Savory, light, and delicious, this Chicken And Cabbage Stir-Fry will satisfy your appetite without weighing you down.
There are so many dishes that I loved growing up that I unfortunately had to step away from when I started to eat healthier. One of those favorites was stir-fried dishes. Lots of stir-fries are served with noodles or rice, and often, they’re drenched in oil. Whether it be a classic lo mein or a fried rice, I knew I had to limit my consumption of these dishes.
But what if I could have my healthy lifestyle and eat stir-fry, too? You could say I was pretty excited when I found this recipe for chicken and cabbage stir-fry. It has all the flavor of a classic stir-fry without all the guilt associated with noodles and rice.
The simplicity of this one-pan meal is part of its appeal. Cooking all your ingredients in one pan allows the flavors to blend nicely and makes for easy cleanup. If you aren’t avoiding carbs, feel free to serve this delicious stir-fry over rice or noodles, but with this recipe, you have the option not to!
Is This Chicken And Cabbage Stir-Fry Healthy?
Chicken and cabbage stir-fry is fairly healthy. Chicken breast is low in fat and high in protein and provides plenty of essential B vitamins. Cabbage is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, all while being naturally low in fat and calories. You also have onion and garlic, which both have anti-inflammatory properties and provide antioxidants.
Overall, this recipe is high in fiber and protein, low in fat, and has a reasonable number of calories. It’s also gluten-free. This recipe is easy to make vegan by substituting your chicken with a vegan alternative, like tofu, seitan, or jackfruit, and replacing your butter with a plant-based alternative (or more olive oil).
Add Some Fun To Your Stir-Fry
As you can see, this stir-fry is pretty minimalistic, which is part of why it’s so great! But if you have some stray vegetables or meats in your fridge that need to be used up, this is an excellent use for them. Some of my favorite ingredients to add to my chicken and cabbage stir-fry include mushrooms, chili peppers, bell peppers, julienned carrots, green onions, and water chestnuts. You can also add different meats, such as pork (pork chops, butt, or loin all work great), bacon, beef, or ham. Love seafood? Throw in some shrimp, bay scallops, crabmeat (or even imitation crab), or any other seafood you enjoy. This dish can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let your stir-fry cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers, but the texture of the cabbage might not be ideal after you thaw it out, so freeze at your own risk!
Serving Suggestions
This recipe could be a meal in itself if you’re eating light. But if you’re serving a crowd, it’s best to offer some side dishes. Try this cabbage and chicken stir-fry with simple sides like brown rice and these Sautéed Green Beans. If you prefer noodles to rice, try serving this dish over your favorite Asian noodles. If you want more protein, a fried egg on top of the stir-fry is a brilliant addition!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium green cabbage cored and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is soft, or to your desired tenderness.
- Mix in the minced garlic and paprika, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir well, and cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stir-fry hot.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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