Hail To The Chief
Hail To The Chief is a flavorful chicken and sausage skillet dish with peas, tomatoes, and rice, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen peas with butter sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage or spicy sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 16 oz. can whole tomatoes, cut up (undrained)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In bowl of warm water, thaw pea pouch for 20 minutes.
- In large skillet, cook sausage until browned; drain.
- Stir in onion and garlic; cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, chicken, celery, olives, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce to the skillet. Bring mixture to a boil; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and thawed peas.
- Cover and continue cooking for 5 minutes or until rice and peas are thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce. Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. Spice it up with more hot pepper sauce to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving alongside American recipes like Elegant Carrots or Broccoli Strata.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hail To The Chief contains roughly 370 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1030mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas if you prefer. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they stay bright and tender. Fresh peas will add a lovely texture and flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you want a milder flavor, you can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage or ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a similar texture. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the rice and peas, then cool it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and stir in the rice and peas until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).