This Easy Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken sausage with sweet apples and veggies. It’s a quick meal that’s ready in no time!
Who knew sausage could taste this good with apples? It’s like a party in a skillet! I love serving it with some bread for a little dunking action. Yum! 🍏
This dish is super simple to whip up, which is great because I can have a yummy dinner without spending all evening in the kitchen. Enjoy the cozy flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Sausage: This is the star of the dish. I prefer using pre-cooked chicken sausage for ease, but any kind works! If you want a vegetarian option, try using veggie sausage or beans.
Apple: Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp bring great flavor here. If you like tartness, Granny Smith apples are a good alternative. Try to pick apples that are firm for better texture after cooking.
Onion: A medium onion adds depth. You can swap it with shallots or even leeks for a different flavor profile.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness. Feel free to use green bell peppers if you prefer a slightly bitter flavor, or any other color of bell pepper you like.
How Do I Get the Sausage Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the sausage properly is key for texture and flavor. Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in the skillet; this ensures even cooking.
- Add sliced chicken sausage and let it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes. This helps to brown one side nicely.
- Turn the sausage pieces to brown all sides evenly, about 5-7 minutes total.
Cooking the sausage this way not only enhances its flavor but also adds a nice texture to your dish! Remember to remove it from the skillet before adding vegetables to prevent overcooking.
How to Make an Easy Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage links, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large apple, cored and sliced (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken sausage. Cook the sausage pieces for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma. This step is crucial to getting the veggies nice and caramelized!
3. Adding Apples and Garlic:
Now it’s time to bring the sweetness! Add the sliced apple and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender. This will give you a delicious combination of flavors.
4. Bringing it All Together:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetable and apple mixture. Sprinkle the thyme leaves over everything and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting it to your liking.
5. Final Cooking:
Give it another 2 minutes on the heat, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together. It’s almost ready!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a hearty one-pan meal that’s sure to please!
Enjoy your delicious and easy apple chicken sausage skillet!
FAQ for Easy Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet
Can I Use Any Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage is great for this recipe, you can use pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the type of sausage you choose.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! To add some heat, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and bell peppers. This will give your dish an extra kick!
What Can I Serve with This Skillet?
This skillet dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a green salad. It’s versatile enough to complement any side you love!
