Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This onepot citrus chicken and cabbage stew for healthy meal prep
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This stew is packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a great option for health-conscious individuals.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding or substituting different vegetables and spices.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew can be made in large batches and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prep.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires only one pot, making cleanup a breeze and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Affordable: The ingredients used in this recipe are relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
- Flavorful: The combination of citrus flavors, chicken, and cabbage creates a delicious and savory stew that's sure to become a favorite.
- -versatile: This stew can be served as a main course, side dish, or even as a soup, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, cabbage, citrus fruits (such as oranges or lemons), chicken broth, and spices. The chicken provides lean protein, while the cabbage adds a nice crunch and a burst of vitamins. The citrus fruits add a tangy and refreshing flavor, while the chicken broth helps to keep the stew moist and flavorful. The spices, such as cumin and paprika, add a warm and aromatic flavor to the stew. When selecting these ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality options. For example, choose organic chicken and fresh cabbage for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. You can also substitute the chicken with other protein sources, such as turkey or tofu, and use different types of citrus fruits or spices to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make onepot citrus chicken and cabbage stew for healthy meal prep
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the bottom.
Add the chicken to the pot, searing it on all sides until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the cabbage to the pot, stirring to combine with the chicken and cooking until it's slightly wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the citrus juice, chicken broth, and spices to the pot, stirring to combine and bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and citrus wedges, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as organic chicken and fresh cabbage, for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
Make sure to cook the chicken until it's just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Add the citrus juice and zest towards the end of cooking, about 10-15 minutes before serving, to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cumin, paprika, or chili flakes, to add more depth and warmth to the stew.
Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven or a stainless steel pot, to distribute the heat evenly and prevent scorching.
Let the stew rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to relax.
Garnish the stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, and citrus wedges, for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the stew with crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it's just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Fix: Check the chicken frequently and remove it from the pot as soon as it's cooked through.
-
Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as organic chicken and fresh cabbage, for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
Fix: Choose fresh and organic ingredients whenever possible, and avoid using frozen or canned alternatives.
-
Not Adding the Citrus at the Right Time: Add the citrus juice and zest towards the end of cooking, about 10-15 minutes before serving, to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas.
Fix: Add the citrus juice and zest towards the end of cooking, and stir gently to combine.
-
Not Letting it Rest: Let the stew rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to relax.
Fix: Let the stew rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes before serving, and avoid stirring or disturbing the pot during this time.
Variations & Substitutions
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the pot for an extra kick of heat.
Add sliced lemons and minced garlic to the pot for a bright and savory flavor.
Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Use gluten-free chicken broth and avoid adding any gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat or barley.
Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt added to the pot.
Cook the stew in a slow cooker, on low, for 6-8 hours, for a hands-off and convenient meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the stew at room temperature for up to 2 hours, making sure to keep it covered and away from direct sunlight.
Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making sure to keep it covered and at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
Store the stew in the freezer for up to 3 months, making sure to use airtight and freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I use frozen chicken or cabbage?
While it's technically possible to use frozen chicken or cabbage, it's not recommended. Frozen chicken can be tough and dry, while frozen cabbage can be soggy and unappetizing. For the best results, use fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Can I customize the recipe to suit my dietary needs?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable, and you can easily make adjustments to suit your dietary needs. For example, you can use gluten-free chicken broth, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, or add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
How do I reheat the stew?
To reheat the stew, simply place it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the stew to become dry and unappetizing.
Can I serve this stew as a main course or side dish?
This stew is versatile and can be served as either a main course or side dish. You can serve it with crusty bread, over rice or noodles, or as a filling for tacos or wraps.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made in large batches and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply portion out the stew into individual containers, label, and refrigerate or freeze for up to 3 days or 3 months, respectively.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe can be made in a slow cooker, on low, for 6-8 hours. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low until the stew is hot and the flavors have melded together.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
While this recipe is generally kid-friendly, it may not be suitable for very young children due to the presence of citrus and spices. However, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your child's taste preferences by reducing the amount of citrus or omitting the spices altogether.
onepot citrus chicken and cabbage stew for healthy meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cabbage and cook until wilted. Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and orange juice. Pour in the chicken broth and orange juice, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in the parsley and serve. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve the stew hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stew up to a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
- Substitution: Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Pro tip: Use a high-quality orange juice for the best flavor.
- Variation: Add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftover idea: Use leftover stew as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for a salad.
