Why You’ll Love Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken: A Hearty One-Pan Meal Recipe

Cabbage sautéed with chicken is a delightful one-pan dish that combines the savory flavors of tender chicken with the natural sweetness of cabbage and carrots. The addition of paprika and tomato paste infuses the dish with a rich depth of flavor, while the optional hot sauce adds a subtle kick. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
1 medium cabbage, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup chicken stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
While the chicken cooks, slice the cabbage into thin strips, similar to coleslaw.
Once the chicken is browned, stir in the paprika and tomato paste. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the sliced cabbage to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
Stir in the shredded carrots, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Cook uncovered for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the cabbage is tender.
If desired, add hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add chili flakes to enhance the heat.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add thyme or rosemary during cooking for an aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce or add chili flakes to the dish during cooking.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used; however, they may be less tender than thighs.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be portioned for future meals.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the cabbage may change upon reheating.

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

The cabbage should be tender and the liquid should be mostly evaporated.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can be added for more variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?

Yes, vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian version.

How do I slice the cabbage thinly?

Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and slice each quarter crosswise into thin strips.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Conclusion

Cabbage sautéed with chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Its versatility allows for various modifications to suit personal preferences, making it a great addition to any recipe collection. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to prepare in advance, this recipe is sure to please.

Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken: A Hearty One-Pan Meal

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Discover a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal with this Cabbage Sautéed with Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs are combined with shredded cabbage, carrots, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection for a satisfying dinner in just over an hour. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is both delicious and budget-friendly.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
Stir in paprika and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Add sliced cabbage and cook for 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
Incorporate shredded carrots, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thickened.
Optional: Add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste.
This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.