If you’re looking for a quick and utterly satisfying dinner, let me introduce you to my go-to weeknight miracle: Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken. This one-pan wonder brings together juicy morsels of chicken, sweet strands of cabbage, and a savory splash of soy and tangy apple cider vinegar for a meal that’s equal parts cozy and nutritious. I’ve fallen in love with how this humble combination transforms into something you crave, and the best part? It’s on your table in about thirty minutes, bursting with flavor and color. Whether you’re serving it solo or piling it high on a mound of rice, Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken is a dish that just feels good to eat.

Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken is its breezy, fuss-free ingredient list. Each item adds its own flair, from the richness of chicken to the sweetness of onion and the bright crunch of cabbage. Here’s what you’ll need to make every forkful shine.

Chicken (1 pound boneless, skinless thighs or breasts): Go with thighs for juicy richness or breasts for a leaner bite; just dice them up for fast, even cooking.
Salt and black pepper: A good seasoning base that brings the flavors to life from the very first step.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Makes everything golden and provides luscious moisture for sautéing.
Onion (1 small, sliced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the dish’s foundation.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that irresistible aroma and pop of flavor you’ll smell right away.
Green cabbage (1 small head, shredded or thinly sliced): The star veggie that becomes tender, slightly sweet, and perfectly crisp when cooked.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle warmth and appealing color.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Brings herby notes that round everything out and make the chicken sing.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers savory, umami depth and ties the flavors together beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon): For that subtle tang that wakes up the whole skillet.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Optional, but highly recommended for freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start off by grabbing your chicken of choice — thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner result. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper. This first bit of seasoning really lays the groundwork for everything delicious that follows.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet or wok with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your chicken pieces. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re golden on the outside and just cooked through. Slide the chicken onto a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into your skillet. Add those onion slices and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften and start smelling sweet. Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. The aroma will clue you in when it’s time for the next step!

Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Spices

Add all the shredded cabbage right into the pan, followed by the paprika, dried thyme, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Give the mixture a good toss so every bit of cabbage gets coated. Let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. The cabbage will soften but still keep a gentle crunch — exactly what you want in this dish.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the pan. Toss everything together thoroughly, letting it heat through for another 1 or 2 minutes. Taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if you’d like. Finish by showering everything with that fresh, zippy parsley, and serve your Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken hot and steamy at the table.

How to Serve Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken

Garnishes

I love scattering a generous handful of chopped parsley over the dish just before serving. For extra pop, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, slivers of toasted almonds, or a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add even more dimension to your Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken. The garnish not only brightens the flavor but also makes every plate look vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish is so flavorful that it truly stands alone, but you can always pair Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken with steamed rice, fluffy quinoa, or silky noodles for a heartier meal. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra juices, and for a lighter option, a simple cucumber salad or roasted veggies make wonderful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try serving the sautéed chicken and cabbage tucked into warm pita bread or lettuce cups for a handheld meal. Or, spoon it over brown rice in a bowl and top with an egg for a complete lunch. You can even add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and pop it under the broiler for a cozy gratin-style twist on Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra, Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken keeps beautifully. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and get even better as they sit, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

You can freeze Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken for up to 2 months if you like to meal prep. Pack portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the leftover chicken and cabbage in a skillet over medium heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive it. The microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet helps keep the textures lively.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works beautifully and gives the dish a lovely color contrast. You can even mix green and red cabbage for a more vibrant presentation of your Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken.

Is there a way to make it vegetarian?

You bet! Simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. Prepare them the same way, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that still celebrates the flavors of the classic.

Can I make Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken spicy?

Yes, and it’s a great way to heat things up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté, or drizzle a bit of your favorite hot sauce over the finished dish to spice it up to your liking.

What’s the best way to shred cabbage for this recipe?

For the perfect texture in Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken, slice the cabbage thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Aim for ribbons about a quarter-inch thick so they soften quickly but retain a satisfying crunch.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook the chicken and cabbage in batches to avoid overcrowding. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser and also reheats really well for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s flavorful, healthy, and honestly a joy to cook, you’ll want to give Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken a try. It delivers warmth, nourishment, and big savory flavors in every bite. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do — let it become your trusty favorite for busy nights or cozy weekends at home.

Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal with this Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are combined with sautéed cabbage, creating a satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Sautéed Cabbage:

1 small onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small head green cabbage (shredded or thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Add cabbage, paprika, thyme, soy sauce, and vinegar. Cook until cabbage is tender.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together and heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

You can use red cabbage or a mix of green and red for added color.
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or noodles.
For extra flavor, try adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American