How to Cook Chicken Apple Sausage Like a Pro: 5 Foolproof Methods

Ever grabbed a package of chicken apple sausage at the store and wondered about the best way to cook it? You’re not alone! This delicious, slightly sweet alternative to traditional pork sausage has become super popular, and for good reason. It’s leaner, flavorful, and versatile enough for any meal of the day.

I’ve tried cooking chicken apple sausage dozens of ways, and I’m excited to share the best methods I’ve discovered. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy or trying to impress at your next brunch, these cooking techniques will help you nail it every time.

What Makes Chicken Apple Sausage Special?

Before diving into cooking methods, let’s talk about what makes this sausage unique Chicken apple sausage combines lean ground chicken with the natural sweetness of apples and a blend of spices. This creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Most store-bought versions come pre-cooked, which means you’re really just heating them through rather than cooking from raw. However, I’ll cover methods for both pre-cooked and raw varieties.

The 5 Best Ways to Cook Chicken Apple Sausage

1. In a Skillet (The Tastiest Method)

This is my go-to method when I want that perfect browned exterior.

What you’ll need:

• Chicken apple sausage links
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Medium skillet

Instructions:

1. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil
2. Add the chicken sausages to the hot pan
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even browning
4. The sausages should be golden brown and heated through (internal temp of 165°F)

Why it works: Pan-frying gives you the most control and creates a delicious caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy. It’s also quick – perfect for busy weeknights.

2. In the Oven (The Simplest Method)

When I’m multitasking or cooking for a crowd, the oven is my friend.

What you’ll need:

• Chicken apple sausage links
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Optional: olive oil, herbs, and spices

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil
3. Place sausages on the baking sheet, leaving space between each
4. For extra flavor, brush with a mixture of olive oil and your favorite herbs/spices
5. Bake for 18-25 minutes, flipping halfway through
6. Check that they’ve reached 165°F internally before serving

Why it works: This hands-off approach is perfect when you’re preparing other dishes. It’s also great for cooking a large batch at once.

3. In an Air Fryer (The Quickest Method)

My air fryer has become my best friend for quick cooking.

What you’ll need:

• Chicken apple sausage links
• Air fryer

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
2. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket with space between each
3. Cook for 6-9 minutes until they start to brown
4. No need to flip with most air fryer models, but check your specific model’s recommendations

Why it works: The air fryer gives you the crispy exterior of pan-frying but cooks even faster and requires less cleanup.

4. On the Grill (Best for Flavor)

When the weather’s nice, take your cooking outside!

What you’ll need:

• Chicken apple sausage links
• Preheated grill

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat
2. Place sausages directly on the grates
3. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and they’re heated through
4. Keep a close eye to prevent burning

Why it works: Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the sweet apple notes in the sausage.

5. Simmering (Best for Uncooked Sausage)

If you have raw chicken apple sausage, this method ensures it cooks evenly.

What you’ll need:

• Raw chicken apple sausage
• Pot of water
• Meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the sausages
2. Bring water to a simmer (not a rolling boil)
3. Add sausages and simmer for 15-20 minutes
4. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F
5. For browning, you can finish them in a skillet or under the broiler

Why it works: Simmering cooks the sausage gently and evenly, ensuring raw sausage is fully cooked without bursting the casing.

My Favorite Brands of Chicken Apple Sausage

Not all chicken apple sausages are created equal! Here are some top brands I’ve tried and loved:

• Aidells – These have natural casing and are smoked over hardwood chips for amazing flavor
• Applegate – Organic, no nitrates, and case-free for those who prefer a smoother texture
• Trader Joe’s – Affordable and consistently tasty
• Whole Foods 365 – Clean ingredients list
• Alfresco – All natural with no artificial ingredients

Delicious Ways to Serve Chicken Apple Sausage

Once you’ve mastered cooking your sausage, try these serving ideas:

For Breakfast:

• Slice and add to a breakfast skillet with eggs and potatoes
• Serve alongside pancakes with maple syrup
• Add to a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese

For Lunch or Dinner:

• Slice and toss with pasta and a light cream sauce
• Add to a hearty fall salad with roasted vegetables
• Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed greens
• Include in a sheet pan dinner with seasonal vegetables

Quick Sides That Pair Well:

• Roasted broccoli
• Potato salad
• Mediterranean rice
• Sautéed greens
• Grilled vegetables
• Apple slaw

Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe

Feeling adventurous? Try making your own chicken apple sausage from scratch!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 small apple, finely grated (I like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage or rosemary
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined
2. Form into patties or stuff into casings if you have the equipment
3. Cook using any of the methods above, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F
4. Enjoy immediately or store properly

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate cooked or uncooked sausage for up to 3-5 days
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot (165°F)

FAQ About Cooking Chicken Apple Sausage

Is chicken apple sausage already cooked?
Many store-bought versions are pre-cooked, but always check the package. If it says “fully cooked” or “ready to eat,” you just need to heat it through. If it’s raw, make sure to cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I tell when chicken apple sausage is done cooking?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, look for brownimg on the outside and make sure there’s no pink meat inside if you cut into it.

Can I cook frozen chicken apple sausage without thawing?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. The oven or simmering methods work best for frozen sausages.

What’s the nutritional benefit of chicken apple sausage vs. regular sausage?
Chicken apple sausage typically has 30-40% less fat than pork sausage and fewer calories. A typical link contains around 140-170 calories, 13-16g protein, and 7-10g fat.

Can I use chicken apple sausage in recipes that call for regular sausage?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it has a slightly sweeter flavor profile, which works especially well in dishes with complementary flavors like roasted vegetables, pasta, or rice dishes.

Final Thoughts

Chicken apple sausage is one of those versatile ingredients that can elevate any meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast or an elegant dinner, knowing how to cook it properly makes all the difference.

My personal favorite method is the stovetop skillet because I love the control it gives me over browning, but each technique has its advantages depending on your situation. The oven method is great when I’m cooking for a crowd, while the air fryer is perfect when I’m in a hurry.

What’s your favorite way to cook chicken apple sausage? Have you tried any creative recipes with it? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

Happy cooking!