The Ultimate Smoked Chicken Sausage Recipe: Easy Skillet Dinner

Struggling to get a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table after a long day? This post provides a simple, flavorful recipe for cooking smoked chicken sausage in a skillet with fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Our smoked chicken sausage recipe transforms pre-cooked sausage into a mouthwatering dinner in less than 30 minutes, using just one pan and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

By the end of this post, you’ll not only have a go-to recipe for busy nights but also expert tips for customizing it to your family’s taste preferences and helpful variations to keep this meal exciting week after week.

Why You’ll LOVE This Smoked Chicken Sausage Recipe

• Incredibly Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate!
• Packed with Flavor: Savory smoked sausage paired with sweet, colorful vegetables and simple seasonings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different vegetables or additional seasonings.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, pre-cooked smoked chicken sausage that lasts in the refrigerator.
• Family-Approved: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb smoked chicken sausage (approximately 4 links)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Choosing the Best Smoked Chicken Sausage

When shopping for this recipe, look for fully cooked smoked chicken sausage in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Several varieties work well in this recipe:

• Applewood Smoked: Has a subtle sweet and smoky flavor
• Garlic & Herb: Adds extra seasoning without additional work
• Italian Style: Contains classic Italian herbs that complement the vegetables
• Andouille Style: Offers a spicier Cajun twist

Always check the package to confirm the sausage is fully cooked, as this recipe is designed for pre-cooked smoked chicken sausage. The internal temperature of chicken sausage should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked, but most smoked varieties have already achieved this temperature during manufacturing.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Oil: Substitute avocado oil or butter if preferred
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap in yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli
• Seasonings: Use Cajun seasoning, herbs de Provence, or taco seasoning for different flavor profiles
• Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste, or omit for a milder dish
• Garlic: Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) works in a pinch if fresh isn’t available

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the sausage into ¼-inch thick rounds on a slight bias (diagonal). This creates more surface area for browning and a more appealing presentation.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
3. Add sliced sausage to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a golden-brown sear.
4. Flip sausage pieces and cook for 2 minutes until both sides are nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
5. Add onions to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
6. Add bell peppers and garlic to the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp with slight charring on the edges.
7. Season the vegetable mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
8. Return sausage to the skillet and toss everything together, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until sausage is heated through and flavors combine.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the sausage. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
• Control the heat – medium-high is ideal for getting a nice sear without burning. If your stove runs hot, adjust accordingly.
• Cut vegetables uniformly in size to ensure even cooking.
• Prep vegetables beforehand (mise en place) to streamline the cooking process.
• Let the sausage develop a good sear before flipping – this caramelization creates incredible flavor.
• Test vegetable doneness by piercing with a fork – they should offer slight resistance for the perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Season in layers – add a pinch of salt to vegetables while cooking, then adjust the final seasoning before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean Style: Add diced tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Asian Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil; garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Pasta Toss: Add 8oz cooked pasta and ¼ cup pasta water to the skillet during the final cooking stage.
• Spicy Version: Double the red pepper flakes and add 1 diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or 2oz cream cheese at the end for a rich, silky sauce.

Sheet Pan Option

For an even easier version with less monitoring:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sliced sausage and vegetables with oil and seasonings on a large baking sheet.
3. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and edges are caramelized.

What to Serve With Smoked Chicken Sausage

• Simple Starches: Crusty bread, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles
• Lighter Options: Garden salad with vinaigrette or roasted sweet potatoes
• Complete Meal: Garlic bread and a simple Caesar salad
• Grain Alternatives: Quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
• Quick Addition: A side of quick-cooking polenta makes this a hearty comfort meal

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While possible, the texture of the vegetables may change. If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
• Reheating (Preferred Method): For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave Option: Heat in a microwave-safe container in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated to your liking (approximately 1.5-2 minutes total).
• Reinvigorating Leftovers: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

What’s the best way to cook smoked chicken sausage?

While this skillet method is fantastic for quick, flavorful meals, smoked chicken sausage is versatile. Other great methods include:

• Grilling (3-4 minutes per side)
• Roasting in the oven (400°F for 20 minutes)
• Adding to soups and stews (during the last 10 minutes of cooking)

For this recipe, the skillet method creates the perfect balance of browned exterior while heating the chicken sausage to the ideal serving temperature.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While this recipe is optimized for smoked chicken sausage, you can substitute:

• Turkey sausage (similar lighter flavor profile)
• Pork sausage (richer, more fat content)
• Plant-based sausage alternatives (adjust cooking time per package instructions)

If using raw sausage rather than pre-cooked, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for chicken/turkey or 160°F for pork.

Is this recipe healthy?

This smoked chicken sausage recipe offers a good balance of lean protein and vegetables. Chicken sausage typically contains less fat than traditional pork varieties. To make it even lighter:

• Use more vegetables and less sausage
• Opt for low-sodium varieties of smoked chicken sausage
• Increase the ratio of peppers to create a more vegetable-forward meal
• Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or pasta

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe works well for meal prep:

1. Complete Meal Prep: Cook the entire recipe and refrigerate in portion containers for up to 3 days.
2. Half-Prep Method: Slice all vegetables and sausage and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
3. Reheating: Follow the reheating instructions above for best results.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 275
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 690mg

Nutrition values are estimates only. Exact values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair these juicy, smoky chicken sausages with a side of creamy coleslaw, grilled veggies, or tucked into a toasted bun with your favorite mustard and pickles. Whether you’re firing up the backyard grill or prepping for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with bold flavor and a leaner twist on classic smoked sausage!

Final Thoughts

This smoked chicken sausage recipe proves that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its perfect balance of protein and vegetables, customizable options, and quick cooking time, it’s destined to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.

The key to success lies in getting a good sear on your smoked chicken sausage and cooking the vegetables just until tender-crisp. This preserves their vibrant colors, nutrients, and texture while allowing the smoky flavors of the sausage to shine through.

Did you make this recipe? Tag us on @deliciousdinners or leave a star rating below! We’d love to see your creation and hear how you customized it for your family.

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About the Author: Ashley Williams is a recipe developer and food blogger with over 10 years of experience creating quick, family-friendly meals. She believes good food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of cooking experience or time constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is smoked chicken sausage already cooked?

Yes, smoked chicken sausage is typically fully cooked during the manufacturing process. This recipe focuses on heating the sausage through while developing additional flavor through browning. Always check the packaging to confirm your specific sausage is fully cooked.