If you are looking for a wholesome, colorful, and irresistibly flavorful meal, the Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together the sweet, savory, and smoky notes of chicken apple sausage with a vibrant medley of roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and Brussels sprouts. It’s a simple yet hearty dinner that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and requires minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pan magic. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this sheet pan dinner is both straightforward and essential to achieving that perfect balance of tastes, textures, and colors. Each item plays a key role: from the hearty sweetness of the potatoes to the savory spice of the sausage and the fresh zing from the herbs and seasonings.
- 1 lb chicken apple sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces: Provides a juicy, subtly sweet protein base with apple undertones that complement the vegetables perfectly.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes: Add natural sweetness and a creamy texture once roasted, balancing well with savory flavors.
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces: Bring vibrant color and a mild, crisp taste for freshness and contrast.
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges: Adds a touch of sharpness that mellows as it cooks, creating depth of flavor.
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved: Give a slight crunch and earthiness that pairs beautifully roasted alongside the sausage.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to coat everything evenly, allowing for perfect caramelization and added richness.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang that elevates the sweetness of the vegetables.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: A must for savory aromatics without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm smoky note and a splash of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbal earthiness that ties all components together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for enhancing all flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A fresh, bright finishing touch that adds a pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Get your kitchen ready by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step ensures even cooking and effortless cleanup so you can focus on enjoying your meal.
Step 2: Toss the Vegetables with Seasonings
In a big bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, red onion wedges, and halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss everything thoroughly so each piece is well coated with seasonings and oil, which will help create those beautiful roasted edges and fantastic flavor.
Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables on the Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned vegetable mixture evenly across your prepared pan in a single layer. This spacing will encourage roasting rather than steaming, giving you tender veggies with a little crisp on the outside.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Apple Sausage
Place the sliced chicken apple sausage pieces on top of the vegetables, allowing the sausage juices to mingle with the veggies as they cook. This layering boosts the overall richness and ensures every bite is bursting with savory-sweet goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Give everything a good stir halfway through to promote even browning and cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the vegetables are tender and caramelized, and the chicken apple sausage is cooked through with a golden sear.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish that lifts all the flavors. Your Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only gives a beautiful pop of green but also adds a subtle herbal brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich and roasted ingredients. For extra flair, you could also sprinkle some toasted nuts or a handful of grated Parmesan.
Side Dishes
This hearty sheet pan meal shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up any drippings. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad offer a crisp and refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish family-style right from the sheet pan is welcoming and relaxed, making it perfect for casual dinners. For a more refined presentation, plate individual portions on warm plates and garnish with an extra sprinkle of parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to elevate the look and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat and enjoy another delicious meal without extra effort.
Freezing
This Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe freezes well if packed properly in a freezer-safe container or bag. To maintain the best quality, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps your veggies crisp and the sausage juicy. Alternatively, microwave with a cover for a quicker option, though you might lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken apple sausage offers a great balance of sweetness and savory flavor, you can substitute with your favorite sausage like Italian, chorizo, or even a plant-based option, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
What vegetables can I swap in or add to this sheet pan dinner?
The sky’s the limit! Try adding carrots, zucchini, or cauliflower for variety. Just be mindful of cooking times and chop the veggies into similar sizes so they roast evenly alongside the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that the sausage you use does not contain any gluten additives. Always verify the label to be sure.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage variety. Adding a dash of hot sauce after baking also provides a lively kick without affecting the overall balance.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and slice the sausage in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, combine and bake as directed for a quick and convenient dinner.
Final Thoughts
The Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is one of those meals that feels cozy and satisfying, yet simple enough to whip up on any busy night. Its beautiful blend of flavors, colorful ingredients, and minimal prep make it a true kitchen favorite that you’ll want to revisit time and again. Dive in and enjoy this hearty, comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table happy and well-fed!
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Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner is an easy and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken apple sausage pairs beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, red onions, and Brussels sprouts, all seasoned with garlic, paprika, and thyme, then baked to perfection in the oven. Garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty and colorful dish delivers a balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken apple sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, chopped red bell peppers, wedged red onion, and halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Arrange Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetable mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, creating a single layer to promote even cooking and roasting.
- Add Sausage: Place the sliced chicken apple sausage over the bed of vegetables, distributing them evenly across the pan.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, stir the vegetables and sausage gently to promote even browning and cooking. The dish is done when vegetables are tender and sausage pieces are fully cooked and browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken apple sausage with your favorite sausage variety if preferred.
- Be sure to cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini based on seasonal availability.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
