If you’re in the mood for a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, look no further than this Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe. Juicy chicken breast slices, golden and savory, meet heaps of sweet, sautéed cabbage, all tossed with a lively kick of garlic and finished with a bright hit of lemon. Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner or a hearty, healthy lunch, this skillet sensation will become your new go-to. Plus, it’s low-carb, loaded with color, and the bold, garlicky aroma is guaranteed to bring everyone to the table!

Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe relies on just a handful of kitchen essentials, each one playing a star role. Every ingredient brings a unique texture, flavor note, or splash of color, making the final dish pop both visually and in taste.

Chicken Breasts (1 pound, boneless & skinless, thinly sliced): The ultra-tender, protein-packed base of the dish soaks up all the garlic and lemon goodness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of both the chicken and the cabbage.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth to every bite.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for both sautéing the chicken and softening the cabbage, for a rich but light finish.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Creates extra flavor and helps achieve a gorgeous, subtle caramelization.
Green Cabbage (4 cups, thinly sliced): Sautéed until tender and sweet, it’s the heart of the recipe!
Onion (1 small, sliced): Adds gentle sweetness and helps the cabbage turn buttery-soft.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The unmistakable backbone of the dish, infusing everything with irresistible aroma and zip.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers lovely color and a kick of warmth.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon, or coconut aminos for gluten-free): Brings umami, saltiness, and a perfect savory finish.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the whole skillet, cutting through with a fresh, zesty pop.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled as a garnish, it brings color and vibrancy.

How to Make Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in an even layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden and cooked through (about 5 to 6 minutes). Don’t overcrowd the pan—let the chicken get that lovely sear! When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat just a little. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the butter. Toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the onion softens and the garlic turns fragrant. That scent will make your kitchen smell incredible and lay the flavor foundation for the Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Cabbage and Paprika

Add the thinly sliced cabbage right into the skillet, along with the paprika. Stir well so the butter and garlic flavors coat every shred. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is meltingly tender and just a little bit caramelized around the edges.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet, then pour in the soy sauce and fresh lemon juice. Give everything a gentle toss to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. You want every bite to pop with that addictive garlic-cabbage-chicken trio!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take your skillet off the heat and, if you like, shower the Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. This finishing touch makes it look irresistibly fresh and inviting. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

How to Serve Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Bright green parsley is classic, but you can also finish with thinly sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want extra zing. A dash of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil also works wonders for adding nutty depth and crunch to the dish.

Side Dishes

This easy skillet meal is delicious all on its own, but it’s equally wonderful spooned over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or silky cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a heartier plate, pair it with a crusty slice of sourdough or a light, brothy soup on the side. Even roasted potatoes or a simple cucumber salad play well with the vibrant flavors of the Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your chicken and cabbage straight from a cast iron skillet at the table for rustic flair. You can also plate it in shallow bowls and pile the chicken artfully atop the cabbage ribbons for a bistro-style effect. Want to get even more creative? Stuff the mixture into wraps, lettuce cups, or even baked sweet potatoes for grab-and-go lunches or impressive meal prep.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of the Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making this a fantastic make-ahead lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Simply portion the cooled chicken and cabbage into freezer-safe containers or zippered bags. It will keep well for about 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks a bit dry. You can also microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway through. The cabbage will remain pleasantly tender, and the chicken will stay juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will turn out just as flavorful and juicy, with an even richer taste. Simply slice them thinly and cook as directed. You might need to add a minute or two to the sautéing time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With one simple swap—using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce—this Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe is completely gluten-free. Double-check your other ingredients as well, especially store-bought seasonings, for hidden gluten if you’re sensitive.

Can I add more vegetables?

You can absolutely add more veggies! Try tossing in shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or snap peas with the cabbage for extra crunch and color. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the cook time so everything comes out tender.

Do I have to use fresh parsley?

Nope, the parsley is merely a vibrant finishing touch. If you’re out, simply go without or substitute with chives, cilantro, or even a small grating of lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor.

What can I do if my chicken turns out dry?

If your chicken breast slices seem a little dry, it’s often from overcooking. To keep them tender, slice the chicken thinly and cook just until done before removing from the pan. The final toss with the juicy cabbage and sauce should also help rehydrate and flavor the chicken beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma and unbeatable comfort of a skillet full of Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe. Whether you’re new to cooking or an old pro looking for a speedy, healthy dinner, this dish brings together everything you love—flavor, ease, and heartiness—in under half an hour. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and enjoy all the happy requests for seconds!

Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with this Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken recipe. Tender chicken, savory garlic, and caramelized cabbage come together in a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 tablespoon butter

For the Cabbage:

4 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced)
1 small onion (sliced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Sauté the onion and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cabbage and paprika, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the pan, add soy sauce and lemon juice, and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.