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
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)
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.