5 Simple Chicken Sausage Recipes You'll Love
Chicken sausage has long been celebrated for its versatility, flavorful profile, and healthier attributes when compared to traditional pork sausage. Offering a lighter alternative, chicken sausage can be seamlessly incorporated into an array of dishes from simple breakfast pairings to elaborate dinner entrees. Here, we present 5 Simple Chicken Sausage Recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring you enjoy every bite without spending hours in the kitchen.
1. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Hash
Start your day with a burst of flavor with this Chicken Sausage Breakfast Hash. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced into rounds
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced potatoes and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add sausages, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. If desired, create small wells and crack eggs into the hash to poach directly in the pan. Cover and cook until eggs are to your liking.
🍳 Note: For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage substitutes.
2. Grilled Chicken Sausage Skewers
These Grilled Chicken Sausage Skewers are perfect for barbecues or a summer cookout:
- 6 chicken sausages
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, cubed
- Seasonings (like Italian herbs, salt, and pepper)
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the sausage and vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning.
- Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are charred and tender.
Notes:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- For a different flavor, try marinating the veggies in Italian dressing before grilling.
🔥 Note: For an indoor option, skewers can be cooked in an oven broiler set to high for about 10 minutes.
3. Chicken Sausage and White Bean Stew
This hearty Chicken Sausage and White Bean Stew is ideal for those cooler evenings:
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced
- 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add tomatoes, beans, broth, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Return the sausage to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
4. Chicken Sausage Pasta Primavera
Delight in a burst of garden freshness with this Chicken Sausage Pasta Primavera:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream or cream alternative
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and vegetables until tender.
- Return sausage to the pan, add cream, and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan, stirring until melted.
- Toss pasta with the creamy sauce, garnish with basil, and serve.
5. Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Enjoy a touch of New Orleans with this Chicken Sausage Jambalaya:
- 4 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 3⁄4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the sausage. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until vegetables are soft.
- Add tomatoes, rice, broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add sausage back to the pot. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the flavors meld together.
The recipes outlined here are more than just a list of meals; they are a celebration of chicken sausage's ability to adapt and enhance different culinary traditions. From a simple breakfast to a vibrant dinner, chicken sausage proves to be an essential ingredient that adds both flavor and nutrition. Whether you're a fan of robust Cajun flavors or the subtle balance in a pasta dish, these recipes provide ample opportunity to explore chicken sausage in varied, delicious contexts. Enjoy the journey of flavors, embrace the ease of preparation, and relish every bite of these fantastic meals crafted from the humble chicken sausage.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage?
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Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be used as a direct substitute in any of these recipes, offering a similar taste and texture.
Are these recipes suitable for meal prepping?
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Yes, all the recipes provided are ideal for meal prep. They store well and often taste even better as leftovers.
How can I reduce the sodium content in these dishes?
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To lower the sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken sausage and broth, and reduce the amount of added salt or use herbs and spices for flavoring.
Can these recipes be adapted for a vegetarian diet?
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Many of these recipes can be easily adapted by using plant-based sausage substitutes or focusing on the vegetable components.