Chicken apple sausage is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, creating a versatile ingredient beloved by culinary enthusiasts and home cooks alike. This specialty sausage blends the lean, protein-rich goodness of chicken with the natural sweetness of apples, resulting in a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. The combination not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of juiciness, making it a popular choice for those seeking healthier meat options without compromising on flavor.
The versatility of chicken apple sausage is evident in the myriad of apple chicken sausage recipes that span across different cuisines and meal courses. Whether it’s grilled and served with a side of vegetables, sliced into pasta, or incorporated into a hearty breakfast scramble, this sausage adds a distinct flavor that elevates the dish. Its ability to blend with various ingredients makes it an excellent choice for creative cooks looking to experiment with new flavors and textures.
Moreover, the popularity of chicken and apple sausage has led to an abundance of recipes tailored to highlight its unique taste. From savory casseroles and comforting soups to gourmet pizzas and elegant salads, chicken apple sausage recipes cater to a wide array of dietary preferences and culinary tastes. This sausage variant not only brings a health-conscious option to the table but also introduces a burst of flavor that can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Cuisine
American
Course
Breakfast
Servings
4 persons
Kitchen Tools Needed
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board
Sausage stuffer
Meat grinder or food processor
Sausage pricker (optional)
Frying pan or skillet
Cooking thermometer
Ingredients for Chicken Apple Sausage
1 lb ground chicken
1 large apple, finely diced
2 teaspoons sage, fresh or dried
1 teaspoon thyme, fresh or dried
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons olive oil or any oil of choice (for cooking)
Natural sausage casings (optional, if making link sausages)
How to make Apple Chicken Sausage?
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by finely dicing the apple into small pieces. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely as well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the diced apple, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
Grinding (Optional)
If you’re starting with chicken breast or thigh pieces, cut them into chunks small enough to fit into your meat grinder or food processor. Grind the chicken pieces until they are finely minced.
Mix the ground chicken with the apple and seasoning blend as described above.
Stuffing the Sausages (Optional)
If making link sausages, prepare your sausage stuffer and attach the casing to the nozzle.
Carefully feed the chicken and apple mixture into the stuffer and fill the casings, making sure not to overfill them. Twist or tie off the sausages into links of your desired length.
Prick any air bubbles out of the sausages using a sausage pricker or a pin.
Cooking
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the sausages. If you did not stuff the sausages into casings, form the mixture into patties or small logs.
Cook the sausages for about 7-8 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked thoroughly and evenly browned.
Serving
Once cooked, remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the chicken apple sausages with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
What to serve with Apple Chicken Sausage?
Sweet Potato Mash: A creamy sweet potato mash complements the sweet and savory flavors of chicken apple sausages, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the overall dish.
Braised Red Cabbage: The slight acidity and sweetness of braised red cabbage cut through the richness of the sausage, making for a balanced and colorful side.
Apple and Walnut Salad: Incorporate slices of fresh apple and crunchy walnuts in a green salad to echo the apple notes in the sausage, providing a fresh and crispy contrast.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts until they are caramelized brings out a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the subtle sweetness of chicken and apple sausage recipes.
Sautéed Apples and Onions: A side of sautéed apples and onions can amplify the apple flavor in the sausage, adding a delightful sweetness and depth to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, seasoned with herbs, makes a light and healthy accompaniment to the hearty sausages.
Caramelized Onion and Potato Hash: For a hearty breakfast or brunch option, serve your chicken apple sausages with a savory hash made from caramelized onions and diced potatoes.
Mustard and Honey Sauce: A simple sauce made from mustard and honey drizzled over the sausages can enhance their natural flavors, adding a tangy sweetness that is hard to resist.
Cornbread: Serve a slice of warm, buttery cornbread as a side to soak up any juices, providing a comforting and satisfying texture contrast.
Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries: A light and nutritious quinoa salad, tossed with dried cranberries and a light vinaigrette, pairs well with chicken apple sausage recipes, offering a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Making Ahead
Chicken apple sausages can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for meal planning. If you opt to make your sausages from scratch, you can mix the ground chicken with apples, spices, and herbs, then form the mixture into patties or fill casings if you’re making links. These can be refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste once cooked.
Storage
Raw Chicken Apple Sausages
Store raw, uncooked chicken apple sausages in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent any air from drying them out.
For longer storage, freeze the sausages. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Cooked Chicken Apple Sausages
Once cooked, allow the sausages to cool down to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, and they can be kept for up to 4 days.
Cooked sausages can also be frozen in a similar manner to raw sausages. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Refrigerated Sausages
The best way to reheat refrigerated chicken apple sausages is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little water or broth to the pan, cover, and let the sausages gently heat up for a few minutes. This method helps to keep them moist.
Frozen Sausages
For frozen sausages, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the same procedure as for refrigerated sausages. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave to defrost and reheat them, but be mindful to use a lower power setting to avoid drying them out or cooking them unevenly.
Variations
Turkey Apple Sausages: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a different poultry flavor. Turkey pairs equally well with apples and spices, offering a lean and tasty alternative.
Pork and Apple Sausages: For a more traditional take, use ground pork in place of chicken. The natural fat content in pork enriches the flavor profile, making the sausages juicier.
Spicy Chicken Apple Sausages: Add a kick to the recipe by including ingredients like red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Herb-Infused Sausages: Experiment with various herbs such as rosemary, marjoram, or parsley to introduce new flavors that complement the apple’s sweetness.
Cheese-Stuffed Sausages: Incorporate small cubes of cheddar or gouda cheese into the sausage mix for a gooey, melted surprise with each bite.
Apple Pear Sausages: Mix in diced pears along with apples for a subtly different sweet and fruity note in the sausages.
Substitutions
Apple Substitutes: If apples are not available, you can use firm pears or even shredded apple zucchini as a substitute to maintain the moisture and slight sweetness in the sausages.
Ground Chicken Alternative: For those who do not consume poultry, a mix of ground mushrooms and chickpeas can serve as a flavorful vegetarian base for these sausages.
Herb Replacements: In case specific herbs like sage or thyme are not on hand, dried Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning can be used as a versatile alternative that still complements the overall flavor.
Sweetener Options: If looking to enhance the sweetness without additional fruit, a small amount of maple syrup or honey can be mixed into the sausage blend.
Fat Content Adjustment: For a leaner sausage, choose skinless chicken breast. Conversely, for a richer sausage, a mix of chicken thigh meat or even a bit of pork fat can be added.
Gluten-Free Needs: Ensure any added breadcrumbs or fillers are gluten-free, or simply omit these ingredients to keep the sausages gluten-free.
Yes, chicken apple sausages can be cooked from frozen. However, it’s important to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Cooking from frozen typically requires a lower temperature to ensure the sausage cooks evenly without burning the outside. It’s recommended to use a covered pan with a bit of water or broth to steam them gently before browning.
Chicken apple sausages are considered a healthier option compared to traditional pork sausages due to their lower fat content. The addition of apple not only adds flavor but also fiber. However, like all foods, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The unique combination of ground chicken and apple distinguishes chicken apple sausages from other varieties. This blend results in a lighter, slightly sweet flavor profile, making them a versatile ingredient suitable for both savory and slightly sweet dishes.
Uncooked chicken apple sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once cooked, they should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety. Always store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Absolutely! While a sausage stuffer is handy for making traditional link sausages, you can also form the sausage mixture into patties or small logs without any special equipment. This method is simpler and still delivers the delicious flavors of chicken apple sausage in a form that’s easy to cook in a skillet or on a grill.
Conclusion
Chicken apple sausages stand out as a delightful culinary innovation, merging the lean, healthful essence of chicken with the natural sweetness of apples. This harmonious blend not only offers a lighter alternative to traditional pork sausages but also introduces a unique flavor profile that is versatile enough to enhance any meal, from breakfast scrambles to gourmet dinners. The simplicity of making chicken apple sausages, coupled with the ability to adapt the recipe with various herbs, spices, and substitutions, allows home cooks to explore their culinary creativity.
Whether you’re seeking healthier meat options or aiming to impress with your cooking prowess, chicken apple sausages provide a delicious solution. Embracing this delectable fusion brings a refreshing twist to the table, proving that combining wholesome ingredients can lead to extraordinary taste experiences.
