Friends, I have a deep love for cabbage, one of my favorite vegetables, and over the years, the Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet has become a regular rotation at my house. This quick, easy, one-pan meal combines smoked sausage, sautéed cabbage, and a carefully balanced spice blend to create a sausage and cabbage recipe that works perfectly for weeknight dinner meals. Whether using chicken sausage, pork sausage, kielbasa, or even turkey sausage, the dish comes together effortlessly and is always good.
Some of my favorite chicken sausage recipes, like Chicken Sausage Stir-Fry and Sheet Pan Sausage with Potatoes and Brussels Sprout, inspired this skillet creation. I love using lean, crunchy cabbage with dried spices for flavorful, healthy results in under 30 minutes.
During busy weeknights, when I’m pressed for time and often hungry or even HANGRY, this sausage and cabbage skillet meal ensures dinner is done right at the table. Growing up, I learned to adjust ingredients based on what I had on hand leaner chicken sausage, kielbasa sausage, burnt out flavors, or a few adjustments with chicken sausage dinner ideas. From simple skillet dinner to sheet pan dinner or one-pot sausage pasta meal, the dish is a go to for family nights. I adore how Cajun flavors can keep the whole family happy, making it satisfying, balanced across food groups, keto-friendly, and a real bonus for evenings when energy is low, but cleanup needs to be fuss-free and effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet:
You’ll love this Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet because it’s a hearty, flavorful, and quick one-pan meal that feels both comforting and fresh. The smoky sausage perfectly complements the tender cabbage, while the simple ingredients come together in just minutes. It’s easy to customize with extra veggies, works for low carb or keto diets, and reheats beautifully for a stress-free, home cooked dinner any night of the week.
What You’ll Need (ingredients in sausage cabbage stir fry):
Here is a list of simple and easily available ingredients that you’ll need to make Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet:
Chicken
- Chicken Sausage: 4 fully cooked chicken sausage links, about 12 oz.
- Options: Aidells smoked chicken & apple sausage, Trader Joe’s chicken sausage, smoked pork sausage, beef sausage, Aidell’s Chicken and Apple Sausage, pre-cooked andouille sausage, kielbasa.
- Additional protein: chicken, chicken breast, boneless thighs, bite-sized chunks of meat
Vegetables
- Cabbage: small cabbage or ½ large cabbage, about 6-7 cups of sliced cabbage or chopped cabbage
Optional: 1/2 head green cabbage, freshly chopped cabbage, purple cabbage
Aromatics: onion, garlic, sautéed onion, minced garlic, freshly minced garlic
Seasonings & Flavor
- Flavor foundation & seasoning: Creole seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, all-purpose seasoning
- Pantry essentials: oil, butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, spices, seasonings
Liquids
- Cooking liquid: chicken broth or water to steam and soften cabbage
Serving & Extras
- Serving suggestions: stir-fry with low carb sides like rice, mashed potatoes, sautéed apples
- Recipe features: recipe is quick, keto, perfect for dinner, with clear instructions, printable recipe card, and overview of ingredients and carb count
How To Make Chicken Sausage & Sautéed Cabbage:
Step 1: Cut chicken sausage into rounds or large pieces. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the sausage for about 2 minutes on each side until browned, then set on a separate plate.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add more oil or butter and begin sautéing onion and garlic until translucent.
Step 3: Add shredded cabbage in two batches, season, toss, and allow it to soften while reducing in size.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, cover with a lid, and steam for a few minutes (roughly 5-7 minutes) until the cabbage is tender and has enough moisture.
Step 5: Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet, cook together for 2-3 minutes, stir occasionally to marry flavors, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: For a quick, keto, easy dish, start by tossing chopped cabbage with Cajun seasoning, continue browning the sausage over medium heat, add smoked bits if desired, and let it turn slightly crisp.
Step 7: Remove and set aside if needed. Use rinsing or washing of the pan, or a tablespoon of butter or cloves to finish cooking 4 cups of cabbage. Fry while stirring occasionally until it reaches desired tenderness, then serve back together with stirred salt and pepper.
How To Cut Cabbage
To prepare cabbage for the Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet, start by removing the outer layers that are bruised or wilted, then place the cabbage on a cutting board with the flat side down. Slice it in half or quarters, depending on size, and carefully cut around the core. Next, slice the cabbage into ½-inch wide strips, ensuring even cutting so it cooks uniformly in your skillet.
How To Make Chicken Sausage & Sautéed Cabbage:
Here is how you can make this recipe:
Can I Add Other Veggies in This Recipe?
You can easily add veggies to your Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet recipe to stretch the meal or change the flavor. Consider diced onion yellow or white bell peppers in red, orange, or sweeter varieties, carrots for extra crunch, or potatoes for heartiness. Simply sauté the extra cabbage and sausage together in the skillet, adjusting cooking time slightly so everything is tender and ready for dinner. This is a great idea if you’re looking to make your one-pan meal more vibrant and satisfying.
What Type of Sausage Should I Use?
For a delicious cabbage meal, the type of sausage matters. You can use kielbasa, andouille, or any favorite smoked sausage that fits your keto, low-carb diet. Be sure to check the nutrition label for hidden sugar and other ingredients, so it works well with your meal plan. Pick a variety you like and that will make your one-pan dish flavorful while following your dietary goals.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Flavor
- Use the exact amount of ingredients for consistent flavor.
- Pay attention to time while you sauté the cabbage.
- For a crisp, crunch texture, cook for 5-6 minutes; for a softer tender result, cook closer to 10 minutes.
- Add fried, chopped onion and garlic to boost the flavor.
- If you wish, you can increase the carbs slightly for more energy.
- Always use fresh ingredients for a hearty meal.
- Leftovers can be easily reheated while keeping flavors vibrant.
- Optional: add 1/2 cup extra aromatics to enhance taste.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To keep your Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet tasting great, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
When ready to eat, you can reheat them in a microwave safe bowl or on the skillet, adding a splash of water or a pinch of salt if needed. Gently warm or sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, or use 30-second intervals in the microwave to ensure it is heated throughout without overcooking. Toss the cabbage, chicken, and sausage back together for a crisp and flavorful bite, so your recipe still tastes fresh and ready in no time, perfect for those busy days or a quick meal rush.
Notes
- Purchase fully cooked chicken sausage links; you can choose your favorite brand, whether pork, beef, smoked, Aidell’s, or pre-cooked andouille or kielbasa.
- Use roughly 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil or fat for skillet preparation.
- Season with Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning, cajun seasoning, or any brand you like, adding plenty of salt to taste as needed.
- Use the recipe instructions carefully to ensure the most flavorful dish.
- After cooking, store in an airtight container for 5-days in the refrigerator; you can use a microwave safe bowl or plate.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the skillet, adding a pinch of salt or a splash of water if needed.
- Don’t forget onions, garlic, and Step 3 tips for extra flavor.
- Keep an eye on carb count if you are on a keto or low carb diet.
More Recipes You Should Also Try:
You should also try:
FAQs about Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
Does cabbage go with sausage?
Yes, cabbage and sausage make a classic and popular combination that is both hearty and flavorful. The salty and smoky flavor of the sausage perfectly complements the sweet, tender, and cooked cabbage, making it a quick skillet dish ideal for meals, comfort food, or stews.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking cabbage?
When making Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet, avoid overcooking your cabbage, which can make it mushy and flavorless. Pay attention to cutting it evenly, seasoning well, using a little fat, and not crowding the pan to prevent soggy results and a bland final dish.
Why do you soak cabbage before cooking?
Before cooking your Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet, it’s important to soak the cabbage to clean it thoroughly, remove any dirt or pests, and reduce bitterness. Soaking also helps make the cabbage crisper, tender, and crunchy, which improves the texture in your recipes.
Can you cook raw sausage and chicken together?
You can cook chicken and sausage together in your Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Skillet, as these meats naturally complement each other, creating tasty dishes with deep, rich flavor. Add onions, carrots, or poblano peppers to enhance the combination, whether roasting in the oven or simmering in stews, and choose beef, pork, or other sausage each time to create a satisfying instance of this combination.
