One-Pan Chicken and Cabbage Skillet

Name: One-Pan Chicken and Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless); 1/2 medium green cabbage; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 tablespoons marinara sauce (choose a thicker marinara); 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet paprika recommended); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

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This One-Pan Chicken and Cabbage Skillet is one of those comforting dinners that comes together effortlessly on a busy weeknight. Bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs are cooked until they release their natural juices, then tossed with seasonings and tender yet slightly crunchy cabbage. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, creating a savory, lightly sauced dish without adding oil or extra liquid.

One-Pan Chicken and Cabbage in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

This recipe has the cozy feel of a stew, but it’s made using a much quicker stovetop approach. There’s no added broth and no long simmering time. The chicken thighs release their natural juices as they cook in a tomato paste/marinara mixture, which gently softens the cabbage and creates a light sauce right in the pan. It’s a similar hands-off process to how the cabbage cooks down in my Sautéed Cabbage with Mushrooms and Bacon, and how vegetables slowly absorb flavor in my Braised Indian Eggplant in Spiced Marinara.

I tested this recipe using only tomato paste, only marinara, and a combination of both. The combination gave the most flavorful result. The tomato paste adds depth and richness, and a small amount of marinara adds more flavor and enough moisture (along with the juices released by the chicken thighs) for the chicken and cabbage to gently self-braise without turning the dish into a stew.

Recipe Overview

⏱️ Ready in: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 people (if 2 chicken thighs per person)
🍳 Cook method: One-pan skillet
💪 Diet-Friendly: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb

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Recipe Overview
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving suggestions
Other delicious weeknight dinners
Recipe
Comments

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Like my One-Pan Buckwheat & Ground Turkey Skillet, this is a one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup!
It's ready in just about 30 minutes.
No added oil or broth. The chicken and cabbage self-braise in a bit of marinara sauce right in the pan.
Like this Salmon and Quinoa Salad, the chicken and cabbage skillet is cozy and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, especially when cut into small pieces, like in this Super Easy Sautéed Chicken Thighs and this Stir-Fried Chicken Thighs recipe.
Cabbage: Thinly sliced green cabbage softens as it cooks while still keeping a slight crunch.
Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste adds richness, color, and depth without turning the dish into a sauce or stew.
Marinara Sauce: A small amount of marinara (like in my Swiss Chard Rolls Recipe) adds gentle acidity and just enough moisture to help the chicken and cabbage self-braise.
Seasonings: We'll be using paprika, salt, and black pepper. I personally recommend using sweet paprika since it works well with tomato paste and marinara. For a deeper, more robust taste, substitute part or all of it with smoked paprika.

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Chicken breast can be used if you prefer. Make sure to cut it into small pieces and avoid overcooking to keep it from drying out. You can also use the baking soda method I use in my Baked Chicken Boats with Cheesy Broccoli Mushroom Filling recipe to tenderize the chicken breast.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is ideal, but Napa cabbage works well for a softer texture. Savoy cabbage is another good option.
Add Veggies: You can add thinly sliced onion, shredded carrot, bell peppers,zucchini, or mushrooms. They all pair really well with the chicken and cabbage.
Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives will add brightness when sprinkled on at the end.
Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Or, hot paprika. A spoon of chili garlic sauce or harissa works well if you like bolder spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Prepare the chicken and cabbage

all ingredients of the one-pan chicken and cabbage skillet.

Cut each chicken thigh into 6–8 evenly sized pieces. Thinly slice the cabbage (don't slice the core). Measure the rest of the ingredients.

STEP 2: Start the chicken

cut-up chicken thighs cooking in a large stainless steel skillet with wooden spoon.

Place the chicken thighs into a large skillet over medium-high heat (no oil needed). Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin releasing their natural juices and are no longer pink on the outside.

STEP 3: Add seasonings

Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and marinara sauce. Stir until the paste coats the chicken. Add paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

STEP 4: Add the cabbage

cabbage added to seasoned chicken thigh pieces.

Pile the sliced cabbage on top. Stir everything together and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is soft to your liking and the chicken is cooked through.

Top Tips

Keeping the chicken thighs cut into similar-sized pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
Slice the cabbage thinly. Thin slices soften faster and absorb more flavor.
Don't rush the chicken. Let it cook long enough to release its natural juices.
Stir the cabbage gently. It will wilt and shrink as it cooks, so avoid over-stirring to keep some texture.
A bit more marinara sauce, can help if the pan gets too dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking cabbage?

Overcooking is the most common mistake, as it can make the cabbage mushy and too strong in flavor. Cutting the cabbage too thick can also prevent it from cooking evenly. It's best to slice cabbage thinly, season it well, and cook it just until tender with a slight bite.

Can you cook raw chicken and veg in one pan?

Yes, you can safely cook raw chicken and vegetables in one pan as long as the chicken is cooked through while the vegetables cook.

What spices pair well with chicken and cabbage?

Chicken and cabbage pair well with simple, savory spices like paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. Herbs such as thyme, bay leaf, dill, or parsley also work well. Chili flakes or smoked paprika can add a gentle heat if you like a bit of spice.

Serving suggestions

Serve the One-Pan Chicken and Cabbage Skillet with a fresh salad, and maybe even a couple of quick and easy appetizers. This Tuna Caesar Salad or this Asparagus Kale Salad are great on the side. As an appetizer, this Grilled Halloumi with Pear and Honey dish is easy and fast to prepare. Or, try making the Fig and Pear Prosciutto Wraps as a sweet and savory side.

Other delicious weeknight dinners

If you tried this One-Pan Chicken and Cabbage Skillet recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And feel free to tag me on Instagram @cre8athome so I can see your creations! Thanks for visiting!