One-Pan Summer Veggie Chicken Sausage Skillet
This one-pan summer veggie chicken sausage skillet brings lean chicken sausage and vibrant seasonal veggies together in a fast, low-carb skillet dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken sausage pre-cooked, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini sliced into half moons
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- ½ red onion sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned on both sides—about 3-4 minutes. This step helps caramelize the sausage and brings out its smoky flavor.
- Step 2: Add the sliced red onion and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The veggies should begin to soften but still retain some crispness, which adds great texture to the final dish.
- Step 3: Toss in the zucchini and cherry tomatoes along with the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garlic infuses the dish with a rich aroma, while the tomatoes release juices that enhance the sauce.
- Step 4: Continue to cook, stirring every couple of minutes, for 7-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred in spots. If you like more char and deeper flavor, extend the cook time by a few minutes, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking the veggies.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm right out of the skillet, or let it cool and portion for meal prep. This dish is just as delicious the next day!
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best One-Pan Summer Veggie Chicken Sausage Skillet
- Choose High-Quality Chicken Sausage: Not all chicken sausages are created equal. For the best healthy chicken sausage skillet, I look for varieties with simple ingredients and no added fillers. Smoked chicken sausage adds another layer of flavor to this one-pan chicken sausage dinner. Try flavors like garlic herb or apple for a fun twist.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If you want your veggies to stay crisp-tender and caramelized, give them space! Too many veggies packed into the pan will steam instead of sauté. For perfect results in your one pan chicken and veggies recipe, use a large skillet (cast iron is my favorite), and cook in batches if needed.
- Layer Flavors Like a Pro: Start by browning the chicken sausage first—this gives you a flavorful base. After sautéing your veggies, try deglazing the pan with a splash of balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice to pick up all those delicious browned bits. It adds a subtle brightness to this quick summer chicken dinner.
- Add Herbs at the End: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme add beautiful flavor and color. But if you add them too early, they’ll lose their vibrancy. For a truly fresh and flavorful one-pan summer veggie chicken sausage skillet, stir herbs in right before serving.
- Customize to Your Dietary Needs:
- Keeping it low carb? Focus on non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach to create a low carb chicken sausage skillet.
- Want something heartier? Serve the skillet over quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Craving Mediterranean flavors? Add kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This makes your easy one skillet chicken dinner even more irresistible.
- Double It for Meal Prep: This dish holds up so well as leftovers. I often double the batch and portion it into containers for a week of high protein one pan dinners. It’s great for busy days when you want something healthy but don’t feel like cooking.
- Use Seasonal Vegetables: One of the best parts about this one-pan chicken sausage and vegetable skillet is how flexible it is. In summer, I load it up with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. In cooler months, try adding mushrooms, kale, or even Brussels sprouts for a change of pace.