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- 1 lb spicy chicken sausage, sliced - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients give the dish its great flavor and texture. The spicy chicken sausage adds a nice kick. Long-grain rice absorbs the broth well. Chicken broth keeps the dish rich and savory. Fresh veggies like bell pepper and onion bring color and crunch. - Sweet Italian sausage for a milder taste - Brown rice for added fiber - Zucchini or spinach for extra veggies - Different herbs like thyme or basil for unique flavors You can mix up the sausage type to suit your taste. If you want a healthier twist, use brown rice. Adding more veggies boosts nutrition while keeping it tasty. - Choose fresh sausage from a trusted butcher or store. - Look for rice that is unbroken and clean. - Select vibrant bell peppers and firm onions. - Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. Fresh and high-quality ingredients make your dish shine. Always check the labels for broth and seasonings to avoid too much salt. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need spicy chicken sausage, rice, chicken broth, bell pepper, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, frozen peas, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 2. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and blend well with the rice. 3. Dice the bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic. This step adds flavor and texture to your dish. 1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil will give flavor and help cook the sausage. 2. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet. Cook it for about five minutes until it turns brown. This browning adds depth to your meal. 3. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet. Set it aside but keep the oil in the pan. 4. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for four to five minutes. You want them to soften but not become mushy. 5. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for one minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic adds a nice aroma and taste. 6. Add the rice to the skillet. Stir it well, coating it in the oil. Cook for about two minutes until it is slightly toasted. This step enhances the rice flavor. 7. Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried oregano. Stir everything to combine well. 8. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This helps the rice absorb the flavors. 9. After 15 minutes, add the frozen peas and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cover again for five more minutes. This ensures the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. 10. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a fork to fluff the rice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. - Cooking time may vary based on your stove and skillet size. Keep an eye on the rice. - If the rice is still firm after 15 minutes, add a splash of broth and cover it again for a few more minutes. - If you use brown rice, increase the simmer time to about 30 minutes, as it takes longer to cook. Cooking in a skillet is simple and fun. Here are some tips to make it better: - Preheat your skillet: Always heat your pan before adding oil. This helps avoid sticking. - Use medium heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures even cooking. High heat can burn your food. - Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give your ingredients space. This helps them brown nicely. Boosting flavor in your dish is key. Here are some ways to enhance your sausage and rice skillet: - Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a pop of flavor. Try adding basil or cilantro too. - Add a splash of acid: A squeeze of lemon or lime brightens the dish. It balances the richness of the sausage. - Experiment with spices: Add red pepper flakes for heat. Try cumin or coriander for a different twist. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results: - Not browning the sausage: Browning adds depth. Don’t skip this step; it brings out the flavors. - Overcooking the rice: Keep an eye on your rice. Overcooked rice can become mushy and lose texture. - Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and season as you go. Salt and pepper can make a big difference. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality spicy chicken sausage. The better the sausage, the more flavorful your dish will be. Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice in olive oil before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor and gives the dish a deeper taste. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Zucchini, carrots, or spinach work well and add more color and nutrients. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for a few minutes. This helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and results in fluffier grains. {{image_2}} You can choose many types of sausage for this dish. Spicy chicken sausage gives a nice kick. If you want something milder, try sweet Italian sausage. For a smoky flavor, go for andouille or chorizo. Each sausage brings its own taste. Feel free to mix and match. Just remember to adjust the spices based on the sausage you pick. If you prefer a meatless meal, you can still enjoy this dish. Use plant-based sausage for a similar taste. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger make great options. You could also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for flavor. This way, you keep it filling and nutritious without meat. While long-grain rice is a classic choice, other types work well too. Brown rice adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option, adding protein. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. As for veggies, mix in corn, carrots, or green beans. This allows you to tailor the dish to your taste. Feel free to get creative! To keep your Sausage and Rice Skillet fresh, cool it first. After it cools, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat, reheating is key. Place the skillet over low heat on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir it often. Heat until it’s warm throughout. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat for one to two minutes, checking often. For meal prep, freezing is a great option. Make sure the dish is completely cool before freezing. Portion it into smaller containers. This helps with quick meals later. Label each container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To add spice, use hot sausage. You can also add red pepper flakes. If you like a kick, use cayenne pepper too. Start with a small amount. Taste as you go to avoid making it too hot. You can also mix in sliced jalapeños for extra heat. The goal is to enhance flavor, not overpower it. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. However, it takes longer to cook. Use 2.5 cups of broth instead of 2 cups. Cook it for about 30-35 minutes. Check it often to ensure it doesn’t get too soft. Sausage and Rice Skillet pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables. Corn on the cob or garlic bread are nice sides too. These options balance the meal and add freshness. This article covered everything you need to know about making a tasty Sausage and Rice Skillet. We talked about choosing the right ingredients and the steps to cook it perfectly. You also learned tips for enhancing flavors and avoiding common mistakes. Plus, we explored variations to fit any diet and how to store leftovers. For a delicious meal, remember these tips and experiment with options. Cooking can be fun and easy. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!

Hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring spicy chicken sausage, rice, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spicy chicken sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the oil and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s slightly toasted.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried oregano. Stir well.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, add the frozen peas to the skillet, and return the cooked sausage. Stir to combine, and cover again for an additional 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword one-pan meal, rice, sausage, skillet