One-Pan Southwest Chicken Sausage and Rice Skillet with Salsa Fresca and Lime Crema

This one-pan Southwest chicken sausage and rice skillet brings all the bold, vibrant flavors of the Southwest straight to your dinner table. Tender jasmine rice is cooked with juicy chicken sausage, sautéed green pepper and onion, then topped with gooey melted Mexican cheese. A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes and a zesty lime crema add brightness and creaminess, while a drizzle of hot sauce gives it a spicy kick if you like.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this skillet meal comes together in just 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients. It’s a satisfying, flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Serve it straight from the skillet for a fun, casual dinner.

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Ingredients

9 ounce Italian Chicken Sausage MixView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Long Green PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Southwest Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Mexican Cheese BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Hot SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package directions, but replace half the water with chicken stock concentrate dissolved in water. Set aside.
2. While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and green pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice, cooked sausage and Southwest spice blend to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit off heat until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, make the salsa fresca: In a small bowl, combine the diced tomato, a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt.
7. Make the lime crema: In another small bowl, mix the sour cream with the remaining lime juice until smooth.
8. Serve the skillet topped with the salsa fresca, a dollop of lime crema and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with any fully cooked sausage like smoked turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I use instead of jasmine rice?

Long-grain white rice or basmati rice work well. Adjust liquid and cooking time according to package instructions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on sausage and spice blends to be sure.