Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers is a lighter take on a classic Italian-American comfort dish. Juicy chicken sausage is paired with sweet bell peppers and tender onions, all sautéed or roasted together with fragrant Italian herbs for a flavorful yet wholesome meal. It’s satisfying without being heavy, making it perfect for everyday dinners.
Chicken Sausage and Peppers:
This dish is incredibly versatile—serve it on its own, over rice or pasta, or tucked into a warm hoagie roll. With simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers is a reliable recipe that fits both busy weeknights and relaxed family meals.
History:
Sausage and peppers has long been a staple of Italian street food and Italian-American home cooking, especially popular at festivals and family gatherings. Traditionally made with pork sausage, the dish evolved to include chicken sausage as a healthier alternative. While lighter in fat, chicken sausage still delivers the savory, herb-forward flavors that make this classic so beloved.
Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.
Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian chicken sausage (sweet or spicy), sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for a baked version.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return sausage to the pan and toss everything together.
- Cook for another 5–7 minutes until sausage is fully cooked and flavors are well combined.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Choose fully cooked chicken sausage to reduce cooking time.
- Sweet or spicy sausage both work well depending on preference.
- Red and yellow peppers add natural sweetness.
- Adjust salt carefully, as sausage can be salty.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Tips for Chicken Sausage and Peppers:
- Slice peppers and onions evenly for uniform cooking.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or white wine for extra flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a heartier meal.
- Add mushrooms for extra depth.
- Finish with grated Parmesan if desired.
FAQs for Chicken Sausage and Peppers:
Q: Can I bake this instead of using a skillet?
Yes, baking on a sheet pan at 400°F is easy and hands-off.
Q: Is chicken sausage healthier than pork sausage?
Generally yes—it’s lower in fat and calories while still flavorful.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Q: What should I serve with chicken sausage and peppers?
It pairs well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or sandwich rolls.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers is a simple, flavorful dish that brings classic Italian comfort to your table with a lighter twist. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to whenever you need a satisfying, no-fuss meal.