Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken: A Comforting Classic Made Easy
WELCOME TO homeasyrecipes.com – Where Tradition Meets Taste
Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken is one of those timeless, humble dishes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to put a delicious meal on the table. With its savory depth, tender chicken, and caramelized cabbage, this one-pan wonder makes a weeknight dinner feel like a warm embrace.
Hello! I’m Anna, the heart behind HomeasyRecipes, a cozy corner dedicated to celebrating timeless recipes and the warmth of shared meals. Inspired by my beloved grandmother, Mary, this site is a tribute to her wisdom, love, and the unforgettable flavors she brought to our family table.
If you’re anything like me, you love a good recipe that actually works—the kind that doesn’t leave you drowning in dishes or hunting down ingredients you’ve never heard of. That’s what this site is all about. Real recipes, real life, no fluff.
I started homeasyrecipes.com because I wanted to make home cooking feel less like a chore and more like something to look forward to. You’ll find everything here—from quick 20-minute meals to comfort food for those slow Sundays. Oh, and plenty of desserts, because… priorities.
I’m not a professional chef—I’m just a home cook who’s learned (sometimes the hard way) how to make tasty, doable meals that don’t break the bank or your spirit. So, whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or just trying to figure out what to do with that leftover chicken, I’ve got you.
Let’s get cooking.
Looking for something crispy on the side? Discover great ideas like these Air Fryer Onion Rings or explore the comfort of our cabbage and ground beef skillet.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken Is a Pantry Hero
A Budget-Friendly Meal That Doesn’t Skimp on Flavor
Cabbage is often overlooked, but when sautéed right, it becomes tender, sweet, and savory. Paired with juicy chicken thighs, it transforms into a full-bodied meal with texture and richness. The best part? Most of the ingredients are already in your pantry.
What Makes This Dish So Irresistible?
It’s fast, flexible, and filling. Whether you use white cabbage or savoy, boneless thighs or breasts, you’re guaranteed a satisfying meal that reheats beautifully. Plus, it’s a one-pan cleanup.
Print
Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken: A Comforting Classic Made Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken is a comforting one-pan dish made with tender chicken thighs, shredded cabbage, carrots, and aromatic spices. It’s a flavorful, budget-friendly, and wholesome dinner idea that’s perfect for meal prep or family meals.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1 medium cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ⅔ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp pepper or to taste
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Warm up a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and chicken. Fry for 5-7 minutes or until browned.
- Meanwhile, slice the cabbage into thin strips, just like you would for coleslaw.
- Add the paprika and tomato paste to the chicken. Stir, and then sauté for another five minutes.
- Add the cabbage and cook for five more minutes.
- Add the shredded carrots, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Cook without the lid, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes, until there is no liquid remaining.
- Add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier results, but chicken breast can work if handled carefully.
- For added flavor, sauté 2-3 cloves of garlic before adding the chicken.
- This recipe is meal-prep friendly and freezer safe for up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of chicken stock to preserve moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken, cabbage sauteed, chicken cabbage skillet, sautéed chicken and vegetables, healthy cabbage recipe
Ingredients Breakdown – What You’ll Need
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Here’s everything you need to make cabbage sauteed with chicken:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive Oil | 3 tbsp |
Boneless Chicken Thighs | 1 ½ lb, diced |
Cabbage | 1 medium head, shredded |
Carrots | 2, shredded |
Paprika | 1 tbsp |
Tomato Paste | 2 tbsp |
Chicken Stock | 1 cup |
Salt | ⅔ tsp or to taste |
Pepper | ¼ tsp or to taste |
Hot Sauce (Optional) | 1 tbsp |
Fresh Parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped |

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
Boneless thighs are ideal for their juicy texture and richer flavor. However, chicken breast can work if handled carefully. Marinating beforehand helps retain tenderness.
PART 3: Step-by-Step Instructions – Sauteing Cabbage with Chicken
Easy Directions for a One-Pan Dinner
- Heat the Oil: Warm a sauté pan over medium-high. Add the olive oil and chicken. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in paprika and tomato paste. Sauté for 5 more minutes.
- Cabbage Time: Add the shredded cabbage and cook another 5 minutes.
- Carrots & Simmer: Toss in carrots, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes until the liquid is gone.
- Final Touch: Add hot sauce if desired and garnish with parsley.
Expert Tips to Keep Chicken Juicy and Tender
How to Keep Chicken Tender When Sauteing
- Use medium-high heat to sear, then reduce to low.
- Avoid overcooking—chicken becomes dry quickly.
- Let it rest before serving to keep juices locked in.
How to Make Chicken Soft and Moist
Marinate for 15–30 minutes in olive oil and lemon juice before cooking. Also, don’t skip the stock—it adds both flavor and moisture.

Variations and Customizations to Try
Add Garlic for Depth
Yes—garlic and cabbage are best friends. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic right after the chicken for an earthy aroma and taste.
Spice It Up
Throw in red pepper flakes or use smoked paprika for a deeper kick.
Protein Swaps
Prefer turkey? Or leftover rotisserie? This dish adapts beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
What Goes Well with Cabbage and Chicken?
- Mashed Potatoes or buttered rice make perfect sides.
- Serve with toasted bread to mop up the savory juices.
- Try it alongside a light cucumber salad for balance.

Storage, Freezing, and Easy Meal Prep Tips for Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken
Can You Store Leftovers of Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken?
Absolutely, and they reheat beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the cabbage sauteed with chicken into airtight containers. It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure the container is moisture-resistant to keep the cabbage from going soggy and the chicken from drying out.
Want to prep your week in advance? This dish is meal-prep gold. Just divide it into lunch-sized portions and pair with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. That way, you’re never stuck wondering what’s for lunch again.
Can You Freeze Cabbage and Chicken Together?
Yes, you can freeze this dish—just do it the right way. Place completely cooled portions of your cabbage sauteed with chicken in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
Freezer Shelf Life: Up to 2 months
To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock to revive the flavor and texture.
Best Reheating Method for Maintaining Flavor
Skip the microwave if you want to preserve that satisfying pan-seared texture. Instead:
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat
- Add a touch of olive oil or chicken broth
- Reheat covered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally
This keeps the cabbage tender and the chicken juicy without drying things out.
How to keep chicken tender when sauteing?
Sauté chicken over medium heat—hot enough to brown, but not so hot that it dries out. Adding liquid like chicken stock while cooking and letting the chicken rest before serving helps lock in the juices.
How to make your chicken soft and tender?
Use boneless, skinless thighs for the best results. They stay juicier than breasts. A short marinade of olive oil and acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) can help too. Cook gently and avoid overcooking.
How to cook cabbage with chicken?
Start by browning the chicken, then stir in the cabbage and allow it to simmer with spices and stock. This lets the flavors blend while the cabbage softens. The longer it simmers uncovered, the more the cabbage caramelizes and develops flavor.
Can cabbage be cooked with garlic?
Absolutely—garlic pairs beautifully with cabbage. Sauté minced garlic right after the chicken is browned to infuse the oil with flavor. Then add the cabbage and continue cooking. It adds depth and aroma without overpowering the dish.
Cabbage Sauteed with Chicken – Simple, Satisfying, and So Worth It
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish like cabbage sauteed with chicken—it’s humble, hearty, and hits all the right notes. It transforms everyday ingredients into something satisfying without demanding hours in the kitchen or expensive pantry items.
Whether you’re sautéing cabbage for the first time or this delicious Cabbage and chicken
is already part of your comfort food rotation, this one-pan meal proves that simplicity is often the secret to great flavor. With juicy chicken, soft sweet cabbage, and the warm, rich base of tomato and spices, every bite delivers balanced, feel-good nourishment.
From easy prep to flexible ingredients and freezer-friendliness, this dish checks all the boxes for busy home cooks. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—toss in garlic, turn up the heat, or even add rice or potatoes right into the pan for a full meal in one.
Inspired by traditions, powered by real-life kitchen know-how, and perfect for family dinners, weekday lunches, or Sunday meal prep—cabbage sauteed with chicken is here to stay.
Looking for more cozy classics or kitchen inspiration? Don’t miss our Healthy Creamy Chicken Sausage Skillet
Let’s keep cooking what matters—one flavorful, doable meal at a time.