Sautéed Garlic Cabbage Chicken

Sautéed garlic cabbage with tender chicken is my go-to comfort meal when I want something that feels both wholesome and fresh. The perfect blend of sweet cabbage and savory chicken makes this quick dinner shine on any weeknight.

My family loves the garlicky aroma and every time I make this my partner raids the leftovers before I even get to lunch the next day.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts boneless and skinless: provide a lean and juicy protein base Look for well-trimmed cuts for quicker cooking
• Small head of cabbage shredded: This brings sweetness and crunch Choose cabbage with firm tight leaves for best texture
• Fresh garlic minced: Fresh garlic offers maximum flavor and aroma Pick cloves with smooth unblemished skins for best taste
• Olive oil: The richness carries flavors and prevents sticking Choose extra virgin for a fruity robust note
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory note and depth Use low sodium if desired to control saltiness
• Smoked paprika: Gives subtle smokiness Try Spanish varieties if possible for a more aromatic result
• Salt and pepper to taste: Balance and enhance flavors Use freshly ground for best results
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens up the dish Use sprigs with vibrant green color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels Sprinkle generously with salt freshly ground pepper and smoked paprika on all sides Press the seasoning into the meat for even coverage

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Once the oil shimmers add the chicken breasts Cook the first side for six to seven minutes without moving them to build a deep golden crust Flip and cook the other side for another six to seven minutes until juices run clear and no pink remains inside Remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate

Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet with the leftover oil and chicken bits turn heat down slightly Add minced garlic Stir constantly for one minute until fragrant but not browned This step brings out the biggest punch of garlic flavor and gently infuses the oil

Cook the Cabbage:

Add shredded cabbage to the skillet Toss immediately to coat cabbage in garlic oil Scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you go Stir every minute or two so cabbage cooks evenly Continue for about five to seven minutes until cabbage softens and turns slightly translucent but still has a bite

Add Soy Sauce and Seasoning:

Drizzle soy sauce over the cabbage Stir to distribute evenly Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed

Slice and Serve:

Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain for tenderness Fan the chicken pieces over the sautéed cabbage in the skillet or on plates Finish with generous fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness

Save This

I can never resist the caramelized bits left in the pan after searing chicken actually my favorite part is when the cabbage soaks up all those flavors My kids started asking for seconds once I let them help garnish with parsley

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out Cabbage can get softer after storing but the flavor deepens

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat For a vegetarian twist use tofu slices instead of chicken Tamari works instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option Green or Savoy cabbage can replace regular cabbage with similar results

Save This

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling on its own but I like to pair it with steamed rice or roasted potatoes For a lower carb meal serve it with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad Lemon wedges add a burst of freshness right before serving

Cultural Context

Sautéed cabbage is a comforting classic in many cultures from Eastern European to Asian kitchens My grandmother used to fry cabbage with caraway seeds for Sunday lunches I love updating this tradition by adding chicken and extra garlic

Common Queries

→ How do you keep the chicken juicy while cooking?

Cook chicken over medium heat and avoid overcooking. Let it rest before slicing to lock in the juices.

→ What’s the secret to flavorful cabbage?

Sautéing cabbage in oil with minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce creates a well-seasoned, aromatic base.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay moist; just adjust cooking time to ensure they cook through.

→ Which herbs work best for garnish?

Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but you may also use chives or cilantro for extra freshness.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store cooked components separately, then reheat and assemble before serving for best texture.