Our crockpot chicken and cabbage recipe is perfect for those who want a gluten-free, dairy-free, easy meal. This slow cooker dish is ideal for dinner and will delight your taste buds with its earthy flavors.
I remember the first time I made this slow cooker chicken and cabbage dish. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was dreaming of coming home to something warm and comforting for dinner.
With a busy schedule, I needed a recipe that was both simple and delicious.
That’s when I decided to experiment with my crockpot, combining chicken with tomatoes, cabbage, and a variety of root vegetables. It turned out great. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also brings out rich and comforting flavors. The combination of tender chicken, soft cabbage, and savory root vegetables makes it a perfect dinner option.
We have tweaked it a few times over the years, and now this recipe has become a winter staple in our house.
I hope you enjoy this chicken and cabbage recipe as much as I do.
What you need to make our chicken and cabbage crockpot
This one is so easy; all you need is the ingredients below, and a chopping board, a knife, and a crockpot (slow cooker). Simply add the ingredients in the order listed, set the cooker, and your piping hot, delicious dinner will be ready when you get home.
We have had our slow cooker for years, and it never fails us. Our current wish list crockpot is programmable.
- Chicken (whole or cut into large pieces)
- Carrots, sliced
- Parsnips, sliced
- Leek, sliced
- Celery leaves, chopped
- Cabbage, cut into 4 pieces (we prefer green cabbage, but red is fine too)
- Can of chopped tomatoes
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Optional ingredients
The truth is that we don’t always have all those ingredients, as we grow many of our own veggies and, therefore, are often limited by the season. In my opinion, the only three “required” ingredients are the chicken, the cabbage, and the can of tomatoes. A few of our favorite options are:
- Sweet potatoes: replace parsnips
- Bell peppers: replace leeks
- Zucchini: replace celery leaves
- Butternut squash: replace carrots
- Green beans: replace leeks
Health benefits of the main ingredients
Disclaimer: Statements regarding health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Chicken
Chicken, according to WebMD, is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also helps keep you feeling full longer, aiding in weight management.
Cabbage
Cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, while vitamin K is important for bone health. It’s also high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Source: Medical News Today
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great fruit. BBC Good Food says they’re high in potassium and vitamin K. There’s also research that some of the compounds in tomatoes may help protect against cardiovascular disease, eye diseases, and skin damage from UV.
Tips for making our chicken and cabbage recipe perfect every time
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot, breast side up. This will allow it to cook thoroughly and soak up the flavors of the vegetables on top.
- If you use a whole chicken, you can either cut it up before or after cooking. We find it easier to just leave it whole.
- Cut vegetables into bigger pieces that will be more likely to hold their shape after the long cooking time.
- If you choose to add zucchini or butternut squash to your dish, be aware that these vegetables will dissolve into the liquid during the slow cooking process. This will enhance the flavor of the broth but will not add much texture to the dish.
- For the best flavor, use good-quality canned tomatoes. The tomatoes’ acidity helps to balance the richness of the chicken and vegetables to the point that we don’t add any spices to the crockpot.
- For a fresh burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro just before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, remove some of the cooked vegetables, blend them, and stir them back into the crockpot. In contrast, if you prefer a thinner broth, you can use an extra can of tomatoes.
Serving suggestions
- Serve the chicken and cabbage dish over a bed of rice or quinoa to absorb the flavorful broth.
- With the addition of rice or quinoa, we think it is a complete meal.
- If you want more, consider a green salad or perhaps some gluten-free bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Consider a simple dessert like gluten-free almond cookies, halva, or chocolate avocado mousse.
Some readers have asked . . .
Can I use chicken breasts instead of whole chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken. However, due to their lower fat content, chicken breasts tend to come out drier. For the best results, consider using a mix of chicken breasts and thighs. The thighs will add moisture and richness, balancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to this chicken and cabbage crockpot recipe, you can layer the ingredients with a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the broth for an extra kick.
Can I freeze leftovers from this recipe?
We usually eat the leftovers for dinner the next night. However, this dish also freezes well in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.
Our chicken and cabbage crockpot recipe
Chicken and cabbage crockpot
This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken with hearty cabbage and root vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Perfect for a gluten-free, dairy-free dinner, this easy crockpot meal requires minimal prep and cooks to perfection, offering a comforting and nutritious option for busy nights. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg chicken (whole or cut into large pieces)
- 1.5 cup carrots, sliced
- 1.5 cup parsnips, sliced
- 1 leek, sliced
- 1 cup celery leaves, chopped
- ½ cabbage - cut into 4 pieces
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chicken, and remove some or all of the skin.
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot (breast side up if whole). Add all vegetables in the order listed above.
- Pour the chopped tomatoes and water over the top.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, auto for 6 hours, or low for 8 hours.
- Serve over rice and enjoy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1/5 of totalAmount Per Serving: Calories: 454Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 228mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 60g
Nutritional information isn't always accurate and it will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
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Jon
Excellent recipe. The whole family loved it and it was quick to set up and make.
Mahy
Chicken and cabbage – is there a better combo than this?! Fantastic flavors and so easy to make!
Jon
This crockpot chicken and cabbage recipe is fantastic! It’s incredibly simple to prepare and results in a hearty, flavorful meal. Perfect for busy days. Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
We love cabbage, and this dinner was so good!!
Erik
This was such a treat to eat! It was so easy to make in our crockpot, too.