Apple Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
This apple chicken sausage skillet is the perfect dinner option when you want an easy, one-pan meal! Made with chicken sausage, sweet potato, apple, and seasonal herbs, it’s well-balanced, and leftovers make for great meal prep.
Why you’ll love this sausage and vegetable skillet
Using apple chicken sausage is one of my favorite ways to switch up my protein source at dinner when chicken, turkey, and beef get a little old. I love it in dishes like my gnocchi & sausage sheet pan dinner, sheet pan chicken sausage & vegetables, and one pan chicken sausage and orzo bake.
They’re all delicious! However, when I need a quick, easy option on busy nights, this chicken sausage and vegetable skillet is the recipe I turn to most. Every bite is sweet, savory, herbaceous, and just a little smoky, making for the most incredible combination. With seasonal produce, it’s ideal for fall, but my family loves it so much that I make it all year long.
Here’s why this sausage vegetable skillet has been a favorite for years…
- Fewer dishes! This recipe is made in one pan for fewer dishes and less overall work and cleanup!
- Chicken sausage is a simple protein option. Since most chicken sausages are fully cooked, they take less prep and cook time. The entire meal is ready in under an hour!
- Fall flavors galore! Apple, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and herbs all in one pan!
Recipe Ingredients
- Apple Chicken Sausage. I find these in the prepared meat section of my grocery store. Applegate chicken & apple sausage is my favorite, but any brand will work! Aidells is another great option.
- Avocado Oil. This helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies without impacting their flavor. You can use other oils such as olive oil if you prefer.
- Veggies. Yellow onion, sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and kale add color, flavor, and nutrients.
- Seasonings. Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are all you need!
- Apple. This adds texture and sweetness. I prefer Honeycrisp apple, but any sweet variety, such as Braeburn, Fuji, or Gala, can be used.
- Chicken Broth and Apple Cider Vinegar. These soften the ingredients and add a savory, subtly sweet taste.
- Fresh Herbs. Thyme leaves and parsley add a touch of brightness.
Possible Variations
- Swap the sausage. Use another compliant chicken or turkey sausage, bratwurst, or ground meat, checking the ingredients as needed to keep the recipe Paleo or AIP-friendly.
- Change the greens. Swap the kale for baby spinach or Swiss chard.
- Add more veggies. Mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini would all make great additions.
- Make it sweeter. Add a small drizzle of maple syrup along with the broth and apple cider vinegar.
- Change the herbs. Swap the thyme for fresh rosemary or sage for a slightly different fall flavor.
How to Make This Apple Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
Cook the sausage. Heat oil in a skillet and cook on each side until browned, then set aside.
Sauté the vegetables. Add the onion, sweet potato, and Brussels sprouts, season, and sauté until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Combine. Add the apple, kale, broth, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Simmer until the broth has been absorbed, the apple is soft, and the kale is wilted.
Serve. Add the sausage, stir to reheat, top with parsley, and enjoy!
Michelle Tips & Tricks
- Chop your ingredients uniformly. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and you get a bit of all the ingredients in each bite!
- Use pre-cooked chicken sausage links. This speeds up the cooking time significantly and helps create crisp pieces. I’ve tried a lot of chicken sausages, and these from Applegate get the most rave reviews in my house!
- Use a meat thermometer if needed. If using uncooked chicken sausage, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and apple sausage skillet is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but you can easily pair it with a simple side to round out the meal. Try serving it with cauliflower rice for even more veggies, or add a simple side salad for something fresh and crisp. For an extra cozy option, pair it with turmeric cauliflower risotto.
More Easy Skillet Recipes To Try…
Apple Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 12 oz chicken apple sausage, chopped
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups sweet potato, diced
- 1 ½ cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup Honeycrisp apple, peeled and diced
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Using a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Cook the sausage for 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned. Set aside.
- Using the same pan, add the onion, sweet potato, and brussels sprouts. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to saute for 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and crisp.
- Add the apple, kale, broth, apple cider vinegar and thyme to the pan and stir to combine. Allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the broth has absorbed, the apple is soft and the kale is wilted.
- Stir in the sausage and stir to reheat. Remove from the heat.
- Serve topped with parsley.
Are there any nutrition facts that can be provided?
There is some nutrition facts at the bottom of the recipe!
My family loved this!
Perhaps I’m reading the recipe incorrectly? Does it say 1.5 Brussels Sprouts?
Sorry about that- 1 1/2 cups!
I made this recipe – I used spinach rather than kale because that’s what I had – it was delicious and I will definitely make it again.
So glad you enjoyed!!