Chicken & Sausage Mixed Grill: An Olive Garden Favorite Recreated

I remember summer evenings growing up, the air thick with the scent of grilling meats and laughter echoing from the patio. My family loved recreating restaurant favorites at home, and Olive Garden’s Chicken & Sausage Mixed Grill was a frequent contender. The combination of juicy marinated chicken, savory sausage, and sweet bursts of cherry tomato, all kissed by the grill, made it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The anticipation as each skewer sizzled and browned was almost as satisfying as the first bite – a perfect symphony of flavors that always brought us together.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes + 3 hours marinating
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 skewers
• Dietary Type: High Protein

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons hot pepper oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 bay leaves, chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, pressed
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Skewers:

• 8 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4-ounce portions)
• 1 lb Italian sausage, mild
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 3 lemons, cut in half
• 2 rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Large baking dish
• Skewers (metal or wooden, soaked in water if wooden)
• Grill or grill pan
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large baking dish, whisk together the hot pepper oil, chopped rosemary, fresh lemon juice, salt, chopped bay leaves, pressed garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. This flavorful marinade is key to infusing the chicken with that signature Olive Garden taste.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and absorb the marinade more effectively. Thread each piece of chicken onto a skewer. Add a cherry tomato to the end of each skewer for a pop of sweetness and visual appeal.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers in the prepared marinade, ensuring that each skewer is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Longer marinating times (up to overnight) will result in more flavorful and tender chicken.

4. Bake the Sausage: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Italian sausage on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. This pre-cooking step ensures the sausage is cooked through before grilling, as it generally takes longer to cook than the chicken.

5. Prepare the Sausage: Once the sausage has cooled slightly, cut each link into three pieces. Set aside.

6. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken skewers on the grill and cook until the juices run clear and the chicken is completely cooked. This typically takes about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Grill the Sausage: Thread the pre-cooked sausage pieces onto the skewers, alternating with any remaining cherry tomatoes, if desired. Grill until the sausage is sizzling and heated through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

8. Serve: Place the cooked chicken and sausage skewers on a large platter. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, lemon halves, and any remaining cherry tomatoes. Squeeze the grilled lemon halves over the skewers for added flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Grilling in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking. Overcrowding lowers the grill temperature, resulting in steamed instead of seared meats.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Marinate Smartly: Use a resealable bag to marinate the chicken. This allows you to easily turn the chicken and ensure even coating.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the grill’s heat as needed to prevent burning. Flare-ups can occur from the marinade dripping, so be prepared to move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill.
• Even Sausage Cooking: For perfectly cooked sausage, consider parboiling it for 5 minutes before baking. This helps render some of the fat and ensures even cooking throughout.
• Enhance the Marinade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Chicken & Sausage Mixed Grill is best served immediately while hot and juicy. It pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or grill. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid overcooking, as the chicken can dry out. You can also reheat on the grill over medium heat, turning frequently. Microwaving can make the chicken slightly rubbery, so use short bursts and check frequently.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	600 kcal	30%
Total Fat	40g	62%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	180mg	60%
Sodium	1500mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate	10g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	50g	100%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Sausage: Substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage for a more intense flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more flavorful option. Keep in mind that chicken thighs will take slightly longer to cook.
• Vegetarian Option: Add chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the skewers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the Italian sausage is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten as a filler.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives and feta cheese to the skewers for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Marinade Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade. Try adding oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile.
• Sweet and Savory: Add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet and savory combination.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 3 hours?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor. Just ensure it’s stored in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure the chicken breasts are completely thawed before marinating. Thawing them in the refrigerator is the safest method.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?
A: Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the grill immediately. You can also baste the chicken with the marinade during grilling to keep it moist.

Q: Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
A: Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the skewers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Q: What side dishes pair well with this Chicken & Sausage Mixed Grill?
A: Grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, pasta salad, or a simple green salad are all excellent choices.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Sausage Mixed Grill is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of Olive Garden into your own kitchen. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature version! And be sure to let me know what you think – I love hearing about your culinary creations!