Italian Chicken & Sausage With Peppers
A hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful sausages, and vibrant peppers, perfect for family dinners and packed with robust flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 4 Italian link sausages, about 12 oz. ⓘ
- 1 frying chicken, skin removed, cut into serving pieces
- 1 medium onion, about 4 oz. ⓘ
- 2 medium green bell peppers, about 10 oz. ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 can (16 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 3/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. fennel seeds ⓘ
- Crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- Salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
- Prick the skin of the sausages in several places with a fork.
- Add the sausages and chicken pieces to the oil and cook until well browned on all sides.
- Remove from heat and add sliced onions and green bell peppers to the cooker, cooking until softened.
- Add minced garlic, red wine vinegar, diced tomatoes, dried basil, fennel seeds (if using), crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Return the sausages and chicken to the cooker, stirring to combine.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook under pressure for about 15 minutes.
- Release pressure safely, then serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme along with the garlic. If you don't have red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar can be a good substitute. For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes. Additionally, you can swap the Italian sausages for turkey sausage for a lighter version, complementing your other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or over a bed of rice or pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. Serve with a simple side salad drizzled with olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider accompanying it with a side of Italian Acorn Squash Soup to round out your Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, reheating in 30-second increments until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken & Sausage With Peppers contains roughly 193 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 739mg per serving (32% 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with boneless pork or turkey for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted accordingly if using larger or thicker cuts of meat.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes or use a milder sausage. Additionally, serving the dish with a side of creamy polenta or a cooling yogurt sauce can help balance the heat.
What can I serve with Italian Chicken & Sausage?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad. For a heartier option, consider serving it over creamy risotto or alongside garlic bread for an authentic Italian experience.
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).