11 Best Chicken and Sausage Recipes to Try Today

Chicken and sausage are versatile ingredients that can create a variety of delicious meals. I enjoy experimenting with different flavors and cooking methods to bring out the best in these two proteins. In this article, I will share my 11 best chicken and sausage recipes that are sure to please any palate.

Cooking with chicken and sausage allows for a range of dishes, from comforting casseroles to spicy grilled options. I find that the combination of these meats not only enhances flavor but also complements each other in texture. Each recipe in this selection is straightforward and perfect for any home cook looking to impress family and friends.

1. Classic Jambalaya

Classic jambalaya is a flavorful dish from Louisiana that combines rice, chicken, sausage, and spices. Its rich history reflects the cultural blend of different communities in the region.

I find jambalaya easy to prepare, making it great for both beginners and seasoned cooks. The total cook time is about 45-60 minutes.

To make jambalaya, follow these steps:

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 pound of sliced sausage and 1 pound of diced chicken. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
5. Stir in 1 ½ cups of uncooked rice. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender.

I appreciate the way jambalaya brings friends and family together. Each person can enjoy a hearty plate filled with flavor.

2. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty stew that combines meat, vegetables, and spices. It’s a classic dish from Louisiana, often served over rice.

Making chicken and sausage gumbo is quite easy. I typically start by preparing a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat cooked until it turns a deep brown. This gives the gumbo its rich flavor.

Here’s how I make it:

1. Make the Roux: In a large pot, heat equal parts of oil and flour on medium heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes a dark brown color.
2. Add Veggies: Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery (the “holy trinity”) to the roux. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Cook the Sausage: Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Broth: Stir in diced chicken and add about 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Season: Add spices like thyme, bay leaves, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve: Ladle the gumbo over cooked rice in bowls and enjoy.

This recipe is comforting and perfect for gatherings.

3. Cajun Sausage and Chicken Pasta

Cajun Sausage and Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to my kitchen. It combines spicy andouille sausage with tender chicken and pasta, creating a satisfying meal.

This recipe is easy to make, even for beginners. I can complete it in about 30 minutes. Here are the simple steps:

1. Ingredients: Gather chicken breast, andouille sausage, pasta, bell peppers, onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
4. Add Proteins: Slice the chicken and sausage. Add them to the skillet, cooking until the chicken is no longer pink.
5. Mix Everything: Stir in cooked pasta, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Cook until heated through.

This dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any day of the week.

4. Spicy Chicken and Sausage Skewers

Spicy chicken and sausage skewers are a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with robust sausage, perfect for grilling. This recipe is simple and great for gatherings.

To make them, I start by cutting chicken breast and sausage into bite-sized pieces. Marinating them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and chili powder adds depth and heat.

Here are the basic steps:

1. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add chicken and sausage pieces, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread chicken and sausage onto skewers, alternating pieces.
6. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

I find that serving these skewers with a fresh dip or a salad makes for a complete meal. They are perfect for barbecues or casual dinners. Enjoy the delicious mix of flavors in every bite!

5. One-Pan Chicken with Sausage

One-pan chicken with sausage is a simple and flavorful dish that I enjoy making. It offers a comforting blend of protein and vegetables, all cooked together in one pan. This method makes cleanup easy and keeps all the flavors in one place.

To make this dish, I start by gathering my ingredients: chicken pieces, sausage, bell peppers, and onions. I choose a variety of spices to enhance the flavors.

Here are the basic steps I follow:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, I arrange chicken and sliced sausage.
3. I add chopped bell peppers and onions.
4. Then, I season everything with olive oil, salt, pepper, and my choice of herbs.
5. I bake for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sausage is browned.

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable based on my favorite vegetables or spices. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

6. Chicken and Sausage Casserole

Chicken and sausage casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and vegetables. It is versatile and can be made with various ingredients to suit my taste.

I find it easy to prepare. This dish typically takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to bake.

To make this casserole, I follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook sliced sausage until browned. Remove and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until soft.
4. Add cubed chicken and cook until no longer pink.
5. Combine the sausage, chicken, and vegetables in a baking dish.
6. Pour in a can of cream of chicken soup and mix well.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.

This casserole makes a hearty meal, perfect for any day of the week. It pairs well with rice or crusty bread.

7. Slow Cooker Sausage and Chicken Stew

I enjoy making Slow Cooker Sausage and Chicken Stew for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. This dish combines tender chicken, savory sausage, and a mix of vegetables in a hearty broth. It’s perfect for busy days when I want a warm meal waiting for me.

Making this stew is simple. I start by browning the sausage and chicken in a pan for extra flavor. Then, I transfer them to the slow cooker. I add chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery. Next, I season with salt, pepper, and my favorite herbs.

Here are the easy steps:

1. Brown 1 pound of sausage and 1 pound of chicken in a skillet.
2. Add 2 cups of chopped vegetables (like carrots and potatoes) to the slow cooker.
3. Place the browned meat on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

When it’s done, I have a delicious and satisfying stew ready to enjoy. This recipe always brings warmth and comfort to my table with minimal effort.

8. Grilled Chicken and Sausage Pizza

Grilled Chicken and Sausage Pizza is a delicious dish that combines savory flavors in a perfect blend. The grilled chicken adds a smoky taste, while the sausage brings rich, meaty notes. This pizza is simple to make and great for any meal.

To prepare this pizza, I start by gathering my ingredients. I use pizza dough, grilled chicken, cooked sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to my desired thickness.
3. Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the dough.
4. Add the grilled chicken and sliced sausage evenly on top.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza.
6. Place the pizza on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 10-12 minutes.
7. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, I remove it from the grill.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

With these steps, I enjoy a tasty pizza that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings.

9. Sausage-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Sausage-stuffed chicken breasts are tasty and satisfying. This dish combines chicken with seasoned sausage for a flavorful meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for dinner.

To create this dish, I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C). I take chicken breasts and make a pocket in each one for the stuffing.

Next, I cook some sausage in a pan. After it browns, I mix in some herbs and spices. Then, I stuff the sausage mixture into the chicken pockets.

I secure the openings with toothpicks and season the outside of the chicken. Place the stuffed breasts in a baking dish and bake for about 30-35 minutes. They are done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This recipe is not only simple but also allows for adjustments. I can use different types of sausage or add vegetables to the stuffing for extra flavor.

10. Chicken and Sausage Paella

Chicken and sausage paella is a flavorful dish that originated in Spain. It combines rice with chicken, sausage, and spices, creating a hearty meal.

Making this dish is quite simple. I find it a great option for gatherings, as it can feed many people.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. In a large skillet, I heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. I add sliced sausage and chicken pieces, cooking until browned.
3. Next, I stir in rice and cook for a couple of minutes.
4. I pour in chicken broth and add saffron, salt, and pepper.
5. After boiling, I reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Finally, I let it rest for five minutes before serving.

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also rich in flavors. It’s perfect for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort.

11. Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage is a flavorful dish that combines the rich tastes of chicken, sausage, and a creamy sauce. It’s a great example of Cajun cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients.

This recipe is easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It usually takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.

To make it, I follow these steps:

1. Sauté Ingredients: First, I heat oil in a skillet. Then, I add diced chicken and smoked sausage. I cook them until nicely browned.
2. Add Vegetables: Next, I include chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. This mixture cooks for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Make the Sauce: I then add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning. I stir everything together and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. Serve: Finally, I pour the creamy mixture over cooked pasta or rice. This dish pairs well with a sprinkle of green onions on top for extra flavor.

Enjoying this dish brings a taste of Louisiana right to my kitchen.

What Is Chicken and Sausage Pairing?

I find that pairing chicken and sausage can create delicious meals that highlight the strengths of both proteins. Proper pairing enhances flavor and complements the textures, making for satisfying dishes.

What Is the Culinary Chemistry Behind Chicken and Sausage Pairing?

The flavors in chicken and sausage can blend beautifully. Chicken is often mild and versatile, while sausage brings a punch of spices and fat. This combination allows for exciting taste profiles.

For example, I like to use spicy sausage with grilled chicken to create a nice balance. Ingredients like herbs, garlic, and onions can enhance the dish. When cooking, using sausages with varying spices can also change the entire flavor dynamic.

Key Spices for Pairing:

• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Oregano

These ingredients help to create depth and complexity in the dish, ensuring a delightful eating experience.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Sausage Pairing?

Combining chicken and sausage can provide various nutritional perks. Chicken is high in protein, making it a good choice for muscle health. Sausage, especially when made from lean meats, can offer similar benefits but add flavor.

I appreciate that using a mix of these proteins provides a varied nutritional profile. For instance, pairing lean chicken breast with chicken sausage allows me to control fat intake.

Nutritional Mix:

• Chicken (3 oz): 25g protein, 3g fat
• Sausage (3 oz): 15g protein, 12g fat

This variety can contribute to a balanced diet while keeping meals exciting and flavorful.