Chicken apple sausage is a unique and flavorful ingredient made from lean chicken combined with sweet and tangy apples. It’s often pre-cooked, making it a convenient option for quick meals. The subtle sweetness of the apples pairs well with savory ingredients, creating a versatile ingredient for all meals of the day.
Breakfast Recipes with Chicken Apple Sausage
Chicken apple sausage makes an excellent addition to your morning routine, offering a flavorful and satisfying way to start your day. Here are a few easy and delicious breakfast ideas:
a. Chicken Apple Sausage Scramble
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Toss in the bell pepper and cook for another minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and pour them into the skillet.
- Stir gently until the eggs are fully cooked, and serve immediately.
b. Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hash
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, chopped
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Stir in the onion and sausage, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until everything is golden brown.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Serve with a fried or poached egg on top for an extra hearty breakfast.
c. Chicken Apple Sausage Frittata
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the sausages, onion, and broccoli until softened.
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl, add salt and pepper, and pour over the sausage mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the eggs are set. Slice and serve warm.
Lunch and Sandwich Recipes with Chicken Apple Sausage
Chicken apple sausage is a versatile ingredient for lunch dishes, adding a sweet and savory twist to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Here are a few creative recipes to try:
a. Chicken Apple Sausage and Apple Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 apple (e.g., Fuji or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)
- ¼ cup pecans, toasted
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sliced chicken apple sausages until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
- Arrange the mixed greens in a large bowl or on a plate.
- Top the greens with the sausage slices, apple slices, toasted pecans, and cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently before serving.
b. Chicken Apple Sausage Panini
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 4 slices of provolone or cheddar cheese
- 1 handful of arugula
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions:
- Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer the sausage slices, cheese, and arugula on two slices of bread, then top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet or panini press.
- Cook the sandwiches over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice in half and serve warm.
c. Chicken Apple Sausage Wrap
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, chopped
- 2 large tortillas or flatbreads
- ½ cup hummus
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- ¼ cup tzatziki sauce or ranch dressing
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet and lightly cook the sausage slices until browned. Let cool slightly.
- Spread hummus evenly over each tortilla.
- Layer the lettuce, cucumber slices, carrot, and chicken sausage on top.
- Drizzle with tzatziki or ranch dressing.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly, slice in half, and serve immediately.
d. Chicken Apple Sausage Flatbread Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made flatbread or naan
- 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara or BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread marinara or BBQ sauce evenly over the flatbread.
- Add the sliced sausages, red onion, and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Dinner Recipes with Chicken Apple Sausage
Chicken apple sausages can transform ordinary dinners into delicious, flavorful meals. From hearty pastas to sheet pan dinners, here are some crowd-pleasing recipes to try:
a. Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
b. Sheet Pan Chicken Apple Sausage and Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bell pepper on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the vegetables in an even layer, then add the sliced sausages on top.
- Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Serve as a complete meal or with your favorite grain, such as rice or quinoa.
c. Chicken Apple Sausage Casserole
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or wild rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, broccoli florets, sliced sausages, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
d. Chicken Apple Sausage Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausages and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and honey. Pour over the vegetables and stir well.
- Return the sausage to the skillet and toss everything to combine. Serve over cooked jasmine rice.
Healthy and Low-Carb Options with Chicken Apple Sausage
For those looking to maintain a healthy diet or follow specific plans like keto or paleo, chicken apple sausage is an excellent choice. It’s lean, flavorful, and pairs well with low-carb ingredients. Here are some healthy recipes to try:
a. Chicken Apple Sausage Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and cherry tomatoes for 2 minutes.
- Add the zucchini noodles and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until just tender.
- Return the sausages to the skillet, toss everything together, and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately for a light, low-carb dinner.
b. Chicken Apple Sausage and Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the cauliflower rice and turmeric, cooking for another 4–5 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- In a separate skillet, brown the sausage slices for 2–3 minutes, then combine with the cauliflower mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve as a nutrient-rich, low-carb meal.
c. Chicken Apple Sausage Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken apple sausages, diced
- 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- 2 tablespoons hummus or tahini sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sausage and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving plate.
- Fill each leaf with sausage, shredded carrots, and cucumber. Drizzle with hummus or tahini sauce.
- Serve as a healthy, handheld meal or snack.
d. Chicken Apple Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, diced
- 3 large bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (optional for non-keto)
- 1 cup chopped kale
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned. Add the kale, tomatoes, quinoa (if using), and garlic powder. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into the bell pepper halves.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the peppers are tender. Serve as a satisfying, healthy dinner.
e. Chicken Apple Sausage Skillet with Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 5–6 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Add the sausage slices and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper. Serve as a simple, low-carb dish.
Quick One-Pot or One-Pan Recipes with Chicken Apple Sausage
One-pot or one-pan recipes are a lifesaver when you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with a pile of dishes. Chicken apple sausages are perfect for creating simple, flavorful meals in just one pan. Here are some ideas:
a. One-Pot Chicken Apple Sausage and Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 cup long-grain rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion to the pot and sauté until softened. Stir in the rice and garlic powder, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and sausage back to the pot. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Serve warm.
b. One-Pan Chicken Apple Sausage and Veggies
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the sweet potatoes, baby carrots, and green beans on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Add the sausage slices to the pan and spread everything into a single layer.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is browned. Serve directly from the pan.
c. Chicken Apple Sausage and Lentil Stew
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the lentils and smoked paprika. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Return the sausage to the pot, stir, and heat for another 5 minutes. Serve warm.
d. One-Skillet Chicken Apple Sausage and Cabbage
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the shredded cabbage and apple slices to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. Return the sausages to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. Serve warm as a complete meal.
e. Chicken Apple Sausage and Quinoa Skillet
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken apple sausages, sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and cooked quinoa.
- Return the sausage to the skillet and mix everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are chicken apple sausages fully cooked?
A: Most chicken apple sausages sold in stores are fully cooked, but always check the packaging to confirm. If they are pre-cooked, you just need to heat them through. If raw, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) during cooking.
Q2: Can I freeze chicken apple sausage dishes?
A: Yes! Many chicken apple sausage recipes, such as casseroles or stews, freeze well. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q3: Are chicken apple sausages healthy?
A: Chicken apple sausages are generally a healthier option compared to pork sausages, as they are leaner and lower in fat. Check the label for added sugars or preservatives if you’re looking for a clean eating option.
Q4: What dishes pair well with chicken apple sausage?
A: Chicken apple sausage pairs well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, pasta, salads, and hearty stews. The subtle sweetness complements both savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Q5: How can I cook chicken apple sausage without drying it out?
A: Since most chicken apple sausages are pre-cooked, avoid overcooking. Simply heat them until warmed through. If cooking raw sausages, use medium heat and monitor closely to ensure they don’t dry out.
Q6: Can I substitute chicken apple sausage in other recipes?
A: Absolutely! Chicken apple sausage works well as a substitute in recipes that call for traditional sausage. It adds a slightly sweet flavor, making it versatile for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Conclusion
Chicken apple sausages are a fantastic ingredient to have on hand for creating flavorful and versatile meals. Whether you’re preparing breakfast scrambles, hearty casseroles, healthy lettuce wraps, or easy sheet pan dinners, these sausages bring a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors to every dish.
By following the recipes and tips in this guide, you’ll be able to make the most out of chicken apple sausages while keeping your meals quick, healthy, and satisfying. With options ranging from low-carb dishes to one-pot meals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.