What to Cook with Leftover Chicken and Cabbage: 7 Delicious Ideas
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What to Cook with Leftover Chicken and Cabbage: 7 Delicious Ideas

Got leftover chicken and half a cabbage? Here are 7 quick, delicious recipes to use them up before they go bad. Save money and reduce food waste.

You've Got Chicken and Cabbage. Now What?

We've all been there: you open the fridge and see leftover chicken from last night and half a cabbage that's been sitting there for days. Before you let them go to waste, let's turn them into something amazing.

Good news: Chicken and cabbage are a classic combination used in cuisines around the world. Here are 7 recipes that prove these two ingredients were meant to be together.

1. Asian Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry (10 mins)

The fastest option when you're hungry NOW.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan over high heat
  2. Add garlic (and ginger if using), stir for 30 seconds
  3. Add cabbage, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly wilted
  4. Add chicken and soy sauce, toss for 2 minutes
  5. Serve over rice or noodles

Estimated savings: $8-12 vs. ordering takeout


2. Chicken Cabbage Soup (20 mins)

Comfort food that's ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 4 cups chopped cabbage
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • Salt, pepper, Italian herbs

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion in a pot until soft
  2. Add broth, tomatoes, and cabbage
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes
  4. Add chicken, heat through
  5. Season to taste

Pro tip: This soup tastes even better the next day!


3. Chicken Cabbage Egg Roll Bowl (15 mins)

All the flavors of egg rolls without the frying.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté cabbage and carrots until tender-crisp
  2. Add chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha
  3. Cook for 2-3 minutes
  4. Top with green onions
  5. Serve over rice

4. Chicken Cabbage Tacos (10 mins)

Unexpected but delicious fusion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (for slaw)
  • Tortillas
  • Lime juice
  • Cilantro
  • Your favorite salsa

Instructions:

  1. Warm chicken with a splash of salsa
  2. Toss cabbage with lime juice and salt for quick slaw
  3. Assemble tacos: chicken, slaw, cilantro
  4. Squeeze more lime on top

5. Chicken Cabbage Fried Rice (15 mins)

The ultimate leftover transformer.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 2 cups chopped cabbage
  • 3 cups day-old rice
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • Sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Scramble eggs in a hot wok, set aside
  2. Stir-fry cabbage until slightly charred
  3. Add rice, break up clumps
  4. Add chicken, eggs, and soy sauce
  5. Drizzle with sesame oil

6. Chicken Cabbage Wraps (5 mins)

Low-carb and refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • Large cabbage leaves (as wraps)
  • Peanut sauce or hoisin
  • Shredded carrots
  • Chopped peanuts

Instructions:

  1. Separate large cabbage leaves
  2. Fill with chicken, carrots, and sauce
  3. Top with peanuts
  4. Roll and eat!

7. Chicken Cabbage Casserole (30 mins)

Set it and forget it comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 4 cups chopped cabbage
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Mix chicken, cabbage, soup, and half the cheese
  2. Pour into a baking dish
  3. Top with remaining cheese
  4. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes

The Math: Why This Matters

OptionCost
Throwing away chicken + cabbage-$8 wasted
Ordering similar dish$15-20
Making it yourself$2-3 (ingredients you already have)

Your savings: $12-18 per meal

If you rescue just 2 meals like this per week, that's $100-150/month back in your pocket.


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More Ingredient Combos

Looking for more ideas? Check out these popular combinations:


Your Turn

Got chicken and cabbage in your fridge right now? Pick one of these recipes and make it tonight. Then come back and tell us which one was your favorite!

Remember: Every meal you rescue from the trash is money saved and waste prevented.

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