Healthy Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken
This light yet satisfying dish features tender strips of chicken breast and soft, sweet cabbage sautéed with fragrant garlic. It’s quick to make, low in carbs, and packed with protein and fiber. The result is a flavorful, wholesome meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice, quinoa, or whole grain bread.
⏳ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken:
250 g (about 2 small) boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional, for mild color)
For the cabbage sauté:
3 cups shredded green cabbage (about ½ medium head)
1 tbsp olive oil (or ½ tbsp olive oil + ½ tbsp butter for richer flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
ℹ️ Instructions
Step 1 — Cook the chicken
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
3. Add chicken to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2 — Sauté the cabbage
1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shredded cabbage, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss well.
4. Pour in chicken broth, cover with a lid, and cook for 5 minutes until the cabbage softens.
5. Remove the lid and cook another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Step 3 — Combine & serve
1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cabbage.
2. Toss everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
✨ Notes & Tips
Extra flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
For more crunch: Don’t overcook the cabbage — keep a slight bite for freshness.
Make ahead: Cook chicken and prep cabbage in advance; sauté together just before serving.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for a kick.
⁉️ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q1: Can I use purple cabbage?
Yes, but it will give the dish a slightly different color and a sweeter flavor.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — skip the chicken and add tofu or chickpeas instead.
Q3: What can I serve with it?
It pairs well with brown rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Q4: Can I store leftovers?
Yes — store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
✅ Nutritional Information
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 5 g
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Sodium: 430 mg