Chicken Apple Sausage: Savory, Sweet, and Versatile Dishes

Chicken apple sausage is the answer when you’re looking for a versatile and flavorful addition to your meals. The natural sweetness of apples and the savory, juicy goodness of chicken create a balanced and satisfying combination. Whether you’re preparing a cozy breakfast, a hearty dinner, or even a quick weeknight meal, chicken apple sausage offers a delicious twist on traditional sausages. In this article, we’ll explore how to make the most of this unique sausage and share some mouthwatering chicken apple sausage recipes to inspire your next meal.

What Makes Chicken Apple Sausage So Special?

Chicken apple sausage stands out for its ability to blend savory and sweet flavors. The base of ground chicken makes it a leaner choice compared to traditional pork sausages, making it an excellent option for health-conscious eaters. The addition of apples not only adds a delightful touch of sweetness but also helps keep the sausage moist, ensuring a juicy, tender bite every time.

With this sausage, you can easily elevate dishes by adding that perfect balance of flavor. Whether you grill it, sauté it, or bake it, this sausage adds a unique flair to your meals.

Ingredients

Whether you’re making homemade chicken apple sausage or just using it in your next dish, the ingredients are simple and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic recipe:

For Homemade:

• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• 1 apple (preferably a sweeter variety like Gala or Fuji), peeled and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For Chicken Apple Sausage Recipes:

• 4 chicken apple sausages (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or wine (for deglazing)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Tools & Equipment for Cooking

To cook your chicken apple sausage, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

Skillet or frying pan: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for cooking sausages evenly and getting a nice, crispy exterior.

Sharp knife: To slice vegetables like onions and bell peppers, and to chop the apples if you’re making homemade sausage.

Measuring spoons: For adding the perfect amount of seasonings to your dish.

Tongs: Helpful for turning sausages while they cook.

Meat thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the sausage, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C).

How to Cook Chicken Apple Sausage

There are various ways to cook this sausage, from grilling to pan-frying or baking. Here’s a basic guide for cooking chicken apple sausage recipes:

Step 1: Heat Your Pan

In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the sausages.

Step 2: Brown the Sausages

Add the sausages to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you’re using homemade sausage patties, cook them on each side for 4 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Add the Veggies (Optional)

Once the sausages are browned and cooked through, you can add onions and bell peppers to the same pan. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften and caramelize.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

If any browned bits are stuck to the bottom of the pan, pour in a little chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir to incorporate the flavors and create a sauce that will coat the sausage and veggies.

Step 5: Serve

Once everything is cooked, serve your sausages alongside the sautéed vegetables, or over a bed of greens, rice, or potatoes. Top with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and enhance the flavor.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of chicken apple sausage is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Maple Glazed Chicken Apple Sausage

For a more pronounced sweetness, glaze your sausages with a bit of maple syrup during the last minute of cooking. The sweet syrup creates a glossy coating and adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.

2. Spicy Chicken Apple Sausage

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your chicken apple sausage mix or sprinkle it over the cooked sausages. The spice complements the sweetness of the apples for a balanced flavor profile.

3. Herb Infused Chicken Apple Sausage

To bring more herbal notes into your recipe, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the mix. These earthy herbs blend perfectly with the sweetness of the apples, creating a more rustic, comforting flavor.

4. Cheese Stuffed Chicken Apple Sausage

For an indulgent twist, stuff the sausages with your favorite cheese (like sharp cheddar or mozzarella) before cooking. When you cut into the sausage, the melted cheese will ooze out, creating a deliciously gooey filling.

Chicken Apple Sausage Recipes to Try

Now that you have a good understanding of how to cook this sausage and the flavor variations you can try, here are a few recipes that showcase the versatility of this ingredient:

1. Chicken Apple Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash

This hearty and comforting breakfast dish combines this sausage with roasted sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Perfect for brunch or a satisfying dinner, it’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken apple sausages
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 eggs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.
2. While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the sausages in a skillet until browned and fully cooked. Remove and slice them into rounds.
3. In the same pan, cook the onion and bell pepper for approximately 5 minutes, or until they become tender.
4. Once the sweet potatoes are done, add them to the skillet with the veggies and sausage. Stir to combine.
5. If desired, fry eggs in the same pan and serve on top of the hash.

2. Chicken Apple Sausage and Kale Skillet

This one-pan meal is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. The sausage pairs perfectly with sautéed kale, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken apple sausages
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausages until browned and cooked through. Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the garlic to the same pan and cook for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the kale to the pan and sauté until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Return the sausage to the pan and mix everything thoroughly. Squeeze lemon juice over the top before serving.

3. Chicken Apple Sausage and Apple Salad

This fresh and light salad brings out the sweetness of the chicken apple sausage and pairs it with crisp greens and apples for a refreshing dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken apple sausages
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (like spinach, arugula, and kale)
• 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup goat cheese (optional)
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook the sausages in a skillet until browned, then slice them into rounds.
2. In a large bowl, combine the greens, apple slices, and nuts.
3. Add the sausage and crumbled goat cheese (if using), and toss with balsamic vinaigrette to taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken apple sausage provides a nutritious alternative to traditional pork sausages. Here are a few key nutritional benefits:

• Lean Protein: Since it’s made with chicken, it’s lower in fat and calories
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Apples provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while the chicken offers a good source of niacin, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
• Lower in Saturated Fat: Opting for chicken sausage instead of pork helps reduce your intake of saturated fat, which is important for heart health.

Meal Prep Ideas Using Chicken Apple Sausage

This sausage is perfect for meal prepping because it stores well and can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week. Here are some ideas:

1. Breakfast Bowls: Make individual breakfast bowls with scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, and sliced chicken apple sausage. Store in the fridge for an easy, healthy breakfast all week.
2. Wraps: Use chicken apple sausage as a filling for wraps with greens, cheese, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
3. Grilled Sausage with Vegetables: Grill several sausages and serve them with roasted or steamed vegetables for a quick, protein-packed meal.
4. Sausage and Rice: Cook a batch of rice and sauté chicken apple sausage with onions and bell peppers. Mix it all for a simple, flavorful meal prep dish.
5. Penne, Peppers, and Chicken-Apple Sausage Saute: Penne pasta, sweet peppers, and yummy chicken-apple sausage are cooked together for a fun, tasty meal that kids love!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, or warm it in a skillet over low heat. You can also freeze cooked sausage for up to 3 months just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating.

When to Serve

Chicken apple sausage is incredibly versatile and can be served at any time of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be incorporated into a range of dishes. Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, brunches, or even meal prep, this sausage brings a burst of flavor to any table.

Incorporating chicken apple sausage into your meals adds a unique touch of sweetness and savory goodness. With these recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy this tasty ingredient in countless ways. From simple skillet meals to hearty breakfasts and fresh salads, the possibilities are endless!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love the delicious one-pot ground chicken!

And for your Busy Weeknights, try to look at Easy Chicken and Shrimp Recipes for Busy Weeknights!