced carrots, cooking on low heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry over medium-high heat until the cabbage becomes crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Ensure excess water is drained from cabbage beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Season with an additional splash of light soy sauce, salt, and ground white pepper. Toss everything together over high heat for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add Scallions and Serve: Stir in the chopped scallions during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately over white rice.
Notes
- Ensure cabbage is thoroughly drained after washing to prevent excess water from diluting the stir-fry.
- Use a wok or large skillet to allow for quick stir-frying at high heat.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for extra juiciness.
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 358 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1111 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 53 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
