Grilled Italian Chicken Sausage & Peppers Pita Sandwiches: Your Ultimate Easy Summer Grilling Recipe
Grilled Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers Pita Sandwiches – an absolute summer staple and one of my top go-to meals when I need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal fuss for maximum flavor, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Summer officially kicked off in Casa Goodman last week, marking our first full stretch of no school! We dove headfirst into the break with an exciting trip to a resort in Orlando, courtesy of my parents’ timeshare points. Despite the daily rain showers, nothing could dampen my kids’ spirits. They were non-stop bundles of energy, swimming laps, zipping down water slides, floating along the lazy river, and enthusiastically playing water volleyball and basketball. Their boundless energy always amazes me!
I must admit, I’m incredibly thankful they’ve reached an age where they can safely enjoy the pool without me needing to be physically by their side every single minute. This mama certainly needed a few uninterrupted lounge chair breaks to recharge and de-prune her fingers and toes from all the water exposure! It was a joy watching them stay so active throughout the day, and honestly, the cloudy weather turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When the sun finally broke through on Saturday, the heat was intense!
As the saying goes, there’s truly no place like home. We were all thrilled to return yesterday, unpack, and settle back into our usual routines. With family hunger quickly setting in and no time for a grocery store run, I instinctively turned to one of my most reliable and frequently made summer meals: Grilled Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers. This dish is a lifesaver on busy days and consistently receives rave reviews from everyone at the table.
Why Grilled Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers is a Summer Essential
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a celebration of vibrant summer flavors, elevated by the smoky char of the grill. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. Precooked Italian chicken sausages are a game-changer, significantly cutting down on preparation and cooking time while still delivering robust, savory notes. Paired with sweet bell peppers and aromatic onions, lightly charred and softened on the grill, the combination creates a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. Serving them in soft pita bread transforms this into a convenient, portable, and incredibly satisfying sandwich that’s far lighter than a traditional bun, yet perfectly holds all the delicious fillings.
One of the reasons this recipe is my “go-to” is its inherent flexibility. I almost always keep a pack or two of precooked chicken sausages in my freezer. I love stocking up on various Aidell’s varieties whenever I visit Costco; their quality and flavor profiles are consistently excellent. On my last trip, I even discovered a fantastic new Italian-style chicken sausage from Casual Gourmet that was absolutely perfect for this recipe. Beyond sausages, I typically have a few colorful bell peppers and some onions on hand, making this meal incredibly easy to pull together without a special grocery run. It’s all about leveraging readily available ingredients to create something extraordinary.
The Perfect Vessel: Soft Whole Wheat Pita Bread
What truly sets these sandwiches apart is the choice of soft pita bread over a traditional hot dog or hero bun. The pita provides a delightful chewiness and acts as a superb pocket for the grilled sausage and vegetables, making it less messy and more enjoyable to eat. For those mindful of nutrition, opting for whole wheat pita bread is a fantastic choice. My absolute favorite is Joseph’s Bakery pita bread – it’s only 60 calories per serving, boasts 6 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. I’ve often found it in the deli section at Publix and Walmart, making it easily accessible. This healthy swap not only enhances the texture but also boosts the nutritional value of the entire meal, aligning perfectly with a balanced summer diet.
A Quick and Healthy Family Favorite
This entire meal consistently comes together in under 30 minutes, a huge win for any busy household. What’s more, it’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family! While my kids might carefully pick out the bell peppers (a common parental challenge!), they absolutely devour the flavorful chicken sausage and onions. We often serve these pita sandwiches alongside a fresh green salad or a simple platter of raw veggies with a side of ranch dressing, completing a wholesome and delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s truly a perfect, stress-free summer meal to add to your regular rotation, in my humble opinion. Happy grilling, everyone! You’ll love how effortlessly delicious these Grilled Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers Pita Sandwiches are. They embody everything you could want in a quick, healthy, and satisfying summer dinner.
Print Recipe
Grilled Italian Chicken Sausage and Pepper Pitas
Yield: serves 6
Ingredients:
- 6 precooked Italian chicken sausage links (such as Aidell’s or Casual Gourmet varieties)
- 3 bell peppers, any color (red, yellow, orange, green), cored and sliced thin
- 1-2 large red or yellow onions, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 soft whole wheat pitas (Joseph’s Bakery brand recommended for its nutritional benefits)
- Your favorite mustard (Dijon or honey mustard works wonderfully)
- Crumbled feta cheese, optional, for serving
Directions:
- Prepare the Grill: Turn your outdoor grill on to medium heat. For best results and to prevent vegetables from falling through, preheat a large grilling basket on the grill grates for a few minutes.
- Season and Grill Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced bell peppers and onions. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with dried oregano, and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated. Carefully pour the seasoned vegetables into the preheated grilling basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers and onions are tender-crisp and have developed a slight char. Remember to toss the vegetables frequently with tongs while they cook to ensure even grilling and prevent burning.
- Cook the Chicken Sausage: While the vegetables are grilling, place the precooked Italian chicken sausage links directly onto the grill grates over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, just long enough to heat them through and get some nice grill marks. Once cooked, remove from the grill and slice each link diagonally into appealing, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Lightly warm the pita bread by placing them on the top rack of the grill (or directly on the grates for a very short time if no top rack is available) for just a minute or two per side. This will soften them, making them pliable and easy to fill.
- Assemble Your Sandwiches: It’s time to build your delicious pita sandwiches! Spread your favorite mustard inside each warmed pita. Next, layer in the sliced grilled sausages, followed by a generous portion of the tender, charred peppers and onions. For an extra burst of flavor and a creamy, tangy note, top with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
Helpful Tools for this Recipe:
- Grilling Basket: Essential for grilling small vegetables evenly without losing them through the grates.
- Tongs: Indispensable for turning sausages and tossing vegetables on the grill.
- Chef Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes slicing peppers, onions, and sausages quick and easy.
Follow AggiesKitchen on Instagram and show us what recipes you are making from the blog! Use the hashtag #aggieskitchen – I’d love to see what you are cooking up!
Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Aggie’s Kitchen Recipes on Pinterest.