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A Sweet and Savory Balance of Flavors
Sweet and savory dinners don’t get much easier than this chicken sausage with apples recipe. The combination of golden roasted potatoes, crisp-tender apples, and flavorful sausage makes this dish comforting, satisfying, and full of contrast. A hint of honey helps everything caramelize in the oven, while fresh thyme ties the flavors together with an herbaceous finish.
What sets this version apart is how well it balances convenience and substance. Using fully cooked or smoked chicken sausage cuts down on prep time, and roasting the potatoes first ensures they come out perfectly tender. This is a great recipe to keep on rotation for busy weeknights, but it’s easy to adapt, too. Try swapping in different sausage varieties or serving it alongside sweet and savory roasted Brussels sprouts for a more complete meal.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you need to know about the key ingredients in this recipe. The complete list, including quantities, is in the printable recipe card below.
CHICKEN SAUSAGE: We recommend using fully cooked or smoked chicken sausage, like the apple varieties from Al Fresco or Aidells. They’re packed with flavor and save time since they don’t require long cooking. Aidells offers a smoky, heartier bite, while Al Fresco’s is a bit lighter in texture. If you prefer raw chicken or turkey sausage, those work, too. Check the notes in the printable version of the recipe for adjustments.
BABY POTATOES: Baby yellow potatoes roast up beautifully, and their mild flavor pairs well with the sweet-savory combo of sausage and apples. Seasoned with a little honey and fresh thyme, they complete this one-pan meal.
APPLES: Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape in the oven and provide the perfect contrast to the savory sausage.
SHALLOTS: Their mild, slightly sweet flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering. You can swap in thinly sliced sweet onion if needed.
HONEY: A touch of honey helps everything caramelize and adds subtle sweetness. Maple syrup works well, too, if you’re looking for a twist.
Prep Overview
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Apples
This is an overview of how this recipe is prepared. Please see the printable recipe card below for detailed step-by-step instructions.
To make this easy sheet pan chicken sausage with apples recipe, start by giving the potatoes a quick head start in the oven so they get a nice roasted texture.
While they’re roasting, toss together the sausage, apples, shallot, and thyme with a simple olive oil and honey mixture.
Once the potatoes are partially cooked, mix everything together and return it to the sheet pan to finish roasting until the sausage is hot and the apples and potatoes are perfectly tender.
More Easy Sheet Pan Dinners
If you’re looking for more easy sheet pan dinners, try our Honey-Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, made with chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and apples in a garlicky glaze. For a seafood option, our Mediterranean Sheet Pan Fish Dinner pairs roasted fish with zucchini, tomatoes, and a savory garlic-caper topping. And for something hearty and well-balanced, our Sheet Pan Salmon with Potatoes and Green Beans features brown sugar-glazed salmon fillets, tender baby potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Apples
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces (see notes)
- 1 lb baby yellow potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the potatoes with one tablespoon of olive oil, and arrange them on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and roast for 10 minutes to give them a head start.
- While the potatoes roast, whisk the remaining tablespoon of olive oil together with the honey in the bottom of a large mixing bowl. Add the sausage, apples, shallot, and thyme to the bowl. Season with a bit of freshly ground black pepper, then toss everything to combine.
- After 10 minutes, remove the potatoes from the oven and add them to the bowl. Toss everything together, then return it to the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and apples are tender and the sausage is heated through.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this for the family last week, as I was looking for a creative way to cook with chicken sausage and this was a huge hit! The sweet and savory was a big hit with everyone, including my 8 and 10 year olds. Thanks for sharing! -Marcie
Hi Marcie,
I’m happy to hear the recipe was a hit – particularly with the kids. Thanks for taking the time to let us know!
I use Spike seasoning. Also I use sweet apple chicken sausage. Love this easy tasty dish. Thank u very much. Kim
Thanks for posting! I found this searching for a chicken apple sausage dinner. Perfect! (I used yellow potato wedges because that’s what I had)
Absolutely love this. House still smells wonderful from cooking this.. I can’t grow thyme here so; I used dry and it was great.
Hi Deborah,
I love how easy this recipe is – I’m so glad you enjoyed it too. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.
This was delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
Hi Lindsey,
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting us know!