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- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 small onion, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained The main ingredients for this dish are simple and fresh. Chicken sausage gives a nice flavor without being too heavy. Long-grain white rice acts as the base. Onions and bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Garlic brings a warm aroma, while diced tomatoes add moisture and zest. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are crucial for flavor. Smoked paprika gives a touch of smokiness. Dried oregano adds a nice herb taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. These seasonings enhance the dish without overpowering it. - 3 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh herbs for garnish Chicken broth adds richness to the rice. Olive oil helps in cooking the sausage and veggies. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the dish when served. These components make this meal hearty and comforting. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Slice 1 pound of chicken sausage. Add it to the hot oil. - Sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. - Use a spatula to turn the slices so they brown evenly. - Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. - Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. - Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until you smell the garlic. - This adds a nice flavor to your dish. - Now, add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet. - Stir the rice for about 2 minutes to coat it in the oil and veggies. - Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 3 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. - Mix everything well and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Bring the mixture to a boil. - Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer. - Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. - After 15 minutes, add 1 cup of frozen peas and the browned sausage back to the skillet. - Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through. - Fluff the rice and sausage mixture with a fork, adjusting the seasoning if needed. - Ensuring rice consistency: Use long-grain white rice for a fluffy texture. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps it stay separate and not sticky. Stir the rice in oil for a couple of minutes before adding liquids. This helps it cook evenly and enhances the flavor. - Perfecting sausage browning: Choose chicken sausage for a leaner option. Heat the skillet before adding sausage to get a nice sear. Cook in batches if your skillet is crowded. This ensures each piece gets enough heat for even browning. - Garnishing ideas: Fresh parsley or cilantro adds color and brightness. Lime wedges on the side give a zesty flavor boost. You could also sprinkle some cheese on top for extra richness. - Pairing with sides or sauces: Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread. A side of roasted vegetables complements this dish well. For a kick, drizzle with hot sauce before serving. - Storing leftovers: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. - Reheating methods: Reheat on the stove for even warming. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it for a quick meal. Just cover it to prevent drying out. Pro Tips Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality chicken sausage will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Look for options that are minimally processed and contain natural ingredients. Rice Type Matters: Long-grain rice works best for this recipe as it remains fluffy and separate. Avoid using short-grain rice, which can become sticky. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the skillet while cooking. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro not only add color but also a burst of freshness. Don’t skip this step for a restaurant-quality finish! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Chicken sausage is great, but you can try other types too. Here are some ideas: - Pork sausage: This adds a rich flavor. - Turkey sausage: A leaner option that still tastes good. - Beef sausage: For a heartier taste. - Vegetarian sausage: Perfect for plant-based diets. Want to change the base? Rice is nice, but there are fun alternatives: - Brown rice: This gives more fiber and a nutty taste. - Quinoa: It cooks fast and is full of protein. - Cauliflower rice: A great low-carb swap for a light meal. You can easily boost the flavor of your skillet. Here are some ways to spice it up: - Add spices: Try cumin or chili powder for warmth. - Hot sauce: A splash can bring heat and excitement. - Different vegetables: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or corn for color and crunch. These variations make the dish exciting and allow you to enjoy it in many ways. After cooking, let your sausage and rice skillet cool. I recommend leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps prevent condensation in the container. Use airtight containers for storage. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. In the fridge, this dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. For reheating, the best method is on the stove. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to avoid drying out. Adding a bit of fresh parsley or cilantro can boost the flavor, too. The total cooking and prep time for the Sausage and Rice Skillet is about 35 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and 25 minutes to cook. This quick dish is perfect for busy weeknights! Yes, you can use other types of sausage in this recipe. Try turkey sausage for a healthier option. You can also use pork or Italian sausage for more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if needed. You can serve Sausage and Rice Skillet with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread also makes a great side. For a refreshing touch, add lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and store it in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to eat. This blog post covers a tasty sausage and rice skillet recipe. You learned about key ingredients like chicken sausage, rice, and fresh vegetables. I shared step-by-step instructions to cook it perfectly. Tips were included to help with flavor and storage. You can also explore fun variations with different proteins or rice types. Cooking can be simple and delicious. Enjoy making this dish, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Sassy Sausage and Rice Skillet

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring chicken sausage, rice, and vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • for garnish fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the oil and vegetable mixture for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • After 15 minutes, stir in the frozen peas and return the browned sausage to the skillet. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and the peas are bright green.
  • Fluff the rice and sausage mixture with a fork, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve hot directly from the skillet, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Consider placing lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!
Keyword one-pan meal, rice, sausage, skillet