Cabbage Rolls (Chicken)
Juicy chicken and hearty barley wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, infused with savory onion and leek flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core and blanch the cabbage to loosen the leaves; reserve about 8 large and 8 medium leaves.
- Cook the barley according to package directions.
- Saute diced leeks in half of the butter until tender.
- Skin and bone the chicken thighs; cut into strips.
- Wrap the chicken and cooked barley in cabbage leaves, securing with toothpicks if needed.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter and mix in the onion soup envelope.
- Pour the onion soup mixture over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes.
- Serve hot with a dollop of light sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or thyme to the filling. If you don't have barley, quinoa or rice can be excellent substitutes. For a creamy texture, try mixing in some cream cheese with the sour cream. Use Gourmet Sauce-In A Stick Mix for a quick sauce addition to the dish, making it even more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls hot with a generous dollop of light sour cream on top. They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier side, consider serving with crusty bread or mashed potatoes, which complement the dish well. Explore more chicken recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. They can also be microwaved for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Rolls (Chicken) contains roughly 281 calories, with 8g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare cabbage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls a day in advance. Simply assemble them and store in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best texture. If you want to make them further in advance, you can also freeze the assembled rolls before baking and cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the baking time.
What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Alternatively, ground turkey or beef can also work well for the filling. Be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as ground meats may cook faster than whole cuts.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with a mixture of beans, lentils, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian filling. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and flavor, ensuring a delicious alternative that everyone will enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).