Chicken thigh pieces are seasoned with smoked paprika and browned, then set aside while the onion and cabbage soften in the same skillet. The chicken finishes cooking with broth under a lid, and cider vinegar is stirred in at the end.
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Why you will like this recipe
- Chicken seasoned with smoked paprika. Coat the chicken thigh pieces with paprika, salt and pepper before browning them.
- Cabbage browned while the chicken is set aside. Remove the browned chicken briefly so the sliced onion and cabbage can soften and color in the skillet.
- Broth to finish, vinegar at the end. Return the chicken with broth for the covered cooking stage, then stir in cider vinegar before serving.
Substitutions
Chicken breast may be used but can cook faster. Use vegetable broth and white beans for a meatless variation.
Ingredient choices and cooking cues
Chicken thighs suit this skillet because they stay succulent alongside the cabbage and have enough richness to balance its mild sweetness. Paprika coats the chicken with a warm, earthy flavour. Watch the browned coating as it cooks: a deep reddish brown is useful flavour, while black patches suggest the pan is too hot. The browned bits left behind also season the broth.
Thinly sliced green cabbage gives this dish its texture. Thick pieces of core stay firm after the leaves soften, so remove the tough centre before slicing. Cabbage initially looks bulky but collapses as it releases moisture. Let that moisture evaporate enough for some edges to colour; a crowded, watery pan produces a softer, less roasted result. Onion adds sweetness without needing a separate sweetener.
The broth loosens the browned bits and keeps the final covered stage moist. The small amount of apple cider vinegar belongs at the finish, where its acidity lifts the cabbage and cuts through the chicken’s richness. Taste after adding it before deciding whether the dish needs more salt. A little liquid in the skillet is welcome, but the cabbage should not be swimming.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat until the chicken is steaming hot.
Serving ideas
Serve the chicken and tender cabbage together with the skillet juices after adding the measured vinegar. If you add bread or another side, its calories are separate from the recipe estimate.
Recipe card
Paprika Chicken and Cabbage Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken for 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
- Cook onion and cabbage for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly browned. Add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Return chicken to the skillet with broth. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in vinegar and adjust seasoning.
Estimated nutrition per serving
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Energy | 244 kcal |
| Protein | 30.1 g |
| Fat | 9.6 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.1 g |
| Carbohydrate (including fiber) | 9.0 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugar | 4.2 g |
| Sodium | 454 mg |
Estimates are calculated from the ingredient amounts and standard food composition references, divided into the stated number of equal servings. They are not laboratory measurements. Brands, substitutions, optional additions and portion sizes can change the result. Optional toppings, extra side dishes and unspecified added salt are excluded from the base estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the cabbage watery?
Cabbage naturally releases water, and slicing it very finely increases the surface exposed to the pan. Keep the initial cabbage stage uncovered and allow visible moisture to steam away. If the pan is crowded, stir less frequently so the leaves can make contact with the hot surface.
How can I tell whether the chicken is finished?
Browning only describes the outside. Check the thickest part of the chicken with a food thermometer; it needs to reach 165°F (74°C). If one thigh is noticeably thicker than the others, check it separately instead of judging the whole pan by the smallest piece.
More recipes to try: 25-Minute Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry · Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks.
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