Easy Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Sausage: Chicken sausage is leaner and has great flavor. If you prefer, turkey sausage works just as well. You could even use pork sausage for a richer taste. Just be mindful of cooking times since different meats can vary.

Apples: I love using sweet apples like Gala or Fuji, as they balance the savory sausage beautifully. If you can’t find these, Honeycrisp or Braeburn are good alternatives. For a tart twist, Granny Smith apples can be interesting, too!

Onion: Yellow onions are common for this recipe because they have a nice sweetness when cooked. However, red onions add a lovely color and a slightly sharper flavor. Feel free to use what you have on hand!

Thyme: Dried thyme works, but I suggest using fresh if you can for a brighter flavor. If thyme isn’t available, rosemary or sage can be nice substitutions, just use them sparingly as they are stronger in taste.

How Do I Cook Everything to Perfection?

Cooking this meal perfectly is key to really enjoy the flavors. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Start with a medium heat to brown the sausage. This creates a nice crust and keeps moisture in.
• Don’t rush the cooking of the onions and peppers; let them soften to build a great base flavor for the dish. About 4-5 minutes should do the trick!
• When adding the garlic, cook it for just 30 seconds. Garlic can burn quickly, and burnt garlic isn’t pleasant. You want it to be fragrant, not brown.
• Add the apples at the right time so they retain some bite. Just 3-4 minutes of cooking helps them soften while still being crisp.
• Always taste and adjust seasoning towards the end. A little extra salt or fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly!

How to Make an Easy Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage links, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (preferably a sweet variety like Gala or Fuji)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme sprigs

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In just under 40 minutes, you’ll have a scrumptious meal ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

2. Cook the Veggies:

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Stir and cook them until they are softened, which should take about 4-5 minutes. You want them to get nice and sweet!

3. Add Garlic and Apples:

Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Then, add the sliced apples to the skillet along with the dried thyme, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples are starting to soften but are still a bit firm.

4. Bring It All Together:

Return the cooked sausage back into the skillet and give everything a good mix to combine the ingredients. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your delicious Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet warm and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you want to add a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!

FAQ for Easy Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet

Can I Use Different Sausages?

Absolutely! While chicken sausage is delicious and lean, you can substitute it with turkey sausage or even pork sausage for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as different types of sausage may require different cooking times.

What Type of Apples Work Best?

Sweet apples like Gala or Fuji are perfect for this recipe as they contrast nicely with the savory sausage. If you prefer tart apples, Granny Smith can add a nice twist, but keep in mind they will change the overall sweetness of the dish.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a few hours in advance. Cook everything as directed, then let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or the microwave until heated through.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently, avoiding high heat which can cause the apples to become mushy. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!