Chicken Apple Sausage Skillet

This chicken and apple sausage with sweet potato skillet combines hearty, autumninspired ingredients like sweet potatoes, smoked sausage, and warming spices to create a cozy and wholesome dinner. It’s a fussfree way to enjoy seasonal flavors with minimal prep and maximum comfort in under 40 minutes. This dish has become my goto for chilly evenings when I need something satisfying but not complicated. I remember cooking it after a crisp day spent apple picking, and the way the warm spices complemented the fresh air made it unforgettable.

I first made this recipe on a cool fall weekend, and my family asked for it repeatedly because the blend of cinnamon and smoked paprika with sausage is just irresistible.

Ingredients

• Smoked chicken and apple sausage: One pound sliced into halfinch pieces adds smoky sweetness and protein select sausages with a good smoke flavor and firm texture
• Sweet potatoes: Two large peeled and cubed bring natural sweetness and creamy texture choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for best results
• Yellow onion: One medium diced for savory depth and sweetness pick onions that are firm and have dry papery skin
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons divided to enhance caramelization and flavor opt for extra virgin olive oil for richness
• Garlic: Two cloves minced gives pungent aroma and boosts savory notes fresh garlic is key for vibrant taste
• Dried thyme: Half teaspoon adds earthy herbal undertones check for fragrant, bright thyme for best aroma
• Smoked paprika: Half teaspoon lends warm, smoky depth smoky Spanish paprika varieties work beautifully here
• Ground cinnamon: Quarter teaspoon provides subtle warmth and sweetness use fresh cinnamon from a goodquality source
• Salt: Half teaspoon needed to bring out flavors adjust to taste
• Black pepper: Quarter teaspoon freshly ground for gentle spice and balance freshly ground gives better flavor than preground

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:

Slice the sausage into uniform halfinch pieces, peel and cube the sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking, dice the onion finely, and mince the garlic carefully so flavors meld nicely when cooked.

Cook Sweet Potatoes:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally but not constantly, until the pieces soften and start to color on the edges. This usually takes about seven to eight minutes. Avoid filling the pan too much so each piece can brown nicely.

Add Onion and Seasonings:

Push the cooked sweet potatoes to one side of the pan, then add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about three minutes. Sprinkle the thyme, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper evenly over the vegetables, then toss to coat everything well with the spices so the flavors develop.

Incorporate Sausage and Garlic:

Add the sliced chicken apple sausage and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage browns and heats through, the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, and the mixture becomes aromatic and cohesive.

Final Taste and Serve:

Give the skillet a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot directly from the pan for the best presentation and flavor impact.

The sweet potato’s natural sweetness combined with puffed, smoky sausage always reminds me of family dinners in the fall. The cinnamon is my little secret that adds unexpected warmth and depth.

Storage Tips

Cool the skillet completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to four days and reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture. This dish also freezes wonderfully so you can batch cook and enjoy it later.

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey apple sausage offers a leaner alternative with a similar flavor profile. Butternut squash can be swapped for sweet potatoes to vary the texture and color while keeping autumn flavors. Avocado oil can replace olive oil for higher smoke point and richer caramelization.

Serving Suggestions

Add fresh baby spinach or chopped parsley just before serving for color and freshness. Serve alongside a crisp apple slaw to brighten the plate. Pair with crusty sourdough bread for a hearty, complete meal.

This skillet is one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with memories and warmth. I often think about how it started as an easy goto on a crisp fall day and turned into a family favorite everyone asks for again and again.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Why are my sweet potatoes still firm?

Cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam or add a tablespoon of water; continue cooking until tender for perfect texture.

→ Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, lightly brown pre-cooked sausage with the potatoes to enhance flavors and heat them through evenly.

→ Is it okay to leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?

The skin adds extra texture and nutrients; just scrub thoroughly before cutting for the best result.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

Prepare as usual, store in an airtight container, and gently reheat in a skillet to restore texture and flavor.

→ What oil alternatives can I use for cooking?

Avocado oil is a great alternative with a higher smoke point, helping achieve deeper caramelization.