Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Easy to Make

Imagine the sweet aroma of apples mingling with savory herbs and spices as your chicken apple sausage recipe sizzles in the pan. This chicken apple sausage recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.

Whether you’re whipping up a hearty breakfast, crafting a quick lunch, or preparing an impressive dinner, this chicken apple sausage recipe is the flavorful star you didn’t know your kitchen needed. Healthier than traditional sausages, this recipe is packed with lean protein, natural sweetness, and a cozy blend of warming spices.

The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste—add a little maple syrup for a touch of extra sweetness or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Ready to elevate your meals with this sweet-savory sensation? Let’s get started! 🍎🍗

The Magic of This Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe in a Nutshell

Here’s a quick glance at why this recipe will become your new favorite:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Perfect For: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or meal prep

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Sweet and Savory Perfection: The natural sweetness of apples meets the savory goodness of chicken and herbs.
• Healthier Choice: Lean protein-packed and lower in fat than traditional sausage.
• Customizable and Versatile: Adjust the flavors to suit your taste or incorporate it into a variety of meals.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for any skill level.

If you love creative breakfast options, don’t miss our Epic Breakfast Pizza Rolls: Unleash the Ultimate Morning Flavor Experience for another morning favorite.

Ready to experience the irresistible charm of chicken apple sausage? Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this recipe shine!

Sweet, Savory, and Healthy: Why You’ll Love This Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this recipe, but here are five reasons why it stands out:

1. A Perfect Sweet-Savory Balance

• The natural sweetness of grated apples pairs beautifully with savory herbs and spices, creating a sausage that’s flavorful but not overpowering.

2. A Healthier Alternative

• Made with lean ground chicken, this sausage is packed with protein and lower in fat than traditional pork sausages.

3. Easy to Make and Family-Friendly

• This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Plus, kids love the hint of sweetness from the apples!

4. Customizable to Your Taste

• Want a touch of heat? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer extra sweetness? Drizzle in some maple syrup. The options are endless!

5. Versatile for Any Meal

• Whether served as breakfast patties, tossed into a pasta, or paired with roasted veggies, chicken apple sausage is a star in any dish.

Once you try this recipe, it’ll be hard to go back to store-bought sausage. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so special!

The Flavor Lineup: What Goes Into Chicken Apple Sausage

Key Ingredients You Can’t Skip

1. Ground Chicken (1 lb)
   • The lean base for this sausage recipe, providing a lighter, healthier alternative to pork.
2. Apple (1 large, grated)
   • Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The grated apple adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
3. Onion (¼ cup, finely minced)
   • Enhances the savory flavor profile while keeping the sausage juicy.
4. Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
   • A must-have for its bold, aromatic touch.
5. Fresh Sage (1 tbsp, chopped)
   • Earthy and slightly peppery, sage is essential for that classic sausage flavor.
6. Fresh Thyme (1 tsp, chopped)
   • Adds a fragrant, herbal note to balance the sweetness.
7. Spices:
   • Salt (1 tsp): Brings out all the flavors.
   • Black Pepper (½ tsp): For a subtle kick.
   • Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds warmth and depth.
   • Ground Cinnamon (¼ tsp): Complements the apple’s natural sweetness.

Optional Add-Ins for Creative Twists

• Maple Syrup (1 tbsp): A touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): For a hint of heat.
• Crumbled Bacon (¼ cup): Adds smoky richness for extra indulgence.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: Brightens up the flavor and pairs well with the apple.

Ingredient Tips

• Fresh Herbs vs. Dried Herbs: Use fresh sage and thyme for vibrant flavor, but if using dried, reduce the amount by half.
• Chicken Substitutes: Ground turkey works well if you don’t have chicken on hand.
• Grating the Apple: Use the fine side of a box grater for even moisture distribution in the sausage mixture.

These simple, wholesome ingredients create a sausage that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Ready to bring it all together? Let’s jump into the step-by-step process!

Crafting the Perfect Chicken Apple Sausage in 3 Easy Steps

1: Mixing the Ingredients Like a Pro

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • 1 lb ground chicken
   • 1 grated apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
   • ¼ cup minced onion
   • 2 cloves minced garlic
   • 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
   • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
   • 1 tsp salt
   • ½ tsp black pepper
   • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
   • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
2. If you’re adding optional ingredients (e.g., maple syrup or red pepper flakes), mix them in at this stage.
3. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the sausage tender.

2: Shaping Your Sausage Patties or Links

1. For Patties:
   • Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into round, flat patties about ½ inch thick.
2. For Links:
   • Use sausage casings and a sausage stuffer to form links, or roll the mixture into short, thick cylinders.
3. Chill the formed sausages in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

3: Cooking to Juicy Perfection

1. Pan-Fry:
   • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Cook the patties or links for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
2. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   • Place the sausages on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
3. Grill (Optional):
   • Grill the sausages over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side for a smoky charred flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sausage

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee the chicken is cooked safely and stays juicy.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Resting the mixture helps the flavors meld and the sausages hold their shape.

Want to make this dish gluten-free? Learn how in our Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes: A Complete Guide for a Delicious Feast.

Now that your sausages are ready, let’s explore some creative ways to enjoy them!

Get Creative: 4 Delicious Ways to Use This Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe

1. Savory Breakfast Bowl with Chicken Apple Sausage and Eggs

• How to Make It: Pair crispy sausage patties with scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, and roasted sweet potatoes for a protein-packed breakfast bowl. Drizzle with hot sauce or maple syrup for extra flavor.
• Why It Works: The sweet and savory notes of the sausage complement the creamy eggs and earthy sweet potatoes perfectly.

2. Chicken Apple Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash

• How to Make It: Dice cooked sausage and toss it into a skillet with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, and bell peppers. Sauté until heated through and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Why It Works: This one-pan dish is hearty, nutritious, and bursting with vibrant colors and flavors.

3. Autumn-Inspired Pasta with Sausage and Brown Butter Sage Sauce

• How to Make It: Slice cooked sausage and toss it into a pan of pasta coated with brown butter, fresh sage, and grated Parmesan. Add a handful of arugula or spinach for a fresh touch.
• Why It Works: The nutty brown butter and sage enhance the warm, cozy flavors of the sausage, making this a perfect fall comfort meal.

4. Sheet Pan Chicken Apple Sausage with Brussels Sprouts and Apples

• How to Make It: Arrange sausage patties or links on a baking sheet with halved Brussels sprouts, apple slices, and red onion wedges. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Why It Works: This easy sheet pan dinner combines sweet, savory, and roasted flavors into a meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious.

Pro Tip for Variations

Double your sausage recipe and freeze extra patties or links to make these variations even quicker to prepare on busy days.

Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out our Delicious Ground Sausage Dinner Recipes You’ll Love for Busy Weeknights for flavorful and easy meal ideas.

Secrets to Next-Level Chicken Apple Sausage

1. Choose the Right Apples

• Use firm and flavorful apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They add natural sweetness and moisture without becoming mushy.

2. Grate, Don’t Chop

• Grate the apple on the fine side of a box grater to distribute moisture evenly throughout the sausage mixture. This ensures a tender and juicy result.

3. Don’t Overmix the Ingredients

• Mix the sausage ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the sausage dense and tough.

4. Chill the Mixture Before Shaping

• Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before forming patties or links. This makes the sausage easier to handle and helps it hold its shape during cooking.

5. Use a Meat Thermometer

• Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the sausage is fully cooked while remaining juicy and tender.

6. Cook in Batches

• If pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking in batches allows each sausage to develop a crispy, golden-brown crust.

7. Customize to Your Taste

• Experiment with add-ins like maple syrup, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest to create your perfect flavor profile.

Bonus Tip

If making sausage links, soak the casings in warm water for 30 minutes before stuffing to make them more pliable and easier to handle.

From Breakfast to Dinner: How to Serve Chicken Apple Sausage

Breakfast Inspiration 🌞

1. Classic Breakfast Plate:
   • Pair crispy sausage patties with scrambled eggs, golden hash browns, and buttered toast.
   • Add a dollop of your favorite fruit preserve for a sweet touch.
2. Breakfast Sandwich:
   • Layer a sausage patty with a fried egg, melted cheddar, and arugula on a toasted English muffin.

Lunch Favorites 🥗

1. Spinach and Quinoa Salad:
   • Slice cooked sausage and toss it into a warm quinoa salad with fresh spinach, dried cranberries, and a honey mustard dressing.
2. Grain Bowl:
   • Combine sausage with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed kale. Top with a drizzle of tahini sauce for a hearty, healthy lunch.

Dinner Delights 🌙

1. Sheet Pan Dinner:
   • Roast sausage with Brussels sprouts, apple slices, and red onion for an easy, one-pan meal.
2. Comforting Pasta Dish:
   • Toss sausage into penne pasta with a sage-infused cream sauce, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Snack and Appetizer Ideas 🍴

1. Party Skewers:
   • Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with apple wedges, cheddar cubes, and rosemary sprigs.
2. Dipping Platter:
   • Serve sausage bites with a trio of dips like honey mustard, maple glaze, and spicy aioli.

Pro Tip for Serving

Serve chicken apple sausage alongside a seasonal fruit salad or roasted root vegetables to highlight the natural sweetness of the dish.

Pair your sausage with pancakes or waffles from our Sweet Breakfast Recipes: Delicious Ways to Start Your Morning for the ultimate morning treat.

Chicken Apple Sausage: Healthy Never Tasted This Good

Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Healthy Adjustments

1. Lower Sodium:
   • Use a reduced-sodium salt substitute or decrease the amount of added salt.
2. Boost Fiber:
   • Add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the mixture for extra fiber and moisture.
3. Make It Gluten-Free:
   • Ensure all spices and add-ins (like maple syrup) are certified gluten-free.
4. Lower Fat Content:
   • Use ground chicken breast instead of a blend for a leaner option.

This nutritious and delicious recipe is a great way to enjoy wholesome, flavorful sausage without compromising your health goals.

Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe: Print-Friendly Version

Sweet and Savory Chicken Apple Sausage

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• Author: Chef Ziz

Print Recipe

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Description

This homemade chicken apple sausage recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Quick to make and packed with lean protein, it’s versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

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Ingredients

• For the Sausage Mixture:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), grated
  • ¼ cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (for added sweetness)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat)
• For Cooking:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)

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Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated apple, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

If desired, mix in optional ingredients like maple syrup or red pepper flakes.

Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Shape the Sausages

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.

Shape into patties about ½ inch thick or roll into small links if using casings.

Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties or links for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the sausages on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Grilling: Cook sausages over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast.
• Toss into pasta with sage-butter sauce for dinner.
• Add to a grain bowl with roasted vegetables for a hearty lunch.

Notes

Store leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze uncooked sausages for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

FAQ: Everything You Want to Know About Chicken Apple Sausage Recipes

Try This Sweet and Savory Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe Today!

This chicken apple sausage recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of sweet and savory flavors coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, a cozy dinner, or a healthy meal prep option, this versatile recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

With simple ingredients, customizable add-ins, and endless serving possibilities, chicken apple sausage is a wholesome, satisfying choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s healthier than store-bought options, giving you complete control over the flavors and quality.

Ready to elevate your meals? Give this recipe a try and let us know how you enjoyed it! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. 🍎🍗