Chicken sausage is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can turn any meal into a satisfying experience without the heaviness of traditional pork sausage. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, a summer cookout, or a quick breakfast on-the-go, chicken sausage fits seamlessly into your culinary routine. These recipes are perfect for those who want something hearty yet healthy, and they’re sure to please a crowd—or just yourself.
My love for chicken sausage began during a trip to Tuscany, where a rustic farmhouse breakfast included grilled chicken sausages, garden vegetables, and fresh bread. That balanced, comforting meal inspired me to explore the versatility of chicken sausage in everyday cooking. Since then, it’s been a staple in my kitchen for quick, nutritious meals with bold flavor.
Below, you’ll find several chicken sausage recipes that are simple to prepare, packed with protein, and ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining.
Why Choose Chicken Sausage?
Chicken sausage offers the rich taste of traditional sausage without the added fat and calories. It’s made from lean ground chicken, seasoned with herbs and spices, and often comes fully cooked—making it a convenient option for quick meals.
Benefits of chicken sausage:
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Lower in fat and calories compared to pork or beef sausage
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High in protein, ideal for post-workout meals or high-protein diets
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Comes in a variety of flavors (garlic, spicy Italian, apple, andouille, etc.)
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Cooks quickly and pairs well with many ingredients
Now let’s dive into some of the best chicken sausage recipes you can try at home.
1. Chicken Sausage and Veggie Skillet
Perfect For: Weeknight dinners, meal prep
This one-pan dish is bursting with color and flavor. It’s healthy, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
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1 package chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 red onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Add the garlic, peppers, zucchini, and onion. Sauté for 7–10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
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Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
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Serve warm, or store in meal prep containers for up to 4 days.
Pro tip: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.
2. Chicken Sausage and Spinach Pasta
Perfect For: Comfort food lovers
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with greens—this pasta is indulgent without being too heavy, thanks to the lean chicken sausage.
Ingredients:
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1 package penne or rigatoni
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 package chicken sausage, sliced
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3 cups baby spinach
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup low-fat cream or Greek yogurt
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken sausage until lightly browned.
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Add garlic and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
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Stir in the cooked pasta, Parmesan, and cream (or yogurt). Mix until creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Optional add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
3. Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Potatoes
Perfect For: Lazy weekends, family dinners
Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this a weeknight hero. Roasting everything on one pan simplifies cleanup too.
Ingredients:
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1 lb baby potatoes, halved
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1 package chicken sausage, cut into chunks
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1 cup cherry tomatoes
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1 red onion, quartered
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Roast for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until potatoes are golden and tender.
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Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Pro tip: Add Brussels sprouts or green beans for more veggie variety.
4. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Perfect For: Brunch gatherings, make-ahead breakfasts
Start your day right with this protein-rich, veggie-packed breakfast bake that reheats beautifully all week long.
Ingredients:
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1 package chicken sausage, chopped
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8 eggs
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1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 cup chopped spinach
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
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In a skillet, cook chicken sausage until browned.
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
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Layer sausage, vegetables, and cheese in the baking dish. Pour egg mixture over the top.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes or until set and golden on top.
Storage tip: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices for future breakfasts.
5. Grilled Chicken Sausage with Corn Salad
Perfect For: Summer barbecues
This light and zesty dish brings together smoky grilled sausage and a refreshing corn salad—perfect for warm evenings.
Ingredients:
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4 chicken sausages
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2 ears corn, grilled and kernels removed
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 red onion, diced
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Grill chicken sausages over medium heat until browned and heated through.
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In a bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Serve sausages alongside or on top of the corn salad.
Make it a meal: Add avocado slices and grilled pita bread on the side.
6. Chicken Sausage Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles
Perfect For: Quick Asian-inspired meals
This dish is a healthier alternative to takeout and comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
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1 package rice noodles
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 package chicken sausage, sliced
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1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup snap peas
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce
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1 tsp sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large wok or skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
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Add sausage, garlic, and vegetables. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes.
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Add noodles, soy sauce, hoisin, and sriracha. Toss to coat evenly.
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Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
Bonus: Add scrambled egg or tofu for extra protein.
Tips for Cooking with Chicken Sausage
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Look for nitrate-free and low-sodium options for a healthier choice.
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Slice before cooking to reduce cooking time and get more flavor in every bite.
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Pair with bold flavors like garlic, onion, mustard, or balsamic vinegar to enhance taste.
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Use in soups, pizzas, and salads for added protein and taste.
Storage and Reheating Suggestions
Chicken sausage is typically pre-cooked, making it ideal for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat:
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Fridge: Store cooked dishes for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
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Freezer: Many chicken sausage recipes freeze well. Wrap in foil or store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. For crispy texture, use a skillet over medium heat.
Delicious Chicken Sausage Recipes to Try Tonight
A quick and colorful one-pan dish that combines juicy chicken sausage with sautéed vegetables for a hearty, healthy dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 package chicken sausage (sliced into rounds)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 red onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, until browned.
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Stir in the garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion.
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Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
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Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Toss everything together to combine well and serve warm.
Notes
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Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
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For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
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This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep.