Introduction
Chicken apple sausage recipes are a game-changer for any meal, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of chicken apple sausage. From hearty casseroles to light and healthy options, there’s no shortage of ways to include this ingredient in your menu.
In this article, we’ll share 10 chicken apple sausage recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Dive into these creative ideas and discover your new favorite meal!
In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits of chicken apple sausage, its versatility in cooking, and 10 must-try recipes that will delight your taste buds. Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Cooking with Chicken Apple Sausage
Chicken apple sausage offers a unique combination of health benefits, flavor versatility, and ease of preparation. In this section, we’ll delve into why this ingredient is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
For more inspiration, you can explore other thin chicken breast recipes that complement chicken apple sausage beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken apple sausage is not only flavorful but also a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages. Here’s why:
- Lower Fat Content: Made with lean chicken, these sausages typically contain less fat compared to pork varieties.
- Protein-Rich: Packed with high-quality protein, they help maintain muscle health and keep you feeling full longer.
- Vitamin Boost: Ingredients like apples and spices add natural vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Gluten-Free Options: Many brands offer gluten-free chicken apple sausage, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Versatility in Meals
Chicken apple sausage is incredibly versatile and can shine in almost any meal:
- Breakfast: Start your day with sausage-enhanced breakfast bowls, frittatas, or hash.
- Lunch: Add it to sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a protein-packed midday meal.
- Dinner: Incorporate it into pasta, casseroles, stir-fries, or hearty stews.
- Snacks: Slice and serve it with cheese and crackers for an elevated appetizer.
Its sweet-savory flavor profile makes it pair beautifully with both fresh and roasted vegetables, grains like quinoa and rice, or even seasonal fruits such as apples and cranberries.
3. Breakfast Recipes
Let’s dive into some mouthwatering ways to enjoy chicken apple sausage for breakfast:
Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hash
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook until golden and tender.
- Stir in onions and bell peppers, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Add sausage slices and cook until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a fried egg on top.
Savory Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 chicken apple sausages, diced
- ½ cup steamed broccoli
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the diced sausage until golden.
- In a bowl, layer quinoa, steamed broccoli, avocado slices, and cooked sausage.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
This protein-packed bowl is quick, nutritious, and satisfying, perfect for a busy morning.
Lunch and Dinner Recipes
Chicken apple sausage is an incredibly versatile ingredient that shines in lunch and dinner dishes. Whether you’re preparing a quick stir-fry, a comforting pasta, or a one-pot meal, these recipes are guaranteed to please.
Hearty Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining the richness of cheese with the sweetness of chicken apple sausage.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 300g penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté sausage slices until golden brown.
- Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and spinach, mixing well until the spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top.
Chicken Apple Sausage Stir-Fry
This quick and healthy stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Instructions:
- In a wok or large pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini, stirring for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Mix soy sauce and honey in a small bowl, then pour over the stir-fry. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Rustic Sausage and Apple Skillet
The combination of caramelized onions, fresh apples, and chicken apple sausage creates a delightful rustic dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in apple slices and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the sausage slices and thyme, cooking until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
One-Pot Sausage Rice Casserole
This comforting, flavor-packed casserole is a one-pot wonder.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup peas
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté sausage slices until browned.
- Add rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
- Stir in peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, filling meal.
Healthy Options
If you’re aiming for healthier alternatives, chicken apple sausage fits perfectly into recipes that are low-carb, gluten-free, or packed with nutritious ingredients. Here are some options to keep your meals light yet satisfying.
For more breakfast ideas, try the Alice Springs chicken recipe, which can be paired with this hash for a complete brunch spread.
Low-Carb Chicken Sausage Zoodles
Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are a fantastic pasta substitute for those looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3–5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Toss in the spiralized zucchini and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the zoodles remain firm.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil.
This dish is a fresh, vibrant, and guilt-free way to enjoy chicken apple sausage.
Chicken Sausage Lettuce Wraps
These wraps are light, crunchy, and packed with flavor, making them an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 head butter lettuce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté diced sausage until golden.
- Add shredded carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix soy sauce and honey, then toss with the sausage and carrot mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and top with diced cucumber.
These wraps are best served fresh and can be accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce.
Quinoa Sausage Power Bowl
Packed with protein and nutrients, this power bowl is perfect for meal prep or a quick, balanced dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup steamed broccoli
- ½ cup roasted sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp tahini dressing
Instructions:
- In a skillet, sauté sausage slices until browned.
- Assemble the bowl with a base of quinoa, topped with sausage, steamed broccoli, and roasted sweet potatoes.
- Drizzle tahini dressing over the bowl before serving.
This dish offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Kale and Sausage Soup
This hearty soup is nutrient-dense, warming, and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup white beans
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add carrots to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add kale and beans, reducing the heat to simmer.
- Stir in the sausage and garlic powder, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve hot with a side of whole-grain bread for a nutritious meal.
Kid-Friendly Recipes
Chicken apple sausage is a fantastic ingredient for creating meals that kids will enjoy. Its sweet-savory flavor makes it appealing to picky eaters, and it can be incorporated into familiar favorites like mac and cheese or pizza bites.
Chicken Sausage Mac and Cheese
Turn classic mac and cheese into a protein-packed dish with the addition of chicken apple sausage.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
- In a skillet, sauté diced sausage until browned, then mix it into the cheese sauce.
- Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and sausage, stirring to coat evenly.
Serve warm, and watch kids clean their plates!
Mini Chicken Sausage Pizza Bites
These quick, bite-sized pizzas are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 pack mini bagels or English muffins, halved
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread marinara sauce over each mini bagel or muffin half.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a few slices of sausage.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top and bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
These mini pizzas are fun to make with kids and can be customized with their favorite toppings.
Seasonal Recipes
Chicken apple sausage is a fantastic ingredient to use in recipes that celebrate the flavors of the season. From hearty autumnal bakes to light summer kebabs, it adapts beautifully to seasonal ingredients.
Autumn Apple Sausage Bake
This warm and comforting dish combines chicken apple sausage with quintessential fall ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss butternut squash, apples, and cranberries with olive oil, cinnamon, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and top with sausage slices.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
This dish is perfect as a holiday side or a stand-alone meal for a cozy dinner.
Grilled Summer Sausage Kebabs
These kebabs are bursting with summer flavors, making them ideal for BBQs or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
Instructions:
- Thread sausage, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Brush with teriyaki sauce and grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
The combination of smoky sausage and sweet pineapple is a summer classic.
Springtime Sausage Salad
This light, refreshing salad is perfect for spring lunches or picnics.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced and browned
- 4 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup candied pecans
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Arrange mixed greens on a platter and top with browned sausage slices, strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.
The bright flavors of strawberries and tangy goat cheese pair beautifully with the savory sausage.
Winter Sausage Stew
A hearty stew that combines chicken apple sausage with winter vegetables for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup parsnips, chopped
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and parsnips to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and thyme, then simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in kale and sausage, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting winter meal.
FAQs
- What is chicken apple sausage made of?
Chicken apple sausage is typically made with ground chicken, diced apples, and a blend of spices like sage and cinnamon. - Is chicken apple sausage gluten-free?
Many brands offer gluten-free options, but always check the packaging to ensure it meets your dietary needs. - Can I freeze chicken apple sausage?
Yes, chicken apple sausage can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before cooking. - How long does chicken apple sausage last in the fridge?
Unopened, it lasts for up to 2 weeks. Once opened, consume it within 3–5 days. - What sides go well with chicken apple sausage?
Popular sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or simple salads. - What’s the best way to cook chicken apple sausage?
Chicken apple sausage can be grilled, sautéed, baked, or added to recipes like casseroles and soups for best results.
Conclusion
Chicken apple sausage is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your meals across all seasons and occasions. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these recipes provide endless inspiration to explore its sweet-savory flavor. From hearty breakfasts to kid-friendly dinners and seasonal specialties, there’s a recipe for every palate. Try these dishes today and enjoy the rich, comforting taste of chicken apple sausage!
Don’t forget to pair these ideas with other dishes like the chicken salad chick recipe to create a well-rounded meal.