These Chicken Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing are the perfect balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and savory sesame flavors. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the crunch of cabbage and carrots, creating a meal that’s satisfying and healthy.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The dressing brings a tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish, making it the perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe is customizable and can be served as a low-carb meal or made more filling with additional grains like rice or quinoa. Whether you’re looking for a meal prep option or a weeknight dinner, these bowls are both nutritious and easy to make.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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1/2 cup shredded cabbage
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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2 green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken strips to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Once the chicken is cooked, pour the dressing mixture over the chicken and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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In bowls, layer shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and green onions.
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Spoon the sesame chicken mixture over the vegetables.
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Top with sesame seeds and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose Chicken Cabbage Bowls?
Chicken cabbage bowls are the ideal meal when you want something that’s both healthy and tasty. Packed with lean chicken for protein and fresh cabbage for fiber and essential nutrients, these bowls are a great way to fuel your body without feeling weighed down.
Chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass, repairing tissues, and supporting overall body functions. Cabbage, meanwhile, is low in calories but rich in vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their immunity and digestive health. The crunch of cabbage paired with the tenderness of chicken creates a satisfying texture contrast in every bite.
The Health Benefits of This Dish
One of the best things about Chicken Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing is that it provides a well-rounded nutritional profile. Here’s how each component contributes to a healthy diet:
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Protein from Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which supports the building and repair of muscles and tissues. It also plays a role in hormone production and immune system function. Eating enough protein can also help keep you feeling fuller longer.
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Fiber from Cabbage: Cabbage is packed with dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps maintain healthy bowel movements, lowers cholesterol, and helps control blood sugar levels. Additionally, the antioxidants in cabbage can help protect against inflammation and disease.
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Healthy Fats from Sesame Oil: The sesame oil in the dressing adds healthy fats to the dish. These fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, support brain function, heart health, and the overall health of cells throughout your body. Plus, the nutty flavor of sesame oil enhances the taste of the dish, making each bite even more enjoyable.
The Delicious Sesame Dressing
What really sets this dish apart is the sesame dressing. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic creates a tangy, sweet, and savory dressing that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables. The soy sauce adds a rich umami flavor, while the rice vinegar provides a zesty acidity. Honey balances everything with its natural sweetness, and ginger brings a fresh, aromatic note that ties the flavors together.
This dressing is simple to make but packs a punch in terms of flavor, turning a basic meal into something extraordinary. The sesame oil also adds a smooth, rich texture, coating the chicken and vegetables in a way that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the biggest advantages of Chicken Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing is how easy it is to prepare in advance. This dish is perfect for meal prep because the components can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. You can cook the chicken, prepare the dressing, and chop the vegetables all at once. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your bowls with fresh cabbage, carrots, and any additional toppings you like.
Not only is this recipe great for meal prep, but it’s also highly customizable. If you prefer a different protein, you can swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or tempeh. You can also change up the vegetables—kale, spinach, or even bell peppers would all work well in place of cabbage. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a nutritious meal prep for the week, these chicken cabbage bowls are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make, satisfying, and full of flavor. Plus, the sesame dressing adds just the right amount of complexity to the dish, making it feel like a special meal even though it’s simple to prepare.
This recipe is also adaptable to various dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free, and if you omit any dairy, it’s easily dairy-free as well. For those following a low-carb, paleo, or keto diet, this dish fits the bill—just adjust the vegetables and toppings accordingly. The possibilities are endless, and you can make this meal work for you, no matter your dietary preferences.
Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Bowls
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Marinate the Chicken: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor from the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
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Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh cabbage and carrots not only provide better texture and flavor but also ensure that you’re getting the most nutrients. Fresh vegetables will give the dish a satisfying crunch and brightness.
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Get Creative with Toppings: To elevate the dish even further, add toppings like crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or even avocado slices. These add richness and an extra layer of flavor and texture.
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Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add sriracha sauce or fresh chili slices to the dressing. This will give the dish an exciting spicy kick that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Healthy, and Satisfying Meal
Chicken Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing are the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and flavor. The chicken provides lean protein, the cabbage offers fiber and antioxidants, and the sesame dressing ties everything together with its tangy and savory notes. Whether you’re making this dish for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or customizing it to fit your dietary needs, it’s a recipe that’s sure to satisfy.
This dish is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and full of vibrant flavors that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s highly customizable—whether you’re swapping in a different protein or experimenting with various vegetables and toppings, Chicken Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing will always be a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking for a healthy, quick, and delicious meal, this recipe is exactly what you need. It’s not only perfect for those with busy schedules but also a great way to enjoy a nutritious, satisfying dish without compromising on taste. Try it today, and let the delicious flavors of the sesame dressing take your chicken cabbage bowl to the next level!