5 Easy Recipes for Delicious Chicken Sausage

Chicken sausage is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate your meals with its rich flavor and lower fat content compared to pork or beef sausage. Whether you're aiming for a quick weekday dinner or something more special for the weekend, these recipes will help you make the most of this delectable ingredient. Let's dive into some easy, mouthwatering recipes that showcase the adaptability and flavor of chicken sausage.

Recipe 1: Chicken Sausage with Penne and Roasted Vegetables

This is a hearty one-pan dish perfect for a comforting family dinner. Here's what you need:

• 4-5 chicken sausages, sliced
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped vegetables, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper with the olive oil. Spread out evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Add the sliced sausages to the pan, ensuring they are well mixed with the vegetables.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Once the sausage and vegetables are roasted, remove from the oven, and toss with the cooked penne, cherry tomatoes, and broth in a large pan or pot.
7. Heat through for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld. If you'd like a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of cream or melt in some Parmesan cheese.

🌟 Note: To make this dish even heartier, you can add spinach or kale to the pan just before finishing to wilt down slightly.

Recipe 2: Chicken Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a fun and colorful way to enjoy chicken sausage, ideal for when you want to impress with minimal effort. Ingredients include:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb chicken sausage, casing removed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella, Cheddar, or a blend)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken sausage with onions until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.
3. Add spinach, cooking until it's wilted, then mix in the cooked quinoa, tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the sausage mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure they are well filled.
5. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🔥 Note: For a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or jalapeno to the sausage mixture.

Recipe 3: Chicken Sausage and White Bean Soup

This soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining the warmth of chicken sausage with the nutritional punch of beans.

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook until browned.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, add the beans, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Add the kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow it to wilt into the soup.

❗ Note: This soup can be made ahead and reheated. The flavors tend to deepen over time.

Recipe 4: Chicken Sausage Breakfast Skillet

Start your day off right with this savory breakfast skillet that’s easy to make and packed full of nutrition.

• 6-8 chicken sausages, sliced
• 2 cups diced potatoes or hashbrowns
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-6 eggs
• Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Green onions or chives, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add potatoes, cooking until they start to brown and crisp.
2. While the potatoes cook, in another pan, heat the remaining oil and sauté the bell peppers and onion until softened. Add garlic, cook for another minute.
3. Add the sliced sausage to the vegetables, stir to mix well, and cook until sausage is heated through.
4. Combine the sausage mixture with the potatoes in the skillet. Make small wells in the mixture and crack an egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
5. Cover the skillet and let cook for 3-5 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives before serving.

💡 Note: Adjust the cooking time for the eggs to suit your preference: runny yolks for dipping with toast, or fully set if you prefer.

Recipe 5: Chicken Sausage Gumbo

This southern classic can be made quicker with chicken sausage, giving you all the flavors without the hours of cooking.

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 cup okra, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice to serve

Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottom pot, make a roux by mixing flour and vegetable oil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a dark chocolate brown, about 15 minutes.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux, cooking until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the chicken sausage and okra, cooking for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve over cooked rice.

👨‍🍳 Note: If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can use more flour and oil for the roux, or add a little file powder at the end for that traditional taste.

These recipes highlight the versatility of chicken sausage, offering a range of flavors and cuisines that can be adapted to your taste and dietary preferences. From a filling pasta dish to a comforting soup, or an exciting breakfast skillet to a traditional gumbo, chicken sausage adds depth and a savory punch to any meal. Try incorporating these dishes into your meal rotation, and you'll find the convenience and taste make them go-to options for any day of the week.

Can you freeze dishes made with chicken sausage?

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Yes, you can freeze dishes containing chicken sausage. Most of these recipes can be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is chicken sausage healthier than pork sausage?

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Generally, chicken sausage has less fat and calories than pork sausage, making it a healthier choice if you’re watching your fat intake. However, always check the labels for sodium content and other additives.

How long does cooked chicken sausage last in the fridge?

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Cooked chicken sausage, when stored properly in the refrigerator, can last for 3-4 days. Ensure it is cooled and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

What are some good spices to add to chicken sausage dishes?

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Chicken sausage goes well with a variety of spices. Commonly used spices include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, fennel seed, and Italian seasoning blends. Experiment with herbs and spices to find your favorite combination.