If you’re craving a wholesome, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and bursts with vibrant flavors, then this Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is going to be your new go-to dinner. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken and soft, flavorful cabbage, all cooked in a simple, buttery pan sauce that brings out every note beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish promises comfort and nutrition without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so approachable is how straightforward and essential these ingredients are. Each brings something unique to the table—whether it’s that tender chicken base, the sweet and earthy cabbage, or the aromatic butter and garlic that tie everything together.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps cook the chicken perfectly without sticking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and depth to the sautéed onions and cabbage.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and soft texture to balance the dish.
- 1 medium green cabbage (cored and chopped): Provides a lovely crunch that softens beautifully when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a punch of aromatic flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A dash of smoky warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors to life.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring fairly often, until the chicken turns a lovely golden brown and is cooked through. This is the foundation of the dish, so make sure those bites are juicy and perfectly seared.
Step 2: Set the Chicken Aside
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up excess oils and keeps the chicken tender while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté Onions in Butter
Drop the butter into the same pan, letting it melt and mingle with the flavorful browned bits left behind from the chicken. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often. The onions will soften and start to develop a light golden color, adding a nice sweetness to your stir fry.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Now it’s time for the star veggie. Add the chopped cabbage directly to the pan. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring fairly often. The cabbage will slowly soften and wilt, especially at the bottom where it touches the pan. You’ll notice the onions also start to brown, infusing the whole dish with that rich caramel flavor.
Step 5: Add Garlic and Paprika
Sprinkle in the minced garlic along with the paprika. Give everything a good stir. This step infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma, balancing the sweetness of the cabbage with the gentle heat and smokiness from the paprika.
Step 6: Return the Chicken
Slide the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan. Toss and cook for a few more minutes until everything is warmed through and those flavors meld together perfectly. This final heat ensures the chicken soaks up the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Give your stir fry a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Since cabbage can take quite a bit of seasoning, don’t be shy with the salt here—it really brings all the flavors into harmony. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this simple dish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the savory notes in the stir fry and make every bite zing.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all the buttery juices. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or even roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stir fry in lettuce wraps or over warm tortillas for a fun, hands-on meal. You can even scoop it onto toasted sourdough bread to turn it into a hearty open-faced sandwich—perfect for a cozy lunch or casual dinner with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the cabbage may soften a bit more once thawed, but it will still taste delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftover stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating slowly helps maintain the chicken’s juicy texture and stops the cabbage from becoming too mushy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage works beautifully, you can also try Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times since some cabbages are more delicate.
What can I substitute for chicken breasts?
Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay moist and tender. You could also swap in turkey breast or even firm tofu if you want a vegetarian twist without sacrificing protein.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version is mild and flavorful, thanks to the paprika which adds gentle warmth but no real heat. If you love spicy food, you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking garlic and paprika.
How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?
Cooking cabbage uncovered and stirring often helps evaporate excess moisture and keeps the texture lovely and soft but not mushy. Using fresh cabbage and avoiding overcrowding the pan also makes a big difference.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. Just add them based on their cooking time so everything finishes perfectly together.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe really hits the sweet spot between simplicity, flavor, and comfort. It’s a meal that’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to impress anyone at your table. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating this dish as I do—go ahead and give it a try, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry combining tender chicken breast with sautéed cabbage and onions, seasoned with garlic and paprika. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Proteins and Fats
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through.
- Drain Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and keep warm.
- Cook Onions: In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onions. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are softened and fragrant.
- Sauté Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir often as the cabbage wilts and softens, allowing the onions to lightly brown, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir minced garlic and paprika into the cabbage and onion mixture, cooking briefly to release their aromas.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the cabbage mixture and heat through, stirring frequently. This should take just a few minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stir fry immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook cabbage to your preferred tenderness—longer cooking will yield a softer texture.
- Feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
