comfort essentials: cabbage, sausage & chicken

Wichita, KS
Updated on Feb 6, 2019

We are in the middle of an ice-storm, and I am tucked in for the duration. What does that have to do with this recipe? Well, it is a recipe that is made from items that I have on hand, because I am not going to the store in the middle of an ICE STORM… Anyway, it is easy to make, and the cabbage, slow cooking in the oven with the chicken and sausage is simply divine. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 20 Min
cook time 2 Hr 30 Min
method Bake
yield Several

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 1 large russet potato
  • 1 1/2 pounds cabbage, savoy is the best for this recipe
  • 1 tablespoon sweet butter, unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
  • 2 medium chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in
  • 8 ounces italian sausage, mild, or hot, your choice
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • - salt, kosher variety, to taste
  • - black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • - fennel seeds, to taste
  • ADDITIONAL ITEMS
  • 1 tablespoon sweet butter, unsalted, and cut into four cubes

How To Make comfort essentials: cabbage, sausage & chicken

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    The main purpose of the potatoes is to help absorb the grease from the chicken and sausage. With that said, they taste pretty dang good.
  • Step 3
    If you have an ovenproof pan with a lid, you can make this a one-pan meal.
  • Step 4
    I am keeping the spices simple, because I want to taste the sweet flavor of the cabbage after it has been lovingly cooking in the oven. However, add more spices, if you want. That is what cooking is all about… experimentation, and being a Mad Scientist.
  • Step 5
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 6
    Cut the potato into 1/4-inch (.6cm), then core and thinly slice the cabbage
  • Step 7
    Place a rack in the lower position, and preheat the oven to 300f (150c).
  • Step 8
    Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium heat.
  • Step 9
    Sprinkle the skin sides of the chicken thighs with a bit of salt and pepper.
  • Step 10
    Place, skin-side-down, in the pan, and cook, without moving, until the skin is nice and crispy, about 3 – 5 minutes.
  • Step 11
    Chef’s Tip: The best way to tell if the chicken is ready, is to gently try to move it in the skillet. If it still sticks, it is not ready. When it releases from the pan, it is ready to flip.
  • Step 12
    Turn the thighs over, and cook for an addition 3 - 4 minutes.
  • Step 13
    Remove thighs from the pan, and place on paper towels.
  • Step 14
    Add the Italian sausage, and cook until browned, about 5 – 7 minutes.
  • Step 15
    Remove sausage from the pan, and drain on paper towels.
  • Step 16
    Add the cabbage, and cook in the remaining oil, until it begins to wilt, about 3 – 4 minutes.
  • Step 17
    In the last minute, toss in the salt, pepper, fennel seeds, and vinegar.
  • Step 18
    Chef’s Note: I usually add a pinch or two of salt, a half teaspoon of pepper, and a tablespoon of fennel seeds. However, create a spice mix, that works for you.
  • Step 19
    Remove the cabbage, and any excess oil from the pan, but leave a light coating, then cover the bottom of the pan with the sliced potatoes, and sprinkle with a bit of pepper.
  • Step 20
    Add a layer of cabbage, and then sprinkle on some of the Italian sausage.
  • Step 21
    Continue layering cabbage, sausage, until you run out.
  • Step 22
    Chef’s Note: Depending on the size of your pan, you should have several layers. I had three layers.
  • Step 23
    Add the chicken on top, and then add the cubes of butter.
  • Step 24
    Cover and place into the preheated oven for 2 hours.
  • Step 25
    After 2 hours, raise the heat to 320f (160c), remove the lid, and cook, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Step 26
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 27
    You can serve this dish rustic, by placing the pan on the table, and letting people scoop out what they want, or you could do individual plates, and serve it that way. Up to you. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    Step 28
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

Discover More

Category: Chicken
Ingredient: Vegetable
Method: Bake
Culture: American

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