According to Chef Giovanni, chicken sausage makes for a versatile lunch option. “Chicken sausage can easily be added to salads, sheet pan meals, bowls or used in sandwiches for lunches that are ready in minutes.”
These chicken sausage recipes are perfect for busy weekdays, especially as someone like me who relies on convenient pre-cooked chicken sausage to simplify my midweek lunches.
With some tasty variety, it never gets boring!
Key Takeaway
- They are quick and easy to make, with most taking under 30 minutes of preparation time from start to finish. This makes them very convenient for busy weekdays.
- A variety of cooking methods are used, such as sheet pan roasting, skillet sautéing, and assembling salads or bowls, so there is flexibility based on your preferred cooking style.
- Major elements like the sausage, vegetables, grains, and dressings/toppings can be prepared in advance which enables easy meal prep and grab-and-go lunches for the whole week. This saves time on busy days.
How to Prepare Chicken Sausage Lunches in Under 30 Minutes
After years of trying out different sausage chicken lunch recipes, I’ve found that these simple meal ideas are not only delicious and satisfying, but also allow you to prepare a lunch in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Sheet Pan Meals
The sheet pan meals are especially quick since you just toss everything onto one pan and roast. And the power bowls and salads are ideal for meal prepping since
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken sausage, sliced | 1 pound |
| Bell peppers, sliced | 1-2 |
| Onion, sliced | 1 medium |
| Broccoli or asparagus, chopped | 1-2 cups |
| Olive oil | 1-2 Tbsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 tsp |
After chopping the veggies, add them to a sheet pan and toss everything with the olive oil and Italian seasoning. Feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder as well.
Arrange the chicken sausage and veggies in a single layer. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausage is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Power Bowls
Whether you opt for a sheet pan stir fry with bell peppers and onion, a quinoa bowl with black beans and fresh salsa, or a salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette, chicken sausage is versatile base that adds flavor and protein to any lunch (1).
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pre-cooked chicken sausage, diced | 8 ounces |
| Quinoa, cooked | 1 1/2 cups |
| Red onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Bell peppers, diced | 1 cup |
| Black beans (canned), drained and rinsed | 1/2 cup |
| Guacamole or fresh salsa | 1/4 cup |
Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Dice the chicken sausage. In individual bowls, layer the quinoa, chicken sausage, onions, peppers, and black beans. Top with guacamole or salsa.
Salads
Feel free to get creative by mixing up the vegetables and grains. Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to enjoy a fresh and balanced meal, even on your busiest days.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken sausage, diced | 8 ounces |
| Mixed greens | 6 cups |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Cucumber, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Red wine vinaigrette | 2-3 Tbsp |
Dice the pre-cooked chicken sausage. In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and chicken sausage with red wine vinaigrette.
Easy Recipe Ideas to Try This Week
Asian Chicken Sausage Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cooked chicken sausage, sliced
- 4 cups napa cabbage, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 4 oz rice noodles, cooked
- 1/4 cup ginger-sesame dressing
Steps:
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Slice cabbage, julienne carrot.
- Slice chicken sausage into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Combine noodles, cabbage, carrots and sausage in a large bowl.
- Toss with ginger-sesame dressing until evenly coated.
This light yet flavorful salad is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The Asian-inspired ingredients pair wonderfully in this fresh dish.
The ginger-sesame dressing adds a nice zip of flavor to tie everything together. Best of all, it comes together in just 10 minutes for an easy meal plans you can feel good about.
Chicken Sausage Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz cooked chicken sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Slice bell pepper and chicken sausage.
- Combine pasta, peppers and sausage in a large bowl.
- Toss with Italian dressing until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
This delicious pasta salad is perfect for warm weather lunches or potlucks. The rotini holds the flavorful dressing nicely. I like to slice the chicken sausage so it’s distributed evenly throughout each bite.
Letting it chill allows the pasta to absorb the dressing, which adds extra moisture so it holds up well for packing. It’s colorful, portable and full of flavor – a true weeknight win!
Sausage and Pepper Flatbread
Ingredients:
- 1 flatbread or naan
- 4 oz cooked chicken sausage, sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Steps:
- Preheat broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place flatbread on baking sheet. Top evenly with sausage, peppers and onions.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over top.
- Broil 4-5 minutes, keeping close eye, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice and enjoy hot off the baking sheet!
This easy flatbread comes together in just 10 minutes but absolutely satisfies. I love how the blended flavors of sausage, peppers and cheese meld together under the crispy crust.
For easy meal plans, it doesn’t get much better than popping this in the broiler. Whether serving as-is or folded in half, the whole family will love this simple savory snack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBkAj-oexVs
Credit : SAM THE COOKING GUY
Tips for Making Ahead and Meal Prepping Chicken Sausage Lunches
After years of trying different methods, I’ve found that preparing elements of chicken sausage lunches in advance makes weeknight cooking and packing easy. Here are some tried and true tips:
Cook Bulk Chicken Sausage at Start of Week
Cook 8-12 oz of chicken sausage in skillet or air fryer on Sunday. Divide into portions and refrigerate or freeze meal-sized batches
Roast Extra Vegetables
Toss bell pepper, onions, zucchini in oil; roast at 400°F for 20 minutes. Package 1 cup portions in airtight containers or bags
Cook Grains in Bulk
Make brown rice, quinoa or farro using recipe for 4-6 servings. Portion 1/2 cup amounts into containers or freezer bags
Assemble Lunches Ahead of Time
Layer sausage, veggie and grain portions in containers with dressing. Store sealed lunches 3-4 days in fridge (2)
Freeze for Future Use
Meal prep lunches without delicate items like avocado 1-2 weeks ahead. Thaw overnight in fridge and enjoy
With just a few hours on a weekend, you can stock your fridge with homemade chicken sausage creations for easy, healthy lunches all week.
The prep reduces decision fatigue and ensures you have grab-and-go options even on busy nights. With some practice, prepping multiple batches at once becomes second nature.
FAQ
Does this recipe contain low carb ingredients?
Many of the recipes in this article contain ingredients that are low in carbs like red onion, tsp dried herbs, and cast iron skillet meals.
You can vary based on your carb needs by substituting ingredients like sweet potato for pasta or bell peppers instead of bread (3).
What is the prep time for these recipes?
Most recipes in this article have a prep time of 30 minutes or less. Some like air fryer chicken sausage or pan sausage and potatoes can be on the table in under 20 minutes.
Recipes that involve cooking pasta or butternut squash may take closer to 30 minutes of prep time.
Do any of the recipes use gluten free ingredients?
Yes, several recipes in this article offer gluten free options. Pork sausage, chicken sausage, red potatoes, yellow squash, and bell peppers are naturally gluten free.
You can also find recipes that use gluten free pasta or omit bread to make dishes like sausage chicken pepper skillet gluten free.
What cooking methods are used in these recipes?
A variety of cooking methods are used for the recipes in this article. Common methods include sautéing sausage links in a cast iron skillet, roasting chicken sausage and vegetables on a baking sheet, and braising sausage with white beans or marinara sauce in the oven.
Some recipes call for air frying or steaming potatoes, squash, or pasta to cook them.
How do I know when the sausage is fully cooked?
For safety, fully cook all sausage before eating. Links and loose bulk sausage are done when no longer pink inside and juices run clear. browned sausage will be firm to the touch and a light golden brown color.
For sliced sausage cook until browned and crispy around edges but still moist in center. Use an instant-read meat apple sausage to check doneness.
What spices are common in chicken sausage seasoning?
Many chicken sausages contain a blend of herbs and apple maple syrup to flavor the meat.
Common spices found in store-bought or homemade blends include sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, cloves garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Feel free to add your own favorite herbs like oregano or rosemary to customized recipes.
Can I use a different type of sausage in these recipes?
Yes, in many recipes you can substitute one type of sausage for another. Recipes calling for pork sausage could use italian, smoked sausage or chicken apple sausage instead.
Just be sure to fully cook any raw sausage prior to adding it to the dish. You may want to adjust seasonings to complement the different sausage flavor.
What side dishes or toppings go well with these recipes?
Popular sides to serve with the main dishes in this article include garlic bread, red bell or sweet potato, green salad, pecorino romano or parmesan cheese.
You can also garnish finished recipes with fresh herbs, crushed red pepper, goat cheese or toasted breadcrumbs.
Experiment adding your family’s favorite comfort food sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
How do I reheat leftovers from these sausage recipes?
To reheat leftovers, gently warm them in the microwave or oven until piping hot all the way through.
You can also pan reheat sliced sausage chicken peppers or sheet pan dinner by cooking it over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
For casseroles, reheat covered to keep contents from drying out. Enjoy your delicious dinners for easy healthy meals all week!
Conclusion
After trying out dozens of chicken sausage lunch recipes over the years, I can sincerely say these are amongst the easiest options to put together.
Whether you choose a quick salad, power bowl or sheet pan meal, each one takes about 30 minutes from start to finish thanks to convenient pre-cooked sausage.
Another bonus is how versatile the components are – I love swapping up the veggies, grains and seasonings each week to keep lunches feeling fresh.
Above all though, it brings me joy knowing these nutrient-packed recipes fuel busy folks through midday slumps.
Chicken sausage truly is a champion ingredient for lunch. So grab your favorite flavor at the store, pick a recipe that suits your schedule, and I promise you’ll soon find these wholesome meals becoming a regular part of your weekday routine too.
Before you know it, your fridge will be stocked with convenient lunches so that come what may, you’re always taken care of with a tasty and energizing midday meal in hand.
I’d love to hear about your favorite chicken sausage recipe creations in the comments below!
References
- https://cookindocs.com/chicken-sausage/
- https://extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/storage-times-food-refrigerator-and-freezer
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-ways-to-replace-bread
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-stir-fry/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-pasta/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/calories-in-cooked-brown-rice-100g/
Was this helpful?
I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
