Ultimate Guide to Chicken and Apple Sausage: Benefits and Recipes

KEY TAKEAWAY

What is chicken and apple sausage?

• Perfect blend of savory chicken and sweet apple flavors.
• Versatile ingredient for a variety of recipes.
• Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

“Chicken and apple sausage is a tasty mix of chicken and real apple pieces,” says expert chef Emeril.

I’ll never forget the first time I tried this unique sausage. (1)

I thought it would just taste like regular chicken sausage, but boy was I surprised!

With every bite, I got bursts of sweet apple flavor along with the savory chicken.

It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth!

This sausage is unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

Just wait until you see how versatile and delicious it can be.

Keep reading to discover mind-blowing ways to enjoy chicken and apple sausage!

Overview of Chicken and Apple Sausage

After years of trying out various sausage flavors, I’ve really come to love the combination of chicken and apples in sausage.

The blend of savory chicken with the natural sweetness of apples results in a light and flavorful sausage.

Flavor Profile

Adding dried apples to the sausage brings even more apple flavor without extra moisture.

The sea salt complements the blend perfectly.

Popular Brands

Some well-known brands of chicken and apple sausage that I’ve enjoyed include:

• Aidells – Their chicken and apple sausage links have a medium spice level and are gluten free.
• Al Fresco – Their chicken apple sausage patties cook up juicy and are only partially pre-cooked, allowing you to finish cooking them on the stove top.
• Johnsonville – An affordable option, their chicken and dried apple sausage has 13g of protein and 1g of total fat per serving.

Nutritional Information

Chicken and apple sausage is typically a healthier option compared to some pork-based sausages.

A 3-ounce serving of chicken and apple sausage will provide:

• 13-18g of protein
• 2-5g of total fat
• 0g trans fat
• 130-150 calories
• Gluten free

The chicken provides lean protein while apples contribute vitamins and fiber without much fat or calories.

Check the package, but many varieties are also gluten free.

Recipes Using Chicken and Apple Sausage

After trying many recipes with chicken and apple sausage (2) over the years, one-pan meals have become a go-to for their ease and convenience.

The flavors all come together quickly without much fuss.

One-Pan Recipes

One-Pot Chicken Apple Sausage Mac and Cheese

• 1 lb chicken apple sausages, casings removed
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp celery powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken apple sausage until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions.

Return sausage to skillet and stir in flour to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in milk and heat through until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Harvest Veggies

• 1 lb chicken apple sausages, sliced
• 1 cup each diced butternut squash, brussels sprouts, carrots
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Balsamic glaze for serving

Preheat oven to 400°F.

On a parchment-lined sheet pan, toss vegetables and sliced chicken apple sausages with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until sausage is fully cooked and vegetables are browned. Serve with balsamic glaze.

Both recipes use simple ingredients but let the flavors of smoked chicken and apples really shine through.

They’re easy enough for even the busiest of weeks!

Appetizers and Sides

Stuffed Apples with Chicken Sausage

For this appetizer I like to use Aidells chicken sausage which is made with:

The nutrition facts for 3 links (4oz) of Aidells chicken sausage are:

To make the stuffed apples:

1. Core medium apples leaving the bottom intact and remove seeds
2. Form chicken sausage into small patties
3. Stuff sausage patties into the apple cores

You can enjoy the stuffed apples:

• As is
• Or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until apples are tender and sausage is cooked through

Baked stuffed apples make a tasty appetizer as the warm flavors of chicken sausage and apple blend nicely.

Chicken Sausage, Apple and Kale Slaw

To make this slaw:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cooked and sliced chicken sausage
• 1 head kale, finely chopped
• 1 apple, julienned
• 1/3 cup cider vinaigrette
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cook chicken sausage through by pan frying until no longer pink
• Slice or break into pieces and set aside
• Chop kale by removing tough ribs and slicing leaves
• Julienne apple into matchsticks
• Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl
• Top with pumpkin seeds and season with salt and pepper

This slaw uses chicken sausage, apples and kale for flavor and nutrition.

The cider vinaigrette brings it all together for a satisfying side.

Breakfast Dishes

Apple Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole

For this casserole I like to use chicken apple sausage which is fully cooked breakfast sausage made with chicken, apples and natural ingredients like sage and thyme.

The key ingredients for the casserole are:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz chicken apple sausage, sliced
• 8 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup juice concentrate
• 1 lb potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced

To prepare:

1. Dice potatoes and onion, slice sausage
2. Layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish
3. In a bowl, beat eggs with milk and juice concentrate
4. Pour egg mixture over sausage and veggies
5. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until puffed and golden

Each serving contains protein from the chicken sausage along with veggies.

It’s an easy breakfast to enjoy with family on weekends.

Sausage, Apple and Biscuit Casserole

This casserole layers biscuits with sausage and apples for a hearty breakfast.

After trying different sausage flavors, chicken apple is one of my favorites for its mellow taste from the apples and lack of artificial ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cooked chicken apple sausage
• 2 apples, sliced
• 8 biscuits
• 1/2 cup milk

To assemble:

1. Slice sausage and apples into a skillet over medium heat
2. Cook until apples are soft, stirring occasionally
3. Layer biscuits and sausage/apple mixture in a baking dish
4. Pour milk evenly over the layers
5. Bake at 375°F for 20 mins until biscuits are golden

Each serving provides natural fiber from the apples along with protein from the chicken sausage.

On busy mornings, this casserole comes together easily for a satisfying breakfast the whole family will enjoy.

Homemade Chicken and Apple Sausage

Making your own sausage allows full control over the ingredients.

After experimenting with different varieties, I’ve found chicken and apple to be a flavorful blend.

Ingredients

Meat

• 2 lbs ground chicken breast

Veggies

• 1/2 cup diced apples
• 1/4 cup diced onion

Seasonings

• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

To start, gather the ingredients:

• Ground the chicken breast yourself or ask the butcher to do it
• Dice apple into 1/4 inch pieces
• Finely dice the onion
• Measure the sea salt and dried herbs

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients
2. Form into 1-2 inch sausage shapes
3. Cook on the stovetop over medium heat until no pink remains
4. Or fully cook in the oven at 350F for 25 minutes

Each serving contains:

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 300mg (13% DV)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 0g

Homemade sausage allows using natural ingredients like sea salt and apple juice instead of gluten or artificial preservatives.

Enjoy on breakfast sandwiches for a flavorful start to the day.

FAQs

How long will homemade sausage last in the refrigerator?

Homemade sausage can typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container or sealed plastic bags.

For longer storage up to 1 month, it’s best to freeze the fully cooked sausage.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a fine substitute for chicken in homemade sausage.

Turkey has a similar lean protein profile and mild flavor that pairs well with apples.

Just be sure to use the same food safety practices as with chicken.

What can I use instead of fresh apples?

Dried apple pieces or unsweetened apple sauce can stand in for fresh apples.

Using 1/3 cup of either in place of 1/2 cup fresh provides a pop of apple flavor without extra liquid.

Dried fruits like cranberries also complement the chicken nicely.

How do I form the sausage cleanly?

Wet your hands with water before shaping the sausage mixture.

This prevents the meat from sticking to your hands.

Use a lightly oiled spoon to portion out equal amounts of meat onto a baking sheet.

With wet hands, roll each portion into a 5-6 inch rope about 1/2 inch thick.

Refrigerate until ready to cook.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks – the humble yet mighty chicken and apple sausage! 

This tasty meat is a true flavor revelation that deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire.

Whether whipping up a savory breakfast casserole or…

… a fresh summer slaw, the delightful sweet-and-savory interplay of…

… crisp apples and rich chicken sausage is guaranteed to have your taste buds dancing.

Just wait until you fire up the grill and let those sausages sizzle to perfection – the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!

So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ways to feature this versatile ingredient.

Toss it into pasta, stuff it into baked apples, or simply enjoy the links on their own.

However you serve it up, I guarantee chicken and apple sausage will quickly become a new family favorite.

Have you tried any of these mouthwatering recipes or discovered your own unique ways to savor this special sausage? 

I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures in the comments below! 

Here’s to embracing new flavor frontiers in our kitchens.

Mary R. Q.

I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.