Introduction
When you want a wholesome, homemade breakfast sausage with a touch of sweetness, chicken apple sausage is an ideal choice. It combines ground chicken with apples, spices, and a hint of sweetness, creating a delicious and versatile sausage. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this sweet and savory sausage is easy to make and brings a refreshing flavor to your meals.
Why Choose Chicken Apple Sausage?
Unlike traditional sausages, chicken apple sausage is light and refreshing, thanks to the lean chicken and sweet apple. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to pork sausage. Plus, making it yourself means you can adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.
A Perfect Family Meal
This recipe isn’t just for breakfast – it’s a versatile family meal that can be used in various dishes. Whether it’s served with eggs in the morning, mixed into a pasta for lunch, or used as a protein topping for dinner salads, this fresh sausage recipe has endless possibilities. If you’re interested in more breakfast sausage recipes, you might like this Pork Sausage Recipe for Breakfast or Dinner from JenRecipes.com.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
To make chicken apple sausage, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and kitchen tools.
Key Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Sausage
Here’s what you’ll need for a batch that serves four:
- Ground Chicken: 1 lb (lean chicken breast works best)
- Apple: 1 medium, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Fuji recommended)
- Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Sage: 1 teaspoon, dried or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped
- Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon, dried
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking
Tools for Making This Fresh Sausage Recipe
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the sausages.
- Spoon or Spatula: For mixing and stirring.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the apple and onion.
- Measuring Spoons: To ensure you get the right amount of each spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Apple Sausage
Follow these steps to make your own chicken apple sausage at home.
Preparing the Ingredients
- Chop the Apple and Onion: Finely chop the apple and onion, ensuring there are no large chunks. This will help them cook evenly and blend well with the chicken.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, apple, onion, maple syrup, sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Mixing and Shaping the Sausages
- Form the Sausages: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Use your hands to shape each portion into a small patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Refrigerate (Optional): For easier handling, place the patties in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This is especially useful if the mixture is sticky.
Cooking Your Homemade Sausage
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Sausages: Add the patties to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Place the cooked sausages on a paper towel to drain any excess oil, then serve hot.
Serving Suggestions for Breakfast and Beyond
Your chicken apple sausage is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy it.
Breakfast Ideas with Chicken Apple Sausage
- Classic Plate: Serve with scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Breakfast Burrito: Wrap the sausage in a tortilla with eggs, cheese, and avocado.
- Hash Browns: Pair with hash browns and a sprinkle of green onions for a comforting morning meal.
Creative Lunch and Dinner Pairings
- Pasta Dishes: Add crumbled sausage to pasta with a light cream sauce and spinach.
- Salads: Top a spinach or arugula salad with sliced chicken apple sausage, apples, walnuts, and feta.
- Flatbread: Use as a topping on flatbread with caramelized onions and goat cheese for a savory dinner.
Storage and Reheating
For the best flavor, you’ll want to store and reheat your sausages properly.
Storing Leftover Sausages
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover sausage patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips for Best Flavor
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30 seconds, or until warmed through.
Additional Tips and Variations
Adding More Flavor to Your Fresh Sausage Recipe
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of warmth.
- Diced Apples: For a more noticeable apple flavor, fold in finely diced apple pieces.
- Smoky Flavor: Include a dash of smoked paprika for a slightly smoky taste.
Making a Healthier Chicken Apple Sausage
- Less Sugar: Reduce the maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet sausage.
- Lean Ground Chicken: Use ground chicken breast to cut down on fat.
- Low-Sodium Options: Substitute the salt with a salt-free seasoning blend.
Summary
This homemade chicken apple sausage recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought sausage. The combination of chicken, apple, and spices creates a balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you serve it with eggs, add it to pasta, or use it in a breakfast burrito, this family meal is sure to become a household favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey is a good substitute and will work well in this recipe.
- Is this sausage sweet? It has a mild sweetness from the apple and maple syrup, but the flavor is balanced with spices.
- How can I make the sausage spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- What’s the best type of apple to use? Granny Smith or Fuji apples add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Can I grill these sausages? Yes, just make sure to use a grill mat or a foil sheet to prevent sticking.
- How can I reduce the calorie count? Use lean ground chicken and reduce the maple syrup to lighten the recipe.
- What can I serve with chicken apple sausage? It pairs well with eggs, toast, salads, or roasted vegetables.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.