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Chicken apple sausage is savory, sweet, and irresistibly juicy—the culinary lovechild of breakfast comfort and gourmet flair. Picture plump, golden-brown patties packed with tender ground chicken, crisp apple bits, and a warming hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Every bite strikes a flawless balance: fruity sweetness, herbaceous depth, and the rich satisfaction of perfectly seasoned meat. Whether it’s sizzling in a skillet, tucked into a fluffy breakfast sandwich, or stealing the show in a hearty dinner hash, this versatile star makes deliciously easy meals any time of day.
Did you know chicken apple sausage has roots in 16th-century Germany? Farmers combined pork, apples, and spices to preserve meat during autumn harvests. Fast-forward to 1983, when chef Bruce Aidells reinvented the concept with his iconic Chicken & Apple Sausage, sparking a modern-day obsession. Today, this dish bridges tradition and innovation, offering a lighter alternative to pork sausages without skimping on flavor.
What makes chicken apple sausage truly special is its adaptability. It’s weeknight-friendly (ready in 20 minutes!), family-approved, and perfect for meal prep. If you’ve enjoyed our homemade breakfast sausage seasoning, you’ll love this recipe for its similar simplicity and elevated flavor profile. Ready to transform your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with a dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and exciting? Let’s get cooking!
Chicken Apple Sausage Patties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. Prep fruit & veg– Peel, core, and dice the apple into ¼-inch cubes.– Finely dice the onion.2. Mix the sausageIn a large bowl combine ground chicken, diced apple, onion, garlic powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with a spatula or hands until ingredients are just incorporated—do not over-work the meat.3. Form pattiesDivide mixture into 8 equal balls; flatten each into a ½-inch-thick patty about 3 inches wide. (Tip: chill mixture 15 min first to make shaping easier.)4. Pan-fryHeat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange patties in a single layer with space between them. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer registers 165 °F (74 °C) in the center.5. Serve & enjoyPlate hot with eggs, pancakes, or your favorite sides—or cool and meal-prep for busy mornings.
Nutrition
Notes
- Customise the flavour: Add 1 Tbsp maple syrup for extra sweetness, or ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Make it turkey: Swap ground chicken for 93 % lean ground turkey; cook time is identical.
- Freeze for later: Layer raw patties between parchment, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Serving ideas: Crumble into breakfast hash, slice into pasta with spinach & cream sauce, or stuff into a whole-grain breakfast sandwich.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What is Chicken Apple Sausage?
Let’s address the obvious: Is this sausage made for chickens? Do apples secretly moonlight as meat? 😉 Of course not! Chicken apple sausage is a flavorful blend of ground chicken, diced apples, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a lighter, sweeter twist on traditional pork sausage, perfect for those seeking a healthier breakfast or protein-packed dinner option.
Why the name? It’s delightfully literal—like calling a peanut butter and jelly sandwich “PB&J.” The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the chicken keeps it lean. Legend has it that German immigrants brought the concept to America, pairing autumn’s apple harvest with freshly butchered meat. As my grandma used to say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—especially if that stomach’s full of sausage!” She’d fry up batches every Sunday, and we’d devour them before the pancakes even hit the table.
Modern versions, like Aidells’ famous links, have turned this humble dish into a gourmet staple. But here’s the best part: You don’t need a butcher or fancy tools to make it. With a few pantry staples and 20 minutes, you can create a breakfast (or dinner!) masterpiece that rivals any store-bought brand. Ready to try? Let’s roll up our sleeves!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Apple Sausage
1. Sweet, Savory, and Satisfying
The magic lies in the balance: juicy apples cut through the richness of chicken, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth without overwhelming. It’s a flavor combo that works for breakfast sandwiches, pasta dishes, or even atop pizza!
2. Budget-Friendly Protein
Store-bought chicken apple sausage costs $6-$8 per pack, but this homemade version costs under $3 per serving. A pound of ground chicken ($4), an apple ($0.50), and basic spices stretch to make 8 patties—perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
3. Endless Customization
Add diced onions for crunch, maple syrup for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat. Serve it alongside our sweet potato breakfast hash for a hearty meal, or crumble it into soups for extra depth.
Ready to make this versatile dish your own? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Chicken Apple Sausage
Quick Overview
This recipe takes 20 minutes from start to finish. Mix ground chicken with apples, spices, and aromatics, form into patties, and pan-fry until golden. No casings, no fuss—just juicy, flavorful sausage patties perfect for any meal.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 lb | Use 93% lean for juiciness |
| Apple (e.g., Gala) | 1 medium, diced | Peeled; ¼-inch cubes |
| Yellow onion | ¼ cup, diced | Finely chopped |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Or 2 fresh cloves, minced |
| Ground ginger | ½ tsp | Adds warmth |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Sweet, earthy flavor |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Use freshly grated if possible |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly cracked |
| Oil or ghee | 2 tbsp | For frying; avocado oil works well |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Apples and Onions
- Peel and core the apple. Dice into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup).
- Finely dice the onion.
- Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, apple, onion, garlic powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Form the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into ½-inch-thick patties (3 inches wide).
- Cook to Perfection
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add patties in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What to Serve with Chicken Apple Sausage
- Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes, or a sweet potato hash.
- Lunch: Add to a kale salad with dried cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Dinner: Toss with pasta, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce.
- Snacks: Serve with honey mustard or apple butter for dipping.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Keep It Cold: Chill the meat mixture for 15 minutes before forming patties to prevent sticking.
- Low and Slow: Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the apples.
- Go Skinny: Use a lean ground turkey for a lower-fat version.
- Freeze Raw: Layer uncooked patties between parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked or raw patties for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
There you have it—the ultimate guide to this recipe! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or impressing weekend guests, this recipe promises flavor, simplicity, and endless possibilities. Don’t forget to share your creations with #ChickenAppleMagic and explore our blog for more hearty recipes!
More recipe for chicken you try :
1. What exactly is chicken apple sausage?
So, the recipe is a lean, gluten-free blend of ground chicken, diced apples, and warm spices (think cinnamon and nutmeg). It offers the familiar snap of breakfast sausage with fewer calories and less saturated fat than traditional pork links—perfect for anyone looking to lighten up classic comfort food.
2. Is homemade chicken apple sausage healthy?
Yes. One 3-ounce patty made with 93 % lean ground chicken has roughly 140 calories, 11 g protein, and 6 g fat. You skip the preservatives, excess sodium, and added sugars often found in store-bought sausages, making this a heart-smart, high-protein option for busy families.
3. How do I cook chicken apple sausage patties so they stay juicy?
Pan-fry over medium heat (350 °F) for 4–5 minutes per side until the center reaches 165 °F. Medium heat prevents the apples from burning while keeping the meat moist. You can also air-fry at 375 °F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.
4. Can I freeze chicken apple sausage?
Absolutely. Form raw patties, separate them with parchment paper, and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as usual. Cooked patties freeze well too—reheat in a skillet or microwave for a quick protein boost.
5. Is chicken apple sausage gluten-free and dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free as long as your spices are certified GF. It’s a safe, allergy-friendly protein for meal prep, kids’ lunches, and Whole30 or Paleo plans.
6. Which apples work best in chicken apple sausage?
Choose a sweet-crisp variety like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Their natural sugars caramelize nicely, balancing the savory chicken without turning mushy.
7. Can I swap ground turkey for chicken?
Yes—use 93 % lean ground turkey and keep all other ingredients the same. The flavor stays mildly sweet, and the nutrition profile is almost identical.
8. Where can I buy chicken apple sausage in the U.S. if I’m short on time?
Look for brands like Aidells®, Applegate®, or Trader Joe’s house label in major grocery chains (Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods). Just scan labels for added sugars and opt for links with under 500 mg sodium per serving.