Ground Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

If you need a quick, wholesome dinner that doesn’t require much effort, this Ground Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is a great choice. It combines juicy ground chicken with tender cabbage, sweet grated carrots, onion, and a flavorful tomato-paprika sauce for a satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

This easy skillet meal is budget-friendly, naturally low in carbohydrates, and packed with vegetables. Serve it as-is for a lighter dinner or add brown rice or cauliflower rice to make it more filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly.
• Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this flavorful meal.
• One-pan convenience: Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Budget-friendly: Ground chicken and cabbage are affordable ingredients that can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or rice to make the recipe your own.

Ingredients

Ground Chicken

Ground chicken cooks quickly and provides lean, tender protein. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs if preferred.

Green Cabbage

Shredded green cabbage forms the base of the stir fry. Slice it slightly thicker than traditional coleslaw so it holds its texture while cooking.

Yellow Onion

A small amount of diced onion adds sweetness and savory flavor to the skillet.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and vegetables. A neutral cooking oil can also be used.

Carrot

Grated carrot adds natural sweetness, color, and a little extra texture to the finished dish.

Sweet Paprika

Sweet paprika gives the cabbage and chicken a mild, warm flavor and enhances the color of the dish.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps create a rich, savory sauce.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth adds moisture while the cabbage simmers, allowing the vegetables to become tender and flavorful.

Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice

Cooked brown rice makes the meal heartier, while cauliflower rice is a great option for keeping the dish lighter and lower in carbohydrates.

Salt, Black Pepper, and Parsley

Salt and black pepper bring out the flavors of the ingredients, while fresh chopped parsley adds a bright finish.

How to Make Ground Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

Cook the Chicken

Heat about ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken. Cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until it is almost completely cooked.

Season with salt and black pepper, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Onion and Cabbage

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the skillet.

Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Add the shredded cabbage, sweet paprika, and tomato paste.

Stir everything together so the cabbage becomes coated with the tomato and paprika mixture.

Simmer the Cabbage

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cabbage simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until it becomes tender and flavorful.

Stir occasionally and check the skillet toward the end of cooking. If the cabbage needs additional moisture, add a small splash of broth.

Add the Chicken, Carrots, and Rice

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Add the grated carrot and cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and all the ingredients are heated through.

Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the stir fry with freshly chopped parsley.

For extra richness, stir in about a tablespoon of salted butter after removing the skillet from the heat.

You can also serve it with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt.

Tips for Success

• Don’t shred the cabbage too thin. Slightly thicker pieces maintain a pleasant texture instead of becoming mushy.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This helps the chicken brown instead of simply steaming.
• Use fresh cabbage. A firm, fresh head of cabbage gives the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the broth as needed. The cabbage should simmer with enough liquid to become tender without turning into a soup.
• Add butter at the end. A small amount of salted butter gives the finished dish an especially rich flavor.
• Taste before serving. Depending on the chicken broth and tomato paste you use, you may need a little additional salt or pepper.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Box grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Skillet lid

Recipe Variations

Make It Low Carb

Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.

Use Ground Turkey

Ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken and keeps the recipe lean and protein-rich.

Add More Vegetables

You can bulk up the stir fry with vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.

Make It Creamy

For a richer version, add a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt when serving.

Add More Herbs

Finish the skillet with a combination of parsley, cilantro, and green onions for extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and cabbage stir fry is satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal, especially when paired with brown rice.

For a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream adds cool, creamy contrast to the warm cabbage and chicken.

Fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions also make an excellent garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs can be used instead of ground chicken. Cut the chicken into small pieces so it cooks evenly.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shred the cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to the skillet toward the end of cooking. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through.

Can I make this stir fry without rice?

Yes. The rice is optional. You can leave it out completely or replace it with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?

Avoid cutting the cabbage too thin and don’t overcook it. Simmer it until tender while still retaining some texture, then add the remaining ingredients toward the end.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. This is a convenient meal-prep recipe. Prepare the stir fry ahead of time, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do I reheat chicken cabbage stir fry?

Place the leftovers in a large skillet over medium heat and add a small splash of chicken broth to prevent them from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in a covered or airtight microwave-safe container.

Storage and Meal Prep

Allow leftover stir fry to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within several days for the best quality.

For meal prep, divide the stir fry into individual containers and add your preferred amount of brown rice or cauliflower rice. Reheat each portion when ready to eat.

Nutrition Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 344 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 209mg
• Potassium: 1113mg
• Vitamin A: 6079 IU
• Vitamin C: 43mg
• Calcium: 75mg
• Iron: 2mg

Final Thoughts

This Ground Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry is exactly the kind of simple dinner that makes busy weeknights easier. Tender chicken, flavorful cabbage, sweet carrots, and a savory tomato-paprika sauce come together in one skillet for a wholesome meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Keep it light with cauliflower rice, make it more filling with brown rice, or finish it with a little butter and fresh herbs for extra flavor. It’s simple, flexible, and easy to make your own.

Give this quick chicken and cabbage stir fry a try for your next weeknight dinner, and don’t forget to save the recipe for later!

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