This Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry recipe is a quick and nutritious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken breast, caramelized onions, and soft, flavorful cabbage, it’s a budget-friendly dish made with simple, wholesome ingredients. With a prep and cook time under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is ideal for healthy eating. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice it up for a bold twist. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or a hearty dish to pair with rice or noodles, this stir fry is versatile, delicious, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green cabbage, cored and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

Add the butter and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes, or until the onion starts to soften.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender and begins to caramelize slightly. The cabbage will reduce in volume as it wilts.

Combine and Finish:

Stir in the minced garlic and paprika, mixing well to coat the cabbage evenly.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich cabbage.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
Versatile: Great as a standalone dish or paired with rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Tips

Cut Evenly: Chop the chicken and cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Adjust Tenderness: Cook the cabbage longer for a softer texture or less for a slight crunch.
High Heat Advantage: Use medium-high heat to get a nice caramelization on the onions and cabbage.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or shrimp for variety.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Include carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra flavor and color.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil.

FAQs

Q: Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
A: Yes, purple cabbage works well and adds a vibrant color to the dish.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable oil instead of butter.

Serving and Suggestions

Pairing Options: Serve with steamed rice, egg noodles, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Meal Prep: Perfect for batch cooking and packing into meal prep containers for the week.