Trader Joes Chicken Sausage Recipe

This savory, blistered Trader Joes Chicken Sausage Recipe is made with sliced bell peppers and ready in 20 minutes. The edges of the sausage brown up beautifully in the hot skillet while releasing their juices into the tender onions. I love making this on busy weeknights when I have zero energy to cook.

Why This Classic Works

I used to overcook these sausages until they were dry and rubbery. Because Trader Joe’s chicken sausages are already fully cooked, they really only need a quick sear to build flavor.

The trick I learned is slicing them into rounds and letting them sit undisturbed in a hot pan. This creates a crisp crust that completely transforms the final dish.

Trader Joes Chicken Sausage Recipe Ingredients

For the Skillet

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage (any flavor, sliced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large bell peppers (sliced)
• 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Sausage Recipe

1. Prep the vegetables: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
2. Add the aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for one more minute until fragrant, then remove the vegetables to a plate.
3. Sear the sausage: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer.
4. Finish the dish: Cook the sausage for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Return the vegetables to the pan, toss everything together, and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Choose your favorite flavor: The sweet apple or roasted garlic sausages work perfectly, but the jalapeno adds a nice kick if you like heat.
• Do not touch the sausage: Let the slices sit undisturbed in the pan so they can develop a deep, caramelized crust.
• Cut uniform slices: Slice the sausages at an angle to create more surface area for browning in the hot oil.

What To Serve With Chicken Sausage

This pairs wonderfully with a simple bowl of penne pasta or steamed white rice. For a lighter option, pile the hot sausage and peppers over a bed of fresh greens or cauliflower rice.

How To Store

Store any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze the cooked mixture for up to three months, though the peppers will be softer once thawed.

FAQs

Do I need to boil Trader Joe’s chicken sausage first?
No, these sausages are fully cooked when you buy them. You just need to heat them through and brown the outside for better flavor.

Can I bake this instead of cooking it on the stove?
Yes, you can toss all the ingredients with olive oil and roast them on a sheet pan at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

Do I need to remove the casing?
The casing on Trader Joe’s chicken sausages is edible and helps the sausage hold its shape. There is no need to remove it before slicing.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
• Protein: 16 g

Trader Joes Chicken Sausage Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Trader Joes Chicken Sausage Recipe features savory, blistered slices tossed with tender bell peppers and sweet onions in just 20 minutes. This quick skillet dinner uses simple pantry staples and is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you need a fast, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage (any flavor, sliced)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large bell peppers (sliced)

• 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

• 1. Prep the vegetables: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
• 2. Add the aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for one more minute until fragrant, then remove the vegetables to a plate.
• 3. Sear the sausage: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced chicken sausage in a single layer.
• 4. Finish the dish: Cook the sausage for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Return the vegetables to the pan, toss everything together, and serve immediately.