Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

When I was a kid my Mom used to make a dish that was kielbasa, cabbage, noodles and peas.  It was so buttery and delicious.  I made this Whole30 version without the noodles but please add them in if you are enjoying food freedom.  This Chicken Sausage and Cabbage made in one pan is mouthwatering, buttery and it's so delicious.  It's even wonderful for breakfast with fried eggs. If you are a cabbage fan you may like this recipe too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This one pan wonder is loaded with vegetables, protein, and super easy to make. For me, chicken sausage and cabbage is a comfort food too as it was a dish my Mom used to make us. The cabbage is so buttery and tender. It makes the absolute best leftovers for breakfast or lunch the next day! I fry up a few eggs to have on top for breakfast.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken Apple Sausage Links:  I like Aidells but any kind of chicken sausage or kielbasa will work.

Green Cabbage:  Green cabbage, also known as cannonball cabbage, is leafy, crunchy, cheap and nutritious. Chicken sausage and cabbage can be served raw or cooked in a number of ways.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil stands out as an excellent choice for sautéing, adding richness and enhancing the natural flavors of foods with its versatility.

Ghee: Incorporating ghee into this dish adds a rich, nutty flavor. Ghee is clarified - meaning impurities have been removed, resulting in a pure and clear form of butterfat with lower lactose content than butter. Fourth and Heart is my favorite ghee and you can grab a discount on my links page.

Onion: Vidalia onions are a sweet onion with a mild flavor and higher sugar content. They are perfect for when you don't want the bold pungent flavor of a yellow onion to stand out in a recipe. Fun fact: Vidalia onions are historically grown in the town of Vidalia, Georgia. The soil there has an unusually low amount of sulfur and that's why this onion is more sweet rather than sharp.

Garlic:  Fresh is best for obtaining a little stronger touch of garlic flavor than the sweeter touch you would obtain from powder.

Green Peas: I use frozen peas in this recipe as they are super easy to use and have a deliciously sweet flavor profile that pairs well with the chicken sausage and cabbage.

Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors. Ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large pan heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.

Cook the chicken sausage: As the chicken sausage is usually fully cooked (check your packaging to be sure) you only need to heat it up. We like it on the crispy side so I let it cook a little longer. Once done to your liking, move it to a plate to blend the flavors of chicken sausage and cabbage.

Add remaining oil: and ghee and onions to the pan and cook till onions are soft.

Cook the cabbage: Add cabbage and garlic to the pan and cook till cabbage is tender.

Cook the peas: Stir in peas, salt and pepper and stir in well cooking for about a minute or two.

Add sausage back to pan: Add chicken sausage back to pan and cook about 5 minutes more. This allows the flavors of the chicken sausage and cabbage to combine.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cut the cabbage ahead of time: I will usually chop the cabbage on my meal prep day and store it in a zip lock bag. This way, it is ready any day of the week to make this chicken sausage and cabbage dish.

Add extra cabbage: Feel free to add a few extra cups of chicken sausage and cabbage to the pan. It is so delicious for leftovers!

Recipe Variations

Cut green beans: If you do not care for peas you can swap frozen cut green beans in this chicken sausage and cabbage recipe.

Noodles: My mom used to make this when we were kids with egg noodles in it. If you are not concerned about keeping this recipe Paleo or Whole30 friendly, I strongly encourage you to add the noodles and thank me later!

Storage Tips

The Chicken Sausage and Cabbage can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container. I never have enough left to freeze but I am sure chicken sausage and cabbage will freeze well.

FAQs About Chicken Sausage and Cabbage

Is chicken apple sausage healthier than regular sausage?

It is made with chicken which will mean less sodium and fat on your plate. This makes chicken sausage and cabbage a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage.

Is it normal for chicken sausage to be a little pink?

Yes! A slight pink hue can be normal, even when the sausage is fully cooked.

What are the benefits of eating green cabbage?

Cabbage is one of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat. It is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. It also has a lot of Vitamin C, fiber, calcium, potassium, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, and magnesium. Chicken sausage and cabbage is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.