Go Back
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 bell pepper (either red or green), diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges Gathering the right ingredients is key for a great meal. Chicken sausage adds protein and flavor. Long-grain white rice offers a fluffy base. Diced tomatoes bring moisture and a touch of sweetness. Next, you need fresh veggies. Onion and bell pepper add crunch and color. Garlic gives a rich aroma and depth to the dish. The smoked paprika and oregano provide warmth and earthiness. Salt and pepper finish the flavor. For a bright touch, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro. Lime wedges add a zesty kick that brightens the whole dish. Cooking this meal is easy and fun with these fresh, vibrant ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of sliced chicken sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. - Once browned, take the sausage out of the skillet and place it on a plate. - In the same skillet, add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. - Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. - Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. - Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice into the skillet. - Stir well to coat the rice with oil and veggies. Toast the rice for 2 minutes while stirring. - Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice and 3 cups of chicken broth. Mix everything well. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Turn up the heat to boil the mixture, stirring often. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is soft. - After 15 minutes, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. - Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Cover and heat for 5 more minutes. - Fluff the rice and sausage mixture with a fork. Adjust the seasoning if needed. - Ensuring perfect rice consistency: To get the best rice, rinse it first. Rinsing removes extra starch. This helps the rice stay fluffy and not sticky. Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Ensure you use the right amount of broth. Three cups of broth to one cup of rice is ideal. - Avoiding burnt garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, which gives a bitter taste. Add it after the onion and bell pepper are soft. Cook the garlic for just one minute. Stir it often to keep it from burning. - Storing leftovers: Let the dish cool down before storing. Place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to two months. - Reheating methods: Reheat in the microwave for a quick meal. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just add a little water and cover the pan to warm it through. - Presentation ideas: Serve the skillet hot from the pan. Top it with fresh parsley or cilantro. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can also squeeze lime wedges over the dish for a zesty kick. - Accompaniments and side dishes: Pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal. Garlic bread also goes well, adding a crunchy side. You could also serve it with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Pro Tips Cook the Sausage First: Sautéing the sausage first not only adds flavor but also allows it to crisp up nicely, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice in the olive oil before adding liquids is a great way to deepen its flavor and improve the dish's overall taste. Adjust the Liquid: Depending on the brand of rice, you may need to adjust the amount of chicken broth. Always check the rice package instructions for the best results. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a pop of freshness to your dish. {{image_4}} You can easily change the sausage in this dish. Try pork or turkey sausage if you prefer. If you want a plant-based meal, choose vegan sausage. Each option brings its own flavor and texture. Vegetables are another area for swaps. Zucchini adds a nice crunch, while spinach gives a fresh taste. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. This dish is very flexible! To kick up the heat, add cayenne pepper. It gives a spicy kick that some love. Italian seasoning also works well for a herby touch. Just sprinkle in your desired amount. If you want creaminess, try adding cheese. A handful of shredded cheese melted in will make it rich and savory. You can use cheddar or mozzarella for a great taste. These small changes can make your sausage and rice skillet a new dish every time! Each serving of this Sausage and Rice Skillet holds about 450 calories. This dish packs a healthy punch with 30 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, and 50 grams of carbohydrates. The chicken sausage offers lean protein. The rice provides energy, while the vegetables add fiber and nutrients. Using chicken sausage has its perks. It is lower in fat than pork sausage. This choice keeps the dish lighter without losing flavor. Chicken sausage also offers essential proteins and vitamins. The veggies in this dish boost its nutrition. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. They help with immunity and skin health. Onions add antioxidants, which support heart health. Garlic is another powerhouse. It may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. The peas provide fiber and vitamins as well, making this dish both tasty and good for you. Cooking sausage in the skillet takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Heat the olive oil first. Then, add the sausage rounds. Cook until they turn golden brown. Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook. Brown rice usually needs about 40 to 45 minutes. Adjust the amount of broth as needed. You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage. These will give a similar flavor. You can also try diced ham or bacon for a different taste. Check the rice after 15 minutes of simmering. The rice should be tender and absorb most of the liquid. If it is still hard, cover and cook for a few more minutes. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious sausage and rice skillet. We covered key ingredients like chicken sausage, rice, and tasty vegetables. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, plus tips for a perfect dish. You learned how to store leftovers and try different flavors. This meal is not only easy but also packed with nutrition. Enjoy cooking, experimenting, and sharing your tasty creation. Cooking should be fun and satisfying!

Sassy Sausage and Rice Skillet

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring chicken sausage, rice, and vegetables, perfect for a quick dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 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, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once browned, carefully remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn, just until fragrant.
  • Add the long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat each grain with the oil and vegetable mixture. Toast the rice lightly for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • After 15 minutes, gently stir in the frozen peas and reintroduce the browned sausage into the skillet. Cover once more and cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the peas are vibrant and green.
  • Fluff the rice and sausage mixture gently with a fork, tasting and adjusting the seasoning if needed.

Notes

Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
Keyword one-pan meal, rice, sausage, skillet