Chicken Sausage and Butternut Squash Skillet
Quick skillet with precooked chicken sausage, frozen butternut squash, apple and bacon. Ready in minutes and easy to customize.
Frozen squash and pre-cooked chicken sausage makes this meal come together in minutes!
Submitted by: Jocelyn Reichert from Oswego, IL
- Use frozen butternut squash and precooked chicken sausage for a fast weeknight meal.
- Cook bacon first, sauté apples and onion in reserved bacon grease, then add sausage and squash until heated through.
- Easy swaps: use pork sage sausage, plant-based links, or fresh squash (pre-cook) and store leftovers 3 to 4 days.
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to thaw the frozen butternut squash first?
No. You can add frozen squash straight to the skillet. Cook until heated through, about 5 to 8 minutes depending on chunk size. Thawing will shorten the cook time.
Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of frozen?
Yes. Peel and cube the fresh squash. Either roast the cubes at 400 F for 20 to 25 minutes or sauté raw cubes in the skillet for about 10 to 12 minutes until tender before adding the other ingredients.
Is it okay to use raw sausage instead of fully cooked links?
Yes, but cook raw sausage through before combining with the other ingredients. For chicken sausage aim for an internal temp of 165 F. Brown and drain any excess fat, then continue with the recipe.
What are good sausage substitutes?
Pork sausage with sage works well, as do turkey or other flavored chicken sausages. For a plant-based option, use a hearty meatless sausage or smoked tempeh.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and chicken sausage. Use a plant-based sausage or add chickpeas for protein. Replace bacon grease with a splash of oil and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for savory depth.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm, or microwave. You can freeze portions up to 2 months, though texture may change.
Can I reduce the sweetness or change the seasoning?
Yes. Cut or skip the coconut or brown sugar if you prefer less sweet. Swap the Gateway to the North Maple Garlic seasoning for maple syrup and garlic powder, or use salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
What should I serve this skillet with?
It works as a full meal on its own. You can also serve it over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a bed of greens. A crusty roll or simple green salad pairs nicely.
Do I need to thaw the frozen butternut squash first?
No. You can add frozen squash straight to the skillet. Cook until heated through, about 5 to 8 minutes depending on chunk size. Thawing will shorten the cook time.
Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of frozen?
Yes. Peel and cube the fresh squash. Either roast the cubes at 400 F for 20 to 25 minutes or sauté raw cubes in the skillet for about 10 to 12 minutes until tender before adding the other ingredients.
Is it okay to use raw sausage instead of fully cooked links?
Yes, but cook raw sausage through before combining with the other ingredients. For chicken sausage aim for an internal temp of 165 F. Brown and drain any excess fat, then continue with the recipe.
What are good sausage substitutes?
Pork sausage with sage works well, as do turkey or other flavored chicken sausages. For a plant-based option, use a hearty meatless sausage or smoked tempeh.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and chicken sausage. Use a plant-based sausage or add chickpeas for protein. Replace bacon grease with a splash of oil and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for savory depth.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm, or microwave. You can freeze portions up to 2 months, though texture may change.
Can I reduce the sweetness or change the seasoning?
Yes. Cut or skip the coconut or brown sugar if you prefer less sweet. Swap the Gateway to the North Maple Garlic seasoning for maple syrup and garlic powder, or use salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
What should I serve this skillet with?
It works as a full meal on its own. You can also serve it over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a bed of greens. A crusty roll or simple green salad pairs nicely.
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