Sautéed Cabbage with Chicken and Bacon (Irish Fried Cabbage)
Are you looking to add more greens to your dinner table? Or do you want a simple Irish fried cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day? Listen, sauteed green cabbage with chicken and bacon bites seals the deal. This easy, tasty, filling, health-ish cabbage stir fry recipe is the perfect side for St. Patrick’s Day! Also, excellent for meal prep! This recipe is kid-friendly; if you want to ensure your kids eat their vegetables, you need it! YUM!
Tastiest Irish Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Chicken Bites!
First of all, I’m not Irish, but I love good food when I see it! I have added my personal touch to this sautéed green cabbage recipe to make it better and satisfy you, just like the famous Irish fried cabbage! Buuuuut, instead of “frying” this green cabbage, we shall be sauteing it, using less oil and lower temperature! Also, this recipe is healthier than most cabbage bacon recipes because we will use olive oil instead of the bacon grease! And finally, alongside my easy Irish soda bread, you are all set for St. Patrick’s Day.
This easy-to-make sautéed green cabbage recipe, aka cabbage, stir fry, aka fried cabbage, may be the best thing you will EVER eat! Every bite is filled with the sweetness of the bell peppers and purple onions, the meatiness of chicken, and the saltiness of bacon! Seriously, it’s so tasty that you may actually finish this big pot of cabbage by yourself, LOL. Not only is this sautéed cabbage an excellent side dish, but it also makes a great main, as it comprises chicken and bacon bites!
Easy Sautéed Cabbage is Versatile!
This recipe checks all the boxes; it is easy to make and provides the comfort and coziness of the southern fried cabbage and Irish fried cabbage while it’s a healthier version. Only you’re not sacrificing taste while making it in a healthier way. It’s full of savory flavors and, with all that fiber from the cabbage, is incredibly filling, too.
And did I mention that this chicken bacon green cabbage stir fry is low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and dairy-free? If you prefer red/purple cabbage, I got you; check out this recipe! Serving sautéed green cabbage is easy as it can go both ways as a side or as a main! We like serving this with boiled white rice, quinoa, or boiled ripe sweet plantains (my fav). However, you cannot go wrong with corned beef! On the other hand, you can equally serve sautéed cabbage with air-fried salmon, steak, or any other protein of choice. This dish is simple but classic and versatile!
Watch How To Make This Recipe:
Sautéed Green Cabbages is The Best Vegetable Stir Fry For Kids!
If you want to make sure your kids eat their vegetables, then you need this recipe in your life. My sauteed green cabbage recipe is the one side dish that my kids really enjoy, and I’m sure you can guess why…because of the bacon! I often make this for our Sunday dinner and during the holidays too. It’s hearty enough to be the main focus of your meal with a little rice and some boiled plantains, though it can also be served on the side of Jerk chicken legs, stuffed turkey breast, and other main dishes. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to be a huge hit with your family too!
How Do You Cut Cabbage for Stir-Fry?
Once you’ve removed any damaged outer leaves and rinsed it, cut the cabbage in half through the core. Then, cut the core at an angle and remove it from each of these cabbage halves. With the core removed, you can place them cut-side down on your cutting board. Then, cut crosswise from top to bottom at the opposite end of the stem, making thin slices. Watch how I cut a cabbage without removing the stem.
Why You Will Love This Sautéed Cabbage Recipe with Chicken and Bacon:
- It’s incredibly easy, even as a weekday dinner.
- There’s bacon! It makes everything tasty!
- Even your children will wolf it all down!
- It can be a winning side dish or a main dish for any meal.
- The flavors are truly amazing!
- Sauteed green cabbage is versatile. Serve it however you want!
- This cabbage recipe is perfect for meal prep!
- Easy recipe for a beginner cook!
- Cabbage is filling and fantastic for weight loss!
- This cabbage recipe requires only a few ingredients!
Tools and Equipment You Will Need
- Chopping board
- Sharp Knife
- Bowl
- Big cooking pan/pot (I like the ones from IMUSA)
- Spatula (wooden or silicone)
Ingredients for the Best Sautéed Cabbage Recipe:
Green cabbage (thinly sliced)
It is unlikely that you will make this recipe without fresh green cabbage! You definitely will need a whole cabbage; grab it from your grocery store. Cabbage is an incredible vegetable packed with healthy nutrients and antioxidants. Cabbage is also filling and perfect if you want to lose weight!
Chicken (boneless thighs or breasts)
Personally, I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, you can use chicken breast. You can actually make this recipe without chicken. Even though I think it is perfect with chicken bites, your mouth is filled with meaty goodness with each bite! Remember to cut the chicken into bites.
Bacon (cut into bites)
This sauteed cabbage recipe will be incomplete without bacon. They say bacon makes everything better. You can use the bacon grease to make the recipe, but I typically swap the bacon grease with extra virgin olive oil. Though I do not use bacon grease, the bacon still adds a lot of flavor because I use the same pot. I highly suggest bacon in this recipe.
Purple onion (sliced)
I like the beautiful purple color that purple/red onions bring to this fried cabbage recipe. I’m sure you will be just fine using any other color of onions. I also added some sliced yellow onions as well!
Bell peppers; (sliced; preferably 2 or 3 different colors if you have them).
I typically use the bell peppers that I have on hand. However, this dish will look a bit colorful you use different kids of bell peppers. I suggest not stressing about it and simply using the peppers you have on hand. You should go ahead and slice them up as well.
The remaining ingredients include Jalapeño (optional; for added spiciness), extra virgin olive oil, Knorr Bouillon Chicken Seasoning or Maggi cube, thyme, salt (always add to taste), black pepper (add to taste) and crushed red pepper flakes (this may be optional especially if you are using the jalapeño).
How to Make Sautéed Green Cabbage Recipe with Chicken and Bacon (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to make my kids’ favorite side dish!
- Prep the veggies
Start by first washing and then slicing all the vegetables.
- Prep the chicken
Next, clean your chicken and cut it into small cubes or slices. Season it with salt, pepper, and ½ a teaspoon of bouillon. Sauté with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, cooking thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now. This cooks quickly and easily because of the size.
- Prep the bacon
Cut up your bacon slices into bites, then cook in the same skillet you used for the chicken on medium-low until fully cooked. Set the cooked bacon aside.
- Cook the veggies
You can use the bacon fat to cook the vegetables or scoop it out. I usually scoop off most of the bacon grease and then add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or as needed. You may not need additional oil if using the entire bacon grease. Add the onions and bell peppers, seasoning them with salt, pepper, bouillon, and thyme. Continue to cook and stir until soft and fragrant. As you can see, I also added jalapeño I had on hand for that spicy kick.
- Add Cabbage
Then add the cabbage and mix it with the other veggies—taste to adjust the flavors to your preference. Cover and cook on a lower heat. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage softens. Note that the cabbage should be able to generate some moisture. If you think your cabbage looks dry and hasn’t generated any water, add 1/3 – 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Let the cabbage cook and allow flavors to infuse together.
- Add the meats
Add the sautéed/cooked chicken and bacon bites, mixing well and adjusting the flavors if needed. Ensure you reserve a few bacon bites for garnishing. Once the cabbage is cooked to your level of doneness, it is ready! Garnish with more of that delicious cooked bacon as desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serve sautéed cabbage with any main of choice. This dish is equally perfect by itself! YUM!
Tips and Recipe Notes
- Depending on the size of your cabbage, your simmering time may vary. I usually cover and simmer mine for up to 8-10 minutes.
- Make sure to reserve a few bacon bites for garnishing at the end.
- About the bacon grease: You can use it to cook the cabbage, or you can just use some part of it by reducing it or completely throwing it out. That is not using it. I like to reduce it, leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons in my pan.
- You can keep this recipe low-carb/keto-friendly and serve it with salmon or steak.
- My family enjoys pairing this with steamed coconut basmati rice or boiled ripe plantains, which can help round out the meal.
What to Serve with Sautéed Cabbage:
Jerk Chicken Drumsticks. The most flavorful, lips-smacking jerk chicken drumsticks are marinated in jerk seasoning and cooked in the air fryer.
Stuffed Turkey Breast. Boneless stuffed turkey breast is moist, juicy, tender, and arguably delicious!
Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings. A lemony, buttery, garlicky, and succulent easy-to-make air fryer lemon pepper turkey wings is the simple turkey meat recipe you need!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. These bone in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer are crispy on the outside and yet very juicy on the inside. This makes a fantastic main for the cabbage!
Healthy Air Fryer Salmon. Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! Salmon is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free!
Also, NY Strip Steak with Garlic Butter, white rice, quinoa or boiled plantains all pair well with this sautéed Irish cabbage recipe!
Sautéed Cabbage Recipe FAQs
If you don’t like soggy cabbage, then don’t boil it. This recipe calls for stir-frying the cabbage, which keeps it the right texture.
We so seldom have leftovers of this recipe, but when we do, we try to use it up within 3 days. This will ensure you get the best flavors from this dish.
Once you add in the cabbage, you’ll be cooking it covered. This ensures it cooks through yet retains a good texture.
No, you don’t need to soak your cabbage before you start cooking with it. However, I do recommend you prep all your veggies first, including the cabbage. This will make it easier to get the recipe done quickly.
You can keep this keto and enjoy it with salmon or steak. Or you can go for some Jerk chicken drumsticks, stuffed turkey breast, or any poultry dish. I’ve linked a few of my recipes above that will be a perfect match.
The difference between frying and stir-frying cabbage is in the amount of oil you use. With this recipe, you’re using less oil and getting the same delicious results.
Sautéed Green Cabbage Variations/Substitutions
- If you have leftover cooked chicken to use up, you can put it in instead. You’ll be able to skip a step.
- Pancetta would make this even fancier than bacon.
- Feel free to experiment with sage or rosemary instead of thyme.
- You can use purple cabbage rather than green cabbage.
- Use pork chop bites instead of chicken bites. On the other hand, you can swap both chicken and bacon with tofu.
- Be creative and add other spices of your choice.
- Don’t have Knorr Boullion Chicken Seasoning and Maggi, or maybe you simply don’t want to use them; no biggie, exclude them.
Follow The Recipe Card:
PrintSautéed Green Cabbage with Chicken and Bacon (Irish Fried Cabbage)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Universal
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Are you looking to add more greens to your dinner table? Or do you want a simple Irish fried cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day? Listen, sauteed green cabbage with chicken and bacon bites seals the deal. This easy, tasty, filling, health-ish cabbage stir fry recipe is the perfect side for St. Patrick’s Day! Also, excellent for meal prep! This recipe is kid-friendly; if you want to ensure your kids eat their vegetables, you need it! YUM!
Ingredients
- 1 head of Green Cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 of whole purple onion (sliced)
- 1/2 of whole yellow onions (sliced)
- 1 cup of sliced bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 jalapeño (optional; for added spiciness)
- 4 – 6 slices of bacon (cut into bits)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 TBS – 1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Teaspoons of Knorr Bouillon Chicken Seasoning or 2 small Maggi cubes (optional)
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (for the chicken and cabbage)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (add to taste)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional; add to taste).
Instructions
- Prep the veggies. Start by first washing and then slicing all the vegetables.
- Prep the chicken. Next, clean your chicken and cut it into small cubes or slices. Season it with salt, pepper, and ½ a teaspoon of bouillon. Sauté with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, cooking thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now. This cooks quickly and easily because of the size.
- Prep the bacon. Cut up your bacon slices into bites, then cook in the same skillet you used for the chicken on medium-low until fully cooked. Set the cooked bacon aside.
- Cook the veggies. You can use the bacon fat to cook the veggies or scoop it out. I usually scoop off most of the bacon grease and then add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or as needed. You may not need additional oil if using the entire bacon grease. Add the onions and bell peppers, seasoning them with salt, pepper, bouillon, and thyme. Continue to cook and stir until soft and fragrant. As you can see, I also added jalapeño, which I had on hand for that spicy kick.
- Add Cabbage. Then add the cabbage and mix it with the other veggies—taste to adjust the flavors to your preference. Cover and cook on a lower heat. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage softens. Note that the cabbage should be able to generate some moisture. If you think your cabbage looks dry and hasn’t generated any water, add 1/3 – 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Let the cabbage cook and allow flavors to infuse together.
- Add the meats. Add the sauteed/cooked chicken and bacon bites, mixing well and adjusting the flavors if needed. Ensure you reserve a few bacon bites for garnishing. Once the cabbage is cooked to your level of doneness, it is ready! Garnish with more of that delicious cooked bacon as desired.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve sautéed cabbage with any main dish, such as salmon, steak, lamb, or white rice. This dish is equally perfect by itself! YUM!
Notes
You can exclude the Knorr Boullion Chicken Flavor seasoning or Maggi. Please note that if you exclude it, you may need to add more salt.
Add the Knorr/Maggi to your taste (add less or more for taste)
Crushed red pepper may not be necessary if not using jalapeño.
See how I sliced my cabbage!
Use 2 – 3 different colors of bell peppers to add beautiful color to this dish. However, use one color of pepper if that’s what you have.
Use a meat thermometer to check your chicken if you are unsure. Always important to fully cook your chicken.
You need some to season the chicken and cabbage when you cook; always add salt and other seasoning to preference.
Other St. Patrick’s Day Recipes To Try:
MORE HEALTHY SIDE DISHES TO TRY:
- Braised Red Cabbage
- Oven-baked Brussels Sprouts
- Air Roasted Potatoes
- Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Pomegranate Arugula Salad
- Air Fryer Roasted Maple Butternut Squash
- Party-style Basmati Jollof Rice
- Baked Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Roasted Buttery Acorn Squash
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Sautéed Green Cabbage (Irish Fried Cabbage)
- Quinoa Fried Rice
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice!
- Cauliflower Fried Rice (Soy & Egg Free)
- Shredded Beet Salad.
- Brown Butter Polenta.
While you are still here, check out my 7-day dinner plan! It would be a great addition to your dinner table, and I’m sure you will thank me later! Get the recipes here.
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THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!
Talk about an amazing flavor combo! The cabbage with the bacon was so darn good! Thank you for this recipe!
Thank you, Ned. Glad you liked this recipe!
Anything with bacon and I’m sold! This cabbage looks fantastic and I can’t wait to try it!
Hahaha, Tayler, same here! Everything tastes better with bacon!
This was so good! Even my kids loved it (I think the bacon helped) lol Thank you!
This is great news, Kelley! Thanks for the feedback!
I am intrigued by the chicken in this fabulous sauteed cabbage and veggies. It looks and sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to try it.
I’ve always loved cooking cabbage in a skillet, but I never tried it with bacon before. It’s amazing!