Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
This easy chicken and cabbage stir fry is a quick, delicious dinner option for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken, tender cabbage, and savory onions create a delightful combination in just 35 minutes.
Bursting with comforting flavors and a buttery texture, this budget-friendly dish is perfect for feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make.
The Heart of the Dish: Chicken and Cabbage
- Chicken breasts – Tender, lean, and protein-rich, chicken serves as the hearty base of this dish.
- Green cabbage – Soft and slightly sweet when cooked, cabbage adds bulk and balances the savory elements.
- Butter – Provides a rich, buttery undertone that complements the tender cabbage.
- Onion – Chopped and sautéed to a golden brown, onions bring a natural sweetness and depth to the stir fry.
- Garlic – Minced for a burst of bold, aromatic flavor.
- Paprika – Enhances the dish with subtle smokiness and a hint of spice.
- Olive oil – Ensures the chicken cooks to golden perfection while keeping it juicy.
- Salt and pepper – Simple, yet essential for elevating all the other ingredients.
How to Make This Flavorful Stir Fry
- Sauté the chicken – Brown the chicken pieces in olive oil with salt and pepper, ensuring they stay tender and juicy. Set them aside once cooked.
- Prepare the onions – Melt butter in the same skillet, cooking onions until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Cook the cabbage – Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring frequently as it softens and absorbs the rich onion flavors.
- Add aromatics – Stir in minced garlic and paprika for a fragrant and slightly smoky finish.
- Combine and serve – Return the chicken to the pan, mix well, and serve this comforting stir fry hot and fresh.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry
For maximum flavor, let the cabbage and onions develop a light caramelization while cooking. This adds a deeper sweetness to the dish. Adjust seasonings to taste as the cabbage’s natural flavor may mellow as it cooks.
For a smoky or spicy kick, experiment with smoked or hot paprika. Feel free to add a dash of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent dryness.
This chicken and cabbage stir fry is a quick, wholesome meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Perfectly balanced and full of flavor, it’s a dish that shines on any dinner table.
Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 medium green cabbage cored and chopped
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender and soft. As the cabbage wilts, it will become easier to stir, and the onions will develop a light brown color, enhancing their flavor.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and paprika, stirring to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until heated through.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, considering the volume of cabbage. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a smoky or spicy twist, use smoked or hot paprika.
- A medium green cabbage weighing approximately two pounds is ideal for this recipe. After removing the core and outer leaves, it will yield the perfect amount.