Name: Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp. whole-grain mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp. maple syrup; 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 (12-oz.) pack (4 to 5 links) fully-cooked chicken sausage links, sliced thin (suggested an apple or cajun-style variety); 1 medium fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced or shaved (reserve fennel fronds for garnish); 1 lb. green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1 inch pieces (~6 heaping cups); Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal that comes together in one pan, especially when it’s as satisfying as a Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet. This dish is a delightful harmony of tender chicken sausage and sweet, caramelized cabbage, lightly punched up with the brightness of apple cider vinegar and whole-grain mustard. The marriage of flavors and textures makes this recipe not just nourishing, but also a feast for the senses. You get that lightly crispy, golden sausage paired with soft, savory cabbage that makes every bite comforting and delicious.

Pin this for later!

I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a chilly evening, and I needed something quick yet filling to share with my family. With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking time, I found joy in the simplicity. The best part? My kids loved it! The sweetness from the maple syrup complemented the dish perfectly, bringing smiles all around the dinner table. If you’re looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly meal that pleases even the pickiest of eaters, then this Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet deserves a spot on your weekly menu!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 50 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet maple, tangy vinegar, and savory sausage is oh-so-satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors from the cabbage and fennel make this dish as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, but also makes for tasty leftovers for lunch the next day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for gluten-free? Just check your sausage package, and you’re all set!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar: Adds a lovely tang and balances the flavors beautifully. You can substitute with white wine vinegar if needed.
1 tbsp. whole-grain mustard: Offers a delightful texture and depth of flavor. If you prefer, Dijon mustard works well too.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings aromatic goodness to the dish. Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic can save time.
2 tsp. maple syrup: Provides a touch of natural sweetness. Honey can work as a swap, but the flavor will vary slightly.
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing, this oil imparts richness. Feel free to use canola or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
1 (12-oz.) pack fully-cooked chicken sausage links, sliced thin: For convenience, I recommend an apple or cajun-style variety for added flavor. Raw chicken sausage requires longer cooking time.
1 medium fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced or shaved: This gives a sweet, anise-like flavor and wonderful texture. Don’t toss those fronds; sprinkle them on top for garnish!
1 lb. green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 6 heaping cups): Cabbage softens beautifully when cooked, bringing heartiness to the dish. Savoy or Napa cabbage are good alternatives if you want a different texture.
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your skillet.

How to Make Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp. whole-grain mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp. maple syrup. Mix well and set aside.
Sauté Chicken Sausage: Heat 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the slices of 1 (12-oz.) pack fully-cooked chicken sausage in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until both sides are golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Sauté Fennel: Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to the pan along with the sliced fennel. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Cook Cabbage: Now, add the chopped cabbage to the pan with the fennel, along with the remaining 1 tbsp. olive oil. Cover the skillet and cook for 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until the cabbage is nicely softened.
Add Glaze: Remove the lid from the skillet and pour in the cider glaze you prepared earlier. Cook uncovered until the veggies are caramelized and coated in the glaze, which should take about 3 more minutes. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
Combine & Heat: Return the chicken sausage to the pan, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through. If desired, garnish with reserved fennel fronds before digging in.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet, allow it to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until piping hot. Just remember that the texture may soften a bit upon reheating, so stir occasionally to refresh the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to sauté the sausage in a single layer to achieve that golden-brown finish. Crowding the pan will steam the links instead!
If using raw chicken sausage, increase your cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
For added flavor, feel free to toss in a few red pepper flakes for an extra kick or herbs like thyme or dill.
If you have leftover cooked sausage, feel free to incorporate it instead of fully-cooked links.
Make this dish even heartier by adding other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers.

It’s hard to go wrong with such a simple yet delicious meal. This Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet boasts an abundance of flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for any night. Why not give it a try? You might just find that it becomes a regular feature in your dinner rotation. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing!

Recipe FAQs

How can I customize this Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet?

You can easily customize the skillet by adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even kale. Each addition will bring a unique flavor and texture, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite sausage variety. Pork or turkey sausages work well, too. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the skillet if using pre-cooked sausage.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish earlier in the day and warm it up right before serving. Just allow it to cool before refrigerating and reheat on the stove for the best results.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This dish is filling enough on its own, but if you’re looking to add something extra, serve it with crusty bread for sopping up the glaze or a fresh salad to balance the meal.

More Dinner Recipes

Colcannon

👉 If you make my Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.