Growing up, my mom’s Chicken Sausage Recipe was a staple in our household. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma filling the kitchen as she’d fire up the stove and get to work. It was one of those meals that just screamed “comfort food” – the kind that always left me feeling cozy, satisfied, and reminiscing about simpler times. To this day, that Chicken Sausage Recipe is still one of my all-time favorites, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you.
Why This Chicken Sausage Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Sausage Recipe
What makes this Chicken Sausage Recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken sausage itself is incredibly juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. But it’s the way it’s prepared – seared to golden brown perfection, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce – that really takes this dish to the next level. The end result is a meal that’s truly crave-worthy, with layers of flavor that’ll have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Sausage – Look for high-quality chicken sausage, either fresh or pre-cooked. I like to use a variety that’s packed with herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
- Onion – Diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Minced garlic is a must-have for that classic savory aroma.
- Cream – A touch of heavy cream or half-and-half makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Broth – Chicken or vegetable broth provides the perfect base for the sauce.
- Seasonings – A blend of salt, pepper, and your favorite dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or oregano) seasons the dish to perfection.
Step-by-Step Chicken Sausage Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Sausage Recipe
This Chicken Sausage Recipe is a breeze to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. All you’ll need is a large skillet or sauté pan, a cutting board, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by slicing the chicken sausage into bite-sized rounds. This will help them cook through quickly and evenly.
2- In your skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sausage rounds and sear them until they’re nicely browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3- Remove the seared sausage from the pan and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5- Pour in the broth and cream, then return the seared Chicken Sausage to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
6- Finally, season the Chicken Sausage Recipe with salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you’d like. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Chicken Sausage Recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Be sure to use high-quality, flavorful chicken sausage. This is the star of the dish, so you want to use the best quality you can find.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the sausage. Work in batches if needed to get that nice, crispy browning.
- Adjust the cooking time of the sauce to your desired thickness. If you like it extra creamy, let it simmer a little longer.
- Feel free to mix up the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Thyme, rosemary, and oregano all work beautifully.
- If you have any leftover sauce, it makes a delicious topping for mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Sausage Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Sausage Recipe
This Chicken Sausage Recipe pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides. I love serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. It also goes great with roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. And don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up that delicious sauce!
For drinks, a crisp white wine or a light, refreshing beer are both excellent choices. And if you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, a rich red wine would also be lovely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Chicken Sausage Recipe reheats and stores really well. Once it’s cooked, you can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s piping hot.
You can also make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for later. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat as usual.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Sausage Recipe
Creative Chicken Sausage Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this Chicken Sausage Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily put your own spin on it to suit your tastes and cravings.
For a little extra richness, try using Italian-style chicken sausage or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. You could also switch up the herbs and spices, using rosemary and garlic or a Cajun seasoning blend. And if you’re in the mood for something a little spicy, you can’t go wrong with a dash of red pepper flakes or a squirt of hot sauce.
Making Chicken Sausage Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Chicken Sausage Recipe a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. Instead of heavy cream, use a lighter option like low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk. You can also cut back on the amount of sausage and add in some extra veggies, like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.
For a gluten-free version, simply serve the Chicken Sausage over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta or potatoes. And for a vegan twist, swap out the chicken sausage for a plant-based alternative and use cashew cream or coconut milk in place of the dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage besides chicken?
A: Absolutely! This recipe will work just as well with pork, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different types of sausage may have varying thicknesses and fat contents.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: To add a bit of heat, try stirring in a teaspoon or two of red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic. You can also use a spicier variety of chicken sausage.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, this Chicken Sausage Recipe is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Chicken Sausage Recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes and what you decide to serve it with. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Q: What should I do if the sauce seems too thin?
A: If the sauce isn’t thickening up to your liking, try letting it simmer for a few extra minutes to allow the liquid to reduce. You can also make a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisking it into the sauce. This will help it reach your desired consistency.
Chicken Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious Chicken Sausage Recipe that’s packed with flavor. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. – Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. – Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. – Stir in the dried oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. – Serve the Chicken Sausage Recipe hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For a healthier version, use turkey or chicken sausage. You can also add in diced potatoes or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something about this Chicken Sausage Recipe that makes it an instant classic. The rich, creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked sausage, and the endless possibilities for customization – it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and get ready to be blown away by the incredible flavors. I can’t wait to hear what you think!