This 5-ingredient slow cooker buttered cabbage and chicken reminds me of the kind of meal my mother would throw together on a busy December day—simple, hearty, and filling the whole house with a cozy aroma. Around here in the rural Midwest, we’ve always stretched a head of cabbage and a few bone-in chicken thighs into something that could feed a hungry family without much fuss. You literally nestle raw cabbage wedges and raw chicken thighs into the slow cooker, splash in a bit of broth, dot everything with butter, and let time do the work. It’s the sort of no-nonsense, stick-to-your-ribs dish that has husbands (and grandkids) wandering into the kitchen asking when supper will be ready, and it fits right in with the easy, comforting meals we lean on during the holidays.
Serve these tender chicken thighs and buttery cabbage straight from the slow cooker into shallow bowls, making sure everyone gets plenty of the rich juices from the bottom. A side of mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth. Warm dinner rolls or a crusty loaf of bread fit right in on a holiday table, especially with a little extra butter. If you like a bit of color, add a simple side of steamed carrots or a tossed green salad to balance the richness. A jar of dill pickles or a spoonful of tangy sauerkraut on the side keeps it true to old-fashioned Midwestern comfort cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 small to medium head green cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
- 4–5 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast for even lower points)
- 1 tablespoon light butter (or reduced-fat butter)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
(optional: black pepper, garlic powder — not counted)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Arrange cabbage wedges in a baking dish.
- Place chicken on top of the cabbage.
- Pour chicken broth over everything.
- Dot with small pieces of light butter.
- Sprinkle with salt (and optional spices).
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until chicken is golden and tender.
🔥 SmartPoints (approx):
- Whole dish: ~18–22 points
- Per serving (4 servings): ~4–6 points