What Can I Cook With Chicken Sausage? 18 Easy Meals for Stress-Free Dinners
Chicken sausage is a weeknight lifesaver: leaner than pork sausage, available in many flavors (Italian, apple, garlic, fennel, spicy), and quick to cook. Whether you want something saucy, comforting, bright and fresh, or protein-forward, chicken sausage can carry dozens of easy dinners. Below are 18 simple, flavor-packed meals — each with ingredients and step-by-step instructions — designed to make dinner planning stress-free and delicious.
Why chicken sausage is a weeknight hero
Chicken sausage gives you the satisfying savory flavor of sausage with less saturated fat. It’s versatile (works in soups, pastas, sheet pans, and breakfast dishes), cooks fast, and holds up well to bold spices and vegetables. Use it as your protein shortcut to stretch pantry staples into weeknight wins.
How to pick and prep chicken sausage
- Choose linked or bulk chicken sausage depending on the recipe. Pre-cooked chicken sausage can be reheated; raw varieties need thorough cooking to 165°F (74°C).
- Look for varieties with simple ingredient lists and lower sodium if that’s a priority.
- To brown links quickly: slice them on the bias or remove the casings and crumble for quicker, even cooking.
- Store raw sausage in the fridge up to 2 days, or freeze for 1–2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
18 Easy Chicken Sausage Meals
1. Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage & Roasted Veggies
A one-pan, throw-and-bake dinner: minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken sausage links, sliced on the bias
– 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges to serve
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Toss sausage and vegetables with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer and roast 20–25 minutes, turning once, until veggies are tender and sausage is browned.
4. Squeeze lemon over top and serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
2. One-Pot Chicken Sausage Pasta with Spinach & Tomatoes
Comforting, fast, and easy clean-up — a tomatoey pasta in one pot.
Ingredients
– 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 4 cups fresh spinach
– 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
– Grated Parmesan to serve
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large deep skillet or pot. Add sliced sausage and brown 3–4 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, pasta, cherry tomatoes, broth, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and Parmesan, and serve.
3. Quick Chicken Sausage Jambalaya (Skillet)
A Creole-inspired one-skillet dinner with rice and bold spices.
Ingredients
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne (adjust)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sear sausage in a large skillet with olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened, 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne; cook 1 minute.
3. Add rice, broth, and browned sausage. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Fluff with a fork, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
4. Chicken Sausage and Peppers (Classic)
A simple Italian-American favorite that’s great on rolls, pasta, or over polenta.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 2 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: hoagie rolls or cooked polenta to serve
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a wide skillet and brown sausage slices slightly, 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion and peppers to skillet and sauté until soft and caramelized, 8–10 minutes.
3. Return sausage, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, season to taste, and cook 2–3 more minutes to meld flavors.
4. Serve in rolls, over polenta, or alongside roasted potatoes.
5. Breakfast Hash with Chicken Sausage, Potatoes & Eggs
A hearty dinner-for-breakfast-anytime — crisp potatoes, sausage, and runny eggs.
Ingredients
– 3 medium potatoes, diced small
– 3 chicken sausages, sliced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 3 eggs
– Salt, pepper, smoked paprika
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Parboil diced potatoes 5 minutes, drain and pat dry.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet, cook potatoes until golden and crisp, 10–12 minutes.
3. Push potatoes aside, add onion, bell pepper, and sausage; sauté until warmed through and softened.
4. Make three wells in the hash, crack an egg into each, cover and cook until eggs set to your liking. Season and garnish.
6. Chicken Sausage Flatbread Pizza (Fast Naan Pizza)
Turn store-bought naan into a fast homemade pizza loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
– 2 naan or flatbreads
– 2 chicken sausages, casing removed and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh basil or arugula to finish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Sauté crumbled sausage in a pan until browned.
2. Place naan on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, spread pizza sauce.
3. Top with mozzarella, browned sausage, and onion slices.
4. Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese bubbles. Top with basil or arugula before serving.
7. Mediterranean Chicken Sausage Orzo Salad
A chilled or room-temp salad great for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cups orzo, cooked and cooled
– 3 chicken sausages, cooked and sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt, pepper, oregano to taste
Instructions
1. Cook orzo per package, drain and cool to room temperature.
2. Combine orzo, sliced sausage, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta in a bowl.
3. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper; toss with salad.
4. Chill or serve immediately as a light dinner or side.
8. Chicken Sausage & White Bean Soup
Hearty, comforting, and protein-packed — perfect for cooler evenings.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp thyme
– 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add sausage and brown briefly. Pour in broth, beans, and thyme.
3. Simmer 10–12 minutes to meld flavors. Stir in kale and cook until wilted.
4. Season to taste and serve with crusty bread.
9. Chicken Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers
A complete meal baked in sweet bell pepper cups — customizable and family-friendly.
Ingredients
– 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
– 3 chicken sausages, casing removed and crumbled
– 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
– 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté onion and crumbled sausage in olive oil until browned.
2. Mix sausage, rice, tomatoes, half the cheese, and seasonings in a bowl.
3. Stuff mixture into prepared bell peppers and top with remaining cheese.
4. Place peppers in a baking dish with 1/2 inch water, cover with foil, and bake 30–35 minutes until peppers are tender.
10. Chicken Sausage, Quinoa & Roasted Veg Bowl
A colorful, nutrient-dense bowl that’s easy to assemble and highly satisfying.
Ingredients
– 1 cup quinoa, cooked
– 3 chicken sausages, sliced and seared
– 2 cups mixed roasted veggies (sweet potato, zucchini, red onion)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup hummus or tahini for drizzle
– Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions
1. Roast your chosen vegetables tossed with olive oil, salt, and paprika at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
2. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
3. Sear sliced sausage in a skillet until browned.
4. Assemble bowls with quinoa, roasted veggies, sausage, and a dollop of hummus or a drizzle of tahini. Serve warm.
11. Chicken Sausage Frittata with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes
An oven-baked egg dish that works for dinner or brunch — leftovers reheat well.
Ingredients
– 6 eggs
– 3 chicken sausages, sliced
– 1 cup baby spinach
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup milk or milk alternative
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté sausage until slightly browned, add spinach to wilt.
2. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomatoes.
3. Pour egg mixture into an oven-safe skillet with sausage and spinach.
4. Bake 15–20 minutes until set and golden. Slice and serve.
12. Chicken Sausage Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Quick weeknight tacos with crunchy slaw and zesty lime crema.
Ingredients
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 3 chicken sausages, casing removed and crumbled
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper
– Optional: cilantro and avocado slices
Instructions
1. Mix shredded cabbage with mayo/yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper for slaw.
2. Cook crumbled sausage in a skillet until fully browned and crisp on edges.
3. Warm tortillas, fill with sausage, top with cabbage slaw, avocado, and cilantro.
4. Serve with lime wedges.
13. Creamy Chicken Sausage & Mushroom Risotto
A silkier, more efficient risotto using sausage for savory depth.
Ingredients
– 1 cup arborio rice
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, kept warm
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter; sauté sausage and mushrooms until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add remaining butter and sauté onion until translucent. Add rice and toast 1–2 minutes.
3. Pour in wine (if using). Add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until each is absorbed before adding more.
4. Stir in sausage and mushrooms when rice is al dente, finish with Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and serve.
14. Grilled Chicken Sausage Skewers with Veg
Perfect for the grill or broiler — fun, customizable, and great with a dip.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced into thick rounds
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 red onion, cut into wedges
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper
– Wooden skewers (soaked) or metal skewers
Instructions
1. Toss sausage and veggies with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread onto skewers alternating sausage and vegetables.
3. Grill over medium-high heat 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through. (Or broil 8–10 minutes.)
4. Serve with a yogurt-garlic dip or chimichurri.
15. Coconut Curry Chicken Sausage with Rice
A fragrant, creamy curry where sausage stands in for traditional proteins.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 tbsp red or yellow curry paste
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 1 cup snap peas or green beans
– 1 tbsp oil
– Cooked jasmine rice to serve
– Fresh cilantro to finish
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a skillet and brown sausage slices. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, add curry paste and cook 1 minute.
3. Pour in coconut milk, bring to a simmer, add snap peas, and cook 3–4 minutes.
4. Return sausage to pan, heat through, garnish with cilantro, and serve over rice.
16. Chicken Sausage Pasta Bake (Cheesy)
A family-friendly baked pasta with melty cheese and savory sausage.
Ingredients
– 12 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta 2 minutes shy of al dente and drain.
2. Sauté sausage in olive oil until browned. Mix pasta, marinara, ricotta, half the mozzarella, sausage, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
3. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes and serve.
17. Garlicky Chicken Sausage & Kale Sauté with Lemon
A bright, quick skillet meal that pairs nicely with crusty bread or rice.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken sausages, sliced
– 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
– 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a skillet, brown sausage slices, then remove.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add kale and a splash of water, cover and wilt 2–3 minutes.
3. Return sausage, toss, add lemon zest and juice, season with salt and red pepper flakes.
4. Serve as a simple, flavorful main or over grains.
18. Chicken Sausage, Apple & Sweet Potato Skillet
A sweet-savory skillet that balances fall flavors and hearty veg.
Ingredients
– 3 chicken sausages, sliced
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1 apple, cored and diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Parboil diced sweet potato 5 minutes, drain.
2. Heat oil in a skillet, sauté onion until translucent. Add sausage and brown slightly.
3. Add sweet potato and apple, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and apples softened, about 10–12 minutes.
4. Serve hot with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for customizing these recipes
- Swap grains: rice, farro, or barley work in place of quinoa or pasta.
- Make it lighter: use more veggies and reduce cheese, or choose lower-fat dairy.
- Add heat: toss in hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or use spicy chicken sausage.
- Use leftovers: many of these dishes (pasta, salads, bowls) are excellent the next day.
Make meal prep easier
- Cook and slice sausage in advance to speed up weeknight assembly.
- Roast a big sheet pan of mixed vegetables to use in bowls, salads, and sandwiches throughout the week.
- Freeze individual portions of sausage in meal-ready bags so you can thaw exactly what you need.
Conclusion
Chicken sausage is an adaptable, flavorful protein that turns pantry staples into satisfying, stress-free dinners in minutes. From one-pan sheet pan meals and quick pastas to soups, bowls, and grills — these 18 recipes show how one ingredient can spark a week’s worth of variety. Pick a few favorites, stock up on fresh vegetables and basics, and you’ll have no shortage of easy, nourishing dinner options. Happy cooking — and enjoy the simplicity and flavor chicken sausage brings to your table!
