Southern Fried Cabbage Chicken Stew Recipe 🍲

Overview:

Welcome to the world of flavor explosions with this tantalizing creation known as Southern Fried Cabbage Chicken Stew! Crafted with love and inspired by the rich tapestry of Southern cuisine, this dish brings together the humble cabbage, succulent chicken, savory bacon, and an array of other ingredients to create a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Ingredients:

2 heads of cabbage
2 onions
10 slices of bacon
2 chicken breasts
2 cans of great northern beans
8 potatoes
2 cups of chicken broth
8 chicken bouillon cubes
8 cups of water

Seasonings:

Soul Seasoning (or any seasoning of your choice)
Black pepper to taste

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 375.1
Fat: 7.9g
Saturated Fat: 2.4g
Cholesterol: 24.4mg
Sodium: 1164.9mg
Carbohydrates: 57.8g
Fiber: 13.5g
Sugar: 8.9g
Protein: 20.9g

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Render the Fat: Begin by rendering the fat from the bacon slices. You may need more rendered bacon fat if using larger heads of cabbage.
Chop the Bacon: Once rendered, remove the bacon from the skillet and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Allow the chopped bacon to drain on paper towels while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Shred the Cabbage: Shred the cabbage as if you were making coleslaw, ensuring even and fine cuts.
Slice the Onions: Slice the onions into thin half-moons, ready to infuse their sweet flavor into the dish.
Saute the Cabbage and Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, sauté the shredded cabbage and sliced onions until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
Combine with Bacon: Mix the bacon pieces into the cabbage and onions, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set aside and let drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and dice them into bite-sized pieces, ready to add heartiness to the stew.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with Soul Seasoning and black pepper, or any seasoning blend you prefer.
Fry the Chicken: In the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat, fry the seasoned chicken breasts until they are well-browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Add Broth and Potatoes: Once the chicken is cooked, add the chicken broth, chicken bouillon cubes, diced potatoes, and water to the skillet.
Boil until Tender: Allow the mixture to come to a boil and simmer until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Shred the Chicken: Set aside two chicken halves to cool slightly, then shred them into chunky bite-sized shreds using a fork or your fingers.
Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, potatoes, cabbage mixture, and two cans of great northern beans to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer to Perfection: Continue to simmer the stew until it has rendered down into a thick, gravy-like consistency, ensuring all the flavors are well-blended. This may take an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours, but remember, the longer you cook it, the better it will taste!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Final Touches: Once the stew has reached the desired consistency and the chicken is tender, it’s time to serve! Ladle generous portions of the Southern Fried Cabbage Chicken Stew into bowls, ensuring each serving is packed with flavor and heartiness.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or green onions, for a burst of color and freshness.
Enjoy the Flavor Explosion: Dive into each spoonful of this delectable stew and savor the medley of flavors that dance harmoniously on your palate.
Note: If you find the dish too fatty for your liking, after frying the chicken, you may blot excess grease from the pan using a paper towel. However, do not clean the skillet completely, as the flavors left behind are essential for flavoring the dish.

Tips and Tricks:

Crock Pot Convenience: For added convenience, consider transferring the stew to a crock pot after Step 11 and allowing it to simmer on low heat for several hours. This not only enhances the flavors but also allows for easy serving and reheating.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add additional vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra crunch and nutrition, or adjust the seasoning to your liking for a personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Freeze: This stew freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. Simply portion it into airtight containers once cooled and freeze for future enjoyment.

Conclusion:

With its hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and comforting aroma, Southern Fried Cabbage Chicken Stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying weeknight dinner or shared with loved ones during gatherings, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its depth of flavor and undeniable charm. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of Southern cooking. Bon appétit! 🥄🍽️