Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner That’s Ready in 30 Minutes

Do you ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering how you’ll get a nutritious dinner on the table before everyone’s hangry meltdowns begin? I’ve been there more times than I care to admit! That’s why this Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner has become my weeknight superhero. Last Tuesday, after a particularly chaotic day of deadlines and school pickup chaos, I tossed some chicken apple sausage with veggies onto a sheet pan, and 25 minutes later, my family was raving about dinner.

This one-pan wonder combines sweet and savory flavors with minimal cleanup – perfect for those nights when you need cooking to be simple but still want something that makes everyone happy.

Ingredients for Your Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner starts with quality ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavors. I love how these simple components transform into something truly special with minimal effort.

• 4 links (about 12 oz) chicken apple sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 large sweet potato, cubed (about 2 cups)
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best), cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended!)

Substitution ideas:

• For a spicier version, use andouille sausage instead of chicken apple sausage
• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes
• Use pears instead of apples for a different sweet note
• For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage alternatives

Timing for Your Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

This sheet pan dinner comes together in about half the time of traditional roast dinners, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re racing against the clock.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. While the oven heats, chop all your veggies and apples. Pro tip: try to cut everything in similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

2. Make the Seasoning Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, whole grain mustard, thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using. This flavor-packed mixture will coat everything beautifully and create that gorgeous caramelization we’re looking for.

3. Assemble the Sheet Pan

Place the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with about two-thirds of the seasoning mixture and toss to coat. Spread them in an even layer.

4. First Baking Stage

Pop the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts need a little head start since they take longer to cook than the other ingredients.

5. Add Remaining Ingredients

Take the pan out of the oven and add the sliced chicken apple sausage, apple chunks, and red onion wedges. Drizzle with the remaining seasoning mixture and toss everything gently to combine. Spread into an even layer again.

6. Finish Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized and the sausage is heated through with nice browned edges. Give everything a stir halfway through this final cooking time.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully when you let it sit briefly. If desired, sprinkle with a few extra fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

• Calories: Approximately 375 per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 20g (mostly natural from fruits and vegetables)

This sheet pan dinner offers a balanced meal with protein from the sausage, complex carbs from sweet potatoes, and plenty of vitamins and antioxidants from the Brussels sprouts, apples, and onions. The sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene, while Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins K and C.

Equipment Needed for Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

One of the best things about this Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner is how few tools you need:

• Large rimmed baking sheet (18×13 inches works best)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowl for mixing the seasoning
• Spatula or large spoon for tossing ingredients

That’s it! The beauty of sheet pan cooking is that you don’t need fancy equipment to create a delicious, well-balanced meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

There are so many reasons why this Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:

1. It’s practically effortless – Just chop, toss, and bake. The oven does all the hard work for you!

2. One pan means minimal cleanup – No sink full of pots and pans to deal with after dinner.

3. It’s adaptable to what you have on hand – As long as you keep the cooking times in mind, you can swap in different veggies depending on what’s in your fridge.

4. The sweet-savory flavor combination is addictive – The natural sweetness from the apples and sweet potatoes balances perfectly with the savory sausage and Brussels sprouts.

5. It’s a complete meal in one pan – Protein, veggies, and complex carbs all cook together, meaning you don’t need to prepare separate side dishes.

My kids, who normally turn their noses up at Brussels sprouts, devour them in this dish thanks to the caramelization and sweet-savory coating. That’s a major win in my book!

Healthier Alternatives for the Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

Want to customize this Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner to fit your dietary needs? Here are some easy modifications:

For lower carb needs:

• Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets
• Use less apple or substitute with lower-carb veggies like bell peppers
• Look for sugar-free chicken apple sausage varieties

For gluten-free diets:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check sausage labels to confirm no gluten-containing fillers

For higher protein version:

• Add an extra link of sausage
• Toss in 1 cup of chickpeas for plant-based protein boost

For lower fat option:

• Use chicken or turkey sausage with lower fat content
• Reduce olive oil to 1-2 tablespoons and replace with a tablespoon of broth

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

This Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner stands perfectly well on its own, but here are some ways to round out the meal:

• Serve over a bed of quick-cooking quinoa or farro for extra staying power
• Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for freshness
• Pair with a slice of crusty whole grain bread for soaking up those delicious pan juices
• For a brunch twist, top each serving with a fried egg for runny yolk goodness

For holiday meals, I like to add dried cranberries during the last 5 minutes of cooking and garnish with toasted pecans for a festive touch that complements the chicken apple sausage beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

Even a simple recipe like this Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner has a few potential pitfalls:

1. Overcrowding the pan – When ingredients are too close together, they steam instead of roast. Use two pans if needed for proper browning and caramelization.

2. Cutting ingredients in inconsistent sizes – When your sweet potato chunks are huge and your Brussels sprouts are tiny, you’ll end up with some ingredients overcooked and others undercooked.

3. Skipping the parchment paper – While optional, parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. The maple syrup in this recipe can caramelize and stick to the pan.

4. Not giving harder vegetables a head start – This is why we add the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts first. Starting everything at once would leave you with undercooked root vegetables and overcooked sausage.

5. Forgetting to stir halfway through – A quick toss halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides of your ingredients.

Storing Tips for the Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

This Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to make the most of them:

Refrigerator storage:

• Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers
• Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator
• The flavors often taste even better the next day!

Freezer storage:

• While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the apples and Brussels sprouts will change somewhat
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
• Label with the date and contents

Reheating methods:

• Microwave: 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through
• Oven: 350°F for 10-15 minutes in a covered dish
• Stovetop: Quick sauté in a non-stick pan until heated through

For meal prep, you can chop all vegetables and sausage up to 2 days ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to season and bake your Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner.

Conclusion

This Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner has saved countless weeknight dinners at my house, and I hope it does the same for yours! The combination of sweet apples, savory sausage, and caramelized vegetables creates a meal that feels special despite taking almost no effort. What I love most about sheet pan cooking is how it transforms simple ingredients into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for one, this versatile recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. The next time you’re tempted to order takeout after a long day, remember that this nutritious, delicious dinner can be on your table in just 35 minutes.

Have you tried making a Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner before? Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out more quick weeknight meals on StackSipSnack for more dinner inspiration.

FAQs About Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

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