I’ll never forget Wednesday nights at my grandma’s house those evenings smelled like comfort, laughter, and family. The pot that simmered on her stove wasn’t just any meal; it was her famous Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice. The moment you walked in the door, you were greeted by the vibrant mix of sizzling sausage, tender chicken, and vibrant peppers, all dancing together over a bed of steaming rice. That aroma was the unofficial dinner bell for our whole neighborhood everyone knew when Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice was on the menu.
Back then, I didn’t realize how much food tells a story, but grandma did. She always said a good meal like Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice brings people together faster than any other dinner. Today, I’m sharing that story and this recipe so you can bring the same magic to your table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Chicken & Sausage with Peppers Over Rice
If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting yet exciting, Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice is your answer. This recipe blends juicy chicken and savory sausage with colorful peppers, all piled on tender rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. The mix of textures and tastes makes this dish a crowd‑pleaser, and it’s simple enough to make any night of the week.
With every bite of Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice, you get juicy savory goodness paired with perfectly cooked rice. The peppers add a splash of color and sweetness, while the sausage cranks up the flavor. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting friends, this dish delivers.
Chicken & Sausage with Peppers Over Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare all ingredients: slice the sausage, cut the chicken, and chop the vegetables.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Add the sausage, peppers, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender and sausage starts to crisp.
- Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.
- Add rice and stir to coat with the mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Ingredients for Chicken & Sausage with Peppers Over Rice
To make Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice, you’ll need the following:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless chicken (cut into bite‑sized pieces)
- 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced)
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups long‑grain rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Every ingredient here plays a part in making Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice rich and delicious. Olive oil helps brown the chicken and sausage, while garlic and onions build a deeply savory base for the peppers and rice.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before heating the pan, slice the sausage, chop the chicken, and cut the peppers. This prep makes cooking Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice quicker and smoother.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they turn golden brown. Browning the chicken first gives your Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice an extra layer of flavor.
3. Add Sausage and Veggies
Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced sausage, peppers, and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage starts to crisp.
4. Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another minute so the spices wake up and mingle with the meat and veggies essential to the flavor of Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice.
5. Stir in Rice and Broth
Add the rice to the pan and stir well so every grain absorbs some of that savory goodness. Then pour in the chicken broth. This broth becomes the heart of your Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice, bringing all the flavors together.
6. Simmer Until Done
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
7. Serve
Spoon your Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the smiles around your table.
Tips for the Best Chicken & Sausage with Peppers Over Rice
- Choose quality sausage: A flavorful smoked sausage makes your Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice richer and more satisfying.
- Colorful peppers make a difference: Using red, yellow, and green peppers adds visual appeal and sweetness to balance the sausage.
- Let the rice rest: After cooking, let your Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice sit covered for a few minutes it helps the grains stay fluffy.
These small tips help make every version of Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice you make even better.
How to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice is how customizable it is:
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne if you like heat.
- Make it lighter: Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower‑carb version.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale near the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
Whether you follow the classic recipe or tweak it to suit your taste, Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice always feels like home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of rice?
Yes. You can use long‑grain white rice for classic Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice or brown rice for a slightly nuttier flavor. Just remember brown rice might need a bit more liquid and longer cooking time.
What if I don’t have smoked sausage?
You can use any cooked sausage you like for your Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage work well.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the base ingredients and refrigerate them separately, then finish cooking the rice when you’re ready to eat Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice.
Is this dish freezer‑friendly?
Yes. After cooking your Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice, let it cool and store in freezer‑safe containers for up to 3 months.
Why This Dish Works for So Many Occasions
Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice isn’t just a dinner idea it’s a meal that brings people together. The rich aroma fills the kitchen, the colors make it look gourmet, and the taste always satisfies. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just craving something hearty, this dish delivers.
Weeknight meals can feel rushed, but Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice only takes one pan and one pot to make minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
Bringing It All Together
At its heart, Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice is more than a meal. It’s a memory maker a delicious dish that connects people the way grandma’s cooking connected ours. With juicy chicken, savory sausage, vibrant peppers, and perfectly cooked rice, every bite feels like home.
So the next time your week feels overwhelming or you just want something satisfying that everyone will love, reach for Chicken & sausage with peppers over rice. It’s simple to prepare, big on flavor, and perfect for any night you want good food and great company.
I’m the creator of Quicky Girl Recipes, where I share easy air fryer meals, cozy comfort food, and simple recipes made for real life.
Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for quick inspiration and everyday cooking ideas. Learn more about me here