Trader Joe’s Cheddar Chicken Sausage Skillet

This Trader Joe’s Cheddar Chicken Sausage Skillet is a savory and cheesy meal, which features the cult-favorite Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage and sweet sautéed peppers. It’s a 20-minute stovetop dinner, ready in no time.

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Trader Joe’s Cheddar Chicken Sausage Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage (or Smoked Andouille if you want spice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water) to deglaze
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving

How To Make Trader Joe’s Cheddar Chicken Sausage Skillet

1. Prep the sausage: Slice the cheddar chicken sausages into ½-inch thick coins. (Slice on a bias for a nicer look).
2. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage coins in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until they are deep golden brown. Note: The cheddar cheese pockets inside the sausage will bubble out and create delicious crispy cheese bits on the pan—this is the best part! Remove the sausage to a plate.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the sliced onions and peppers to the same skillet (add a little more oil if the pan is dry). Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the peppers are tender-crisp with some charred edges.
4. Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits (fond) and caramelized cheese from the bottom of the pan. This creates a light, flavorful sauce.
6. Combine and finish: Return the browned sausage coins to the pan. Toss everything together. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and coats the vegetables and meat.
7. Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper (the sausage is salty, so taste first). Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or on its own for a low-carb meal.

Recipe Tips

• The Crispy Cheese: Don’t fear the cheese leaking out. When the cheddar hits the hot pan, it fries into a crisp “frico” crust attached to the sausage. Let it brown; don’t stir too constantly or you’ll lose the crust.
• Veggie variations: This skillet is very flexible. Zucchini rounds, mushrooms, or broccoli florets can be added along with the peppers.
• Serving suggestion: This mixture is excellent piled into a toasted hoagie roll with a slice of provolone on top for a “Cheesy Sausage & Pepper” sandwich.
• Heat: The Unexpected Cheddar sausage is savory but mild. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to kick it up.

What To Serve With Trader Joe’s Cheddar Chicken Sausage Skillet

• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the pan juices.
• Cauliflower Mash: A creamy, low-carb base.
• Pasta: Toss with cooked penne for a pasta dish.
• Mustard: A side of stone-ground mustard is perfect for dipping.

How To Store Trader Joe’s Cheddar Chicken Sausage Skillet

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or sauté in a hot pan to re-crisp the sausage edges.
• Freeze: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Trader Joe’s Cheddar Chicken Sausage Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturates: 7g
• Sugar: 4g
• Salt: 0.9g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings).

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