Chicken Apple Sausage Skewers are a fun and tasty dish! These skewers are filled with juicy chicken and sweet apple sausage, all grilled to perfection.
They make for a great meal on a stick, perfect for BBQs or quick dinners. I love serving these with some fresh veggies on the side – it’s an easy win for everyone! 🍏🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Apple Sausage: This is the star of the dish! The sweet and savory flavors of apple sausage add a great taste. If you can’t find chicken apple sausage, use regular chicken sausage and add finely chopped apples or apple sauce to mimic the flavor.
Apple: I recommend using Fuji or Gala apples for their sweetness. You could also try Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a tart kick. If you prefer not to use apples, pears are a lovely substitute.
Bell Pepper: Yellow peppers bring a nice sweetness. You can swap them for red or orange peppers for a similar taste. Green peppers can be used too, but they have a more bitter taste, which may change the flavor balance slightly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can omit it or substitute with kale or zucchini slices if you want something different. Try to pick softer greens to keep the texture pleasant.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps flavor the other ingredients. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
How Do I Get the Skewers to Cook Evenly?
Getting the skewers to cook evenly is important for great texture and flavor. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is crucial for a good sear.
- Cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces (about 1 inch). This helps everything cook thoroughly and stay tender.
- Soak wooden skewers for 20-30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between ingredients to allow heat to reach everything evenly.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking. Keep an eye on them so they don’t char or burn.
By following these tips, you’ll have deliciously cooked Chicken Apple Sausage Skewers that everyone will love! Enjoy cooking! 🌟
Chicken Apple Sausage Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 links chicken apple sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large apple (such as Fuji or Gala), cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, lightly packed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Bamboo or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook on the grill. You’ll spend a little time chopping and assembling the skewers, but the grilling is quick and easy, making this a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures that the skewers will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks!
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using bamboo skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers can be used without soaking.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken apple sausage pieces, apple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and spinach leaves. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the salt, pepper, and thyme (if using) over the top. Toss everything together to make sure they’re nicely coated with oil and seasoning.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Begin threading the ingredients onto the skewers. Alternate as follows: one cherry tomato, a folded spinach leaf, a piece of bell pepper, one apple chunk, a piece of chicken apple sausage, another apple chunk, and finish with another cherry tomato. Remember to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Once your skewers are assembled, place them on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes. You want the sausage to be browned and cooked through, while the apples and bell peppers should be tender and have some nice char marks. The spinach will wilt nicely, adding to the look and flavor!
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This keeps them juicy. Serve them warm as a delightful appetizer or main dish. They pair great with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables on the side.
Enjoy your juicy, sweet, and savory Chicken Apple Sausage Skewers! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can use any type of chicken sausage or even turkey sausage. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the sausage you choose.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their texture.
Can I Make These Veggie Skewers Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken apple sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or increase the amount of vegetables and tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. Just ensure that your substitute is appropriately flavored to keep the dish tasty!
How Can I Get More Char on My Skewers?
If you want extra char, increase the grill’s heat but be mindful not to burn the skewers. You can also brush the skewers lightly with oil before grilling to help achieve a nice sear!