Warm Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Sausage

Cozy Comfort with a Classic American Flavor Twist

Inspired by traditional American autumn flavors, this Warm Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Sausage recipe combines fresh cider glaze with smoky sausage and tender chicken for a hearty, balanced meal that brings New England and Midwestern cooking to your table.

Warm Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Sausage – Cozy One-Pan Fall Dinner Recipe

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time10 minutes

Cook time25 minutes

Total time35 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Sausage:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), cut into chunks
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, (chicken, pork, or turkey), sliced into rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup, (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, (optional for a thicker glaze)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 medium apples, sliced thin, (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 1 red onion, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Ingredients:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• 2

  Season the Chicken and Sausage:

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces and sliced sausage with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly across the sheet pan.
• 3

  Add the Apples and Onions:

  • In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the same sheet pan, keeping them slightly separated from the meat to allow proper roasting.
• 4

  Roast:

  • Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sausage is golden brown.
• 5

  Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:

  • While the chicken and sausage are roasting, combine apple cider, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in butter for richness. For a thicker glaze, whisk in cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water.
• 6

  Glaze and Serve:

  • Once the sheet pan is out of the oven, drizzle the warm apple cider glaze over the chicken, sausage, apples, and onions. Toss gently to coat. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired.

Equipment

• Large sheet pan
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Recipe Notes and Variations:

• Substitutions:
  • Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or pork tenderloin for a different protein.
  • Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian alternative.
  • Try pears instead of apples for a unique twist.

• Pro Tips:
  • For a richer glaze, simmer the apple cider sauce until syrupy before adding butter.
  • Adding cornstarch is optional but helps the glaze cling better to the chicken and sausage.
  • Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for caramelized, golden edges.

• Storage & Reheating Instructions:
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Add a splash of apple cider to refresh the glaze.
  • Avoid microwaving to prevent the apples from turning mushy.

Nutrition

Calories	520
Carbohydrates	42g
Cholesterol	85mg
Fat	26g
Fiber	4g
Protein	32g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sodium	810mg
Sugar	28g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	14g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

This Warm Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Sausage recipe draws inspiration from comforting autumn flavors. Apple cider has deep roots in traditional American cooking, particularly in New England and Midwestern kitchens, where fresh cider is often reduced into rich sauces and glazes. This recipe combines that classic flavor with smoky sausage and tender chicken for a hearty yet balanced meal.

The Art of Cooking the Recipe

The key to achieving perfect texture lies in roasting — crisping the sausage and caramelizing the apples to enhance their sweetness. The apple cider glaze, reduced to a syrupy consistency, ties everything together with a sweet and tangy kick.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

This recipe’s warm glaze makes it perfect for fall dinners, Sunday family meals, or even holiday gatherings. The combination of sweet and savory, plus the smoky sausage, creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

This recipe blends three essential elements:

• Roasted chicken and sausage for rich, savory flavor
• Caramelized apples and onions for a touch of sweetness
• A tangy apple cider glaze that enhances the entire dish

What Occasions It’s Good For

Ideal for autumn dinners, cozy family meals, or as a main dish at casual fall gatherings. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive for entertaining.

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

With minimal cleanup, bold fall flavors, and a rich apple cider glaze, this one-pan meal is the ultimate blend of comfort and convenience.