Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet is a perfect weeknight meal that provides both comfort and nourishment. This cozy one-pan dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings. The combination of caramelized chicken sausage, fennel, and tender cabbage, all finished with a tangy cider-mustard glaze, is not only simple but also satisfying. The flavors meld beautifully, offering a taste experience that is both hearty and delightful. Let’s dive into how to make this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it takes less than 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick dinner option. Second, the use of chicken sausage keeps it lean while still flavorful. Third, the inclusion of cabbage offers a healthy dose of fiber. Fourth, it’s a one-pan dish, which means minimal cleanup afterward. Additionally, this meal is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. You can also easily customize it with different types of sausage or vegetables, making it versatile for all preferences.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
Gather these items:
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 (12-oz.) pack (4 to 5 links) fully-cooked chicken sausage links, sliced thin
- 1 medium fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 lb. green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1 inch pieces
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare Glaze. In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, mustard, garlic, and maple syrup; mix well. Set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Chicken Sausage. Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange chicken sausage slices in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and cook 3 more minutes, until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Sauté Fennel. Add 1 Tbsp. of olive oil to the pan along with fennel. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Step 4: Cook Cabbage. Add cabbage to the pan with fennel along with remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Cover and cook for 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until cabbage is softened.
- Step 5: Add Glaze. Remove lid and add the cider glaze. Cook uncovered until veggies are caramelized and coated, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Add sausage back to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat through. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds, if desired.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is best served warm.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage varieties.
- For a more substantial meal, serve with crusty bread or over rice.
Best Ways to Serve Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
There are several delightful ways to enjoy this dish:
- Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- Consider offering some crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.
How to Store and Reheat Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
What’s the secret to perfect ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=sausage?
The secret to perfect sausage lies in the caramelization of the ingredients. Ensure your skillet is hot enough to get a good sear on the sausage, which enhances the flavor.
Can I make ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=sausage ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving for the best taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=sausage?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the sausage; this helps achieve a nice color and flavor.
Variations of Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute pork sausage or beef sausage for an alternative meat option.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Easy Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This sausage and cabbage skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Caramelized chicken sausage, fennel, and cabbage are finished with a tangy cider-mustard glaze for a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. maple syrup
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 (12-oz.) pack (4 to 5 links) fully-cooked chicken sausage links, sliced thin
- 1 medium fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 lb. green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1 inch pieces
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Glaze. In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, mustard, garlic, and maple syrup; mix well. Set aside.
- Sauté Chicken Sausage. Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange chicken sausage slices in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and cook 3 more minutes, until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Fennel. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan along with fennel. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Cook Cabbage. Add cabbage to the pan with fennel along with remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Cover and cook for 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until cabbage is softened.
- Add Glaze. Remove lid and add cider glaze. Cook uncovered until veggies are caramelized and coated, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add sausage back to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat through. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds, if desired.
Notes
- This dish is best served warm.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: chicken sausage, cabbage, skillet, dinner, easy recipe








