Description
This Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken is a delicious, healthy skillet meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked to golden perfection and combined with fragrant garlic and caramelized cabbage, flavored with soy sauce and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. This low-carb, gluten-free dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 large head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings & Condiments
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt. Cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until it softens and begins to caramelize slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Flavorings: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce and lemon juice, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld and to reheat the chicken.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a standalone dish or over rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- This dish works well as a low-carb main meal or served over rice or mashed potatoes for more substance.
- Add red pepper flakes during cooking if you prefer some heat.
- For a richer flavor, a splash of cream can be added toward the end of cooking.
