Chicken Apple Sausage Skillet

This chicken and apple sausage skillet brings together sweet potatoes, savory sausage, and warming spices for a comforting meal. It mixes familiar fall flavors into an easy onepan dinner that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas. This dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

One chilly autumn day after apple picking with my aunt, I first made this skillet, and the combination of those earthy sweet potatoes with the hint of cinnamon and smoky paprika instantly felt like the perfect way to capture fall on a plate.

Ingredients

• Chicken and apple sausage: sliced into half inch pieces adds savory meatiness and a subtle hint of sweetness
• Sweet potatoes: peeled and cubed provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture that balances the sausage
• Yellow onion: diced to bring mild sweetness and a savory base flavor
• Olive oil: divided for cooking and developing golden browning on the potatoes and sausage
• Garlic: minced to add aromatic depth and a slight kick
• Dried thyme: brings an earthy herbal note that complements both the sausage and sweet potatoes
• Smoked paprika: adds warmth and a gentle smokiness that enhances the fall flavor profile
• Ground cinnamon: introduces just a touch of cozy sweetness to round out the savory elements
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to season and bring all flavors together perfectly

Instructions

Prep all ingredients:

Prepare by slicing the chicken apple sausage into half inch pieces, cubing the peeled sweet potatoes evenly, dicing the onion finely for even cooking, and mincing the garlic to distribute flavor well throughout the dish.

Cook sweet potatoes:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed sweet potatoes making sure not to overcrowd the pan so they brown nicely. Stir occasionally for about seven to eight minutes until the potatoes start to soften and develop a golden color. Perfect caramelization takes patience.

Add onion and seasonings:

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining olive oil and the diced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and soft, about three minutes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything so the spices evenly coat the potatoes and onions. This layering of seasoning builds complexity.

Incorporate sausage and garlic:

Add the sliced chicken apple sausage and minced garlic. Cook for another five to seven minutes. Stir occasionally but allow the sausage to brown nicely, adding depth to its flavor. The sweet potatoes should be tender and the flavors melded beautifully at this stage.

Final taste and serve:

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the skillet hot straight from the pan for the best aroma and presentation.

The smoked paprika is one of my favorite ingredients here. It lifts the dish above ordinary sausage skillet dinners and complements the sweet potatoes surprisingly well. One of my best memories is serving this at a fall potluck where the first compliment was about that perfect smoky aroma showing through.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sweet potatoes moist. This skillet also freezes well cool completely before freezing in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm carefully for a quick easy meal later.

Ingredient substitutions

Turkey apple sausage works wonderfully and gives a leaner option with similar flavors and texture. You can swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash if you prefer a slightly different sweetness and texture, creating a nice twist with familiar warming spices. Try avocado oil instead of olive oil when cooking if you want a higher smoke point and richer caramelization especially if you like your skillet a bit more charred and flavorful.

Serving suggestions

Serve this skillet with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. Crusty bread alongside is perfect for soaking up any pan juices and adds a satisfying crunch. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top provides a tangy contrast and extra creaminess.

This chicken and apple sausage skillet is an easy comforting meal that celebrates fall flavors while being weeknight friendly. It reheats well and makes a great option for simple meal prep.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of sausage works best in this skillet?

Smoked chicken apple sausage brings a sweet and savory balance, but turkey apple sausage is a leaner alternative that maintains similar flavors.

→ How can I ensure sweet potatoes cook evenly?

Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to promote even cooking and develop nice caramelization without burning.

→ Why is browning the sausage important?

Browning the sausage deepens its umami flavor and creates a pleasing crispy texture that enhances the overall dish.

→ Can I substitute the olive oil with another type?

Avocado oil is an excellent alternative due to its higher smoke point, which improves caramelization and flavor depth.

→ What spices add warmth to this skillet dish?

Thyme, smoked paprika, and a touch of cinnamon provide fragrant warmth and a subtle autumnal note to the flavors.

→ Is a cast iron skillet necessary for this recipe?

While not mandatory, a seasoned cast iron skillet enhances browning and maintains even heat distribution for better flavor development.