When searching for easy Aidells chicken apple sausage recipes, home cooks discover this versatile product transforms weeknight meals with minimal effort. Unlike raw sausages, Aidells Chicken Apple variety comes fully cooked, reducing preparation time while delivering consistent flavor. The combination of lean chicken, subtle apple sweetness, and aromatic spices creates a balanced protein that complements various cuisines without overpowering other ingredients.
Understanding Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage Characteristics
This popular sausage features a distinctive sweet-savory profile from the perfect ratio of chicken meat to apple flavoring. Each link contains approximately 150 calories, 10g protein, and 12g fat, making it a relatively lean option compared to traditional pork sausages. The pre-cooked nature means you're essentially reheating and enhancing flavor rather than cooking from raw, which affects recipe development.
| Nutrition Facts (per link) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
Essential Cooking Considerations
When developing healthy Aidells sausage meals, remember these key points:
- Don't overcook – Since it's pre-cooked, heat just until warm (3-4 minutes per side)
- Slice thickness matters – 1/4-inch slices work best for even heating without drying
- Pat dry before cooking – Removes excess moisture for better browning
- Pair with acidic elements – Apples pair well with lemon juice or vinegar to balance sweetness
Top 5 Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage Recipes
1. Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta with Kale and Walnuts
This chicken apple sausage pasta recipe combines earthy kale with crunchy walnuts for texture contrast. The sausage's natural sweetness balances the bitterness of dark greens.
Ingredients
- 2 Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage links, sliced
- 8 oz whole wheat penne
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add shallot and garlic, sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add kale and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes).
- Combine with drained pasta, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Top with toasted walnuts before serving.
2. Sweet Potato and Sausage Breakfast Skillet
A hearty option for quick dinner ideas with Aidells sausage that also works for brunch. The natural sweetness of roasted potatoes complements the apple sausage perfectly.
Ingredients
- 2 Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage links, sliced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 large eggs
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and paprika.
- Spread on baking sheet and roast 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in cast-iron skillet. Add sausage and cook 3 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and onion, cook until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Add roasted sweet potatoes to skillet and mix well.
- Create 4 wells in the mixture and crack an egg into each.
- Cover and cook 5-7 minutes until eggs reach desired doneness.
- Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
3. Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
An elegant yet simple dish showcasing how to cook with Aidells chicken apple sausage in seasonal preparations.
Ingredients
- 2 Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage links
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush squash halves with olive oil and roast cut-side down for 25 minutes.
- While squash roasts, slice sausage and cook in skillet for 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced apple and cook 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix sausage-apple mixture with quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and maple syrup.
- Flip squash halves and fill with mixture.
- Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until squash is fork-tender.
Flavor Pairing Guide
Maximize your Aidells chicken apple sausage skillet recipe success with these complementary flavors:
| Flavor Category | Best Pairings | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, pears, cranberries, figs | Highly acidic citrus |
| Vegetables | Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, kale, onions | Bitter greens like arugula |
| Herbs & Spices | Sage, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon | Strong spices like cumin |
| Grains | Quinoa, wild rice, farro | Strong-flavored grains like barley |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper handling maintains quality for your best recipes for pre-cooked chicken sausage:
- Store unopened packages in refrigerator up to 7 days past "use by" date
- Once opened, consume within 3-4 days
- Freeze slices between parchment paper for up to 2 months
- Reheat in skillet over medium-low heat rather than microwave for best texture
- Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to prevent drying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks make these errors with Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage:
- Overcooking – Leads to dry, tough texture (remember it's pre-cooked)
- Skipping the sear – Proper browning enhances flavor through Maillard reaction
- Using high heat – Causes casing to split and fat to render too quickly
- Not balancing sweetness – Add acid (lemon juice, vinegar) to counter apple sweetness
- Cutting too thick – 1/4-inch slices ensure even heating without drying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage without cooking it?
Yes, Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat straight from the package. However, heating enhances both flavor and texture. For best results, slice and lightly brown in a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
What’s the best way to slice Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage for recipes?
Chill the sausage links for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This firms up the texture, making clean 1/4-inch slices easier to achieve. Use a sharp knife and cut on a slight diagonal for maximum surface area when cooking.
How can I reduce the sodium content in Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage recipes?
Rinse sliced sausage under cold water before cooking to remove surface salt. Pair with low-sodium ingredients and boost flavor with herbs, citrus zest, or vinegar rather than additional salt. One Aidells link contains 520mg sodium, so balance with fresh vegetables that are naturally low in sodium.
Can I substitute Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage in traditional pork sausage recipes?
Yes, but with adjustments. Chicken apple sausage has less fat than pork varieties, so you may need to add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil when cooking. The apple flavor also means it works best in recipes where sweet-savory notes complement other ingredients, rather than strongly spiced dishes.








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