If you’re looking for a satisfying, family-friendly meal that blends wholesome ingredients with comforting flavors, these Savory Chicken Tenderloin Cabbage Rolls will do just that. This recipe takes the timeless classic of cabbage rolls and gives it a refreshing twist with tender chicken tenderloin, fragrant herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or prepping meals for the week, these cabbage rolls offer a delicious, health-conscious option that will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cabbage rolls have long been a traditional comfort food, but this version lightens up the dish by using ground chicken tenderloin. It’s lean, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with dried oregano and smoked paprika, giving these rolls a savory and slightly smoky flavor. Wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and baked in a comforting tomato sauce, the blend of flavors is delightful with every bite.
Moreover, this dish is versatile—it’s great for dinner gatherings, meal prepping, or even freezing leftovers for a quick and nutritious meal later in the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground chicken tenderloin
- 1/2 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Each ingredient contributes to the depth of flavor and texture that makes these cabbage rolls special. The rice adds heartiness, while the combination of onion and garlic provides an aromatic base. The egg helps bind the filling, and the tomato sauce ties everything together with its tangy richness.
How to Make Savory Chicken Tenderloin Cabbage Rolls
- Prepare the Cabbage
The first step is to soften the cabbage leaves. Boil a head of cabbage until the leaves are pliable and easy to peel off. This process makes rolling them around the filling much easier, and the cooked leaves become tender after baking. - Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken tenderloin, uncooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. This mixture is where all the flavors come together—the savory chicken, the bite of the rice, and the warm spices blend perfectly to create a hearty filling. - Stuff and Roll
Lay out the cabbage leaves flat and place a spoonful of the filling at the base of each leaf. Roll it tightly, folding in the sides as you go to create a neat package. Repeat this process until all the leaves are filled. - Bake with Tomato Sauce
Once your rolls are ready, arrange them in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. The result? Perfectly tender cabbage rolls with a flavorful filling and a savory tomato sauce that complements the entire dish.
Serving Suggestions
These Savory Chicken Tenderloin Cabbage Rolls are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for an extra layer of comfort. Add a light salad to balance out the richness, and you have a wholesome meal perfect for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
This recipe not only provides a nutritious dinner option but also offers the convenience of meal prep. You can easily double the batch and freeze extras for busy weeknights, ensuring that you’ll always have a healthy, homemade meal ready to go. With its blend of simple, fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, these cabbage rolls will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Enjoy the cozy, savory goodness of this dish and share it with loved ones—it’s sure to impress!
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Savory Chicken Tenderloin Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Discover a twist on the classic cabbage roll, featuring tender chicken tenderloin, fragrant herbs, and a comforting tomato sauce. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a meal prep favorite, these rolls provide a delightful blend of flavors wrapped in nature’s own package.
Ingredients
1 head of cabbage
1 lb ground chicken tenderloin
1/2 cup rice, uncooked
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, optional
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
1. Prepare Cabbage: Boil the cabbage until the leaves are soft. Carefully peel off the leaves and set them aside.
2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken tenderloin, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff and Roll: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of the filling at its base. Roll the leaf over the filling, folding in the sides as you go, to create a secure roll. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
4. Sauce and Bake: Arrange the cabbage rolls in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until the filling is cooked through and the cabbage leaves are tender.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes