Description
This Irresistibly Easy Sautéed Garlic Cabbage with Tender Chicken recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are cooked to golden perfection and then tossed with garlic-sautéed cabbage enhanced by savory soy and oyster sauces. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish offers a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal full of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 small green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for umami)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and caramelize slightly, developing a tender texture.
- Combine Chicken and Seasonings: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cabbage. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld as you cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if needed. Once perfectly seasoned, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Oyster sauce adds umami, but you can omit it to keep the dish vegetarian (use plant-based chicken substitute) or avoid seafood ingredients.
- For spicier flavor, increase crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- This recipe works well with either chicken thighs or breasts; thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.
