If you’ve never made your own breakfast sausage before, this Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage Patties recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s incredibly easy, full of flavor, and way healthier than the store-bought stuff. You get to control exactly what goes in—no mystery meat, no preservatives, just fresh ingredients and the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
These sausage patties are tender and juicy, with a hint of sweetness from grated apple and a savory kick from herbs and spices. They’re perfect for breakfast meal prep, weekend brunch, or a quick protein boost any time of day. I started making these when I was trying to cut back on processed meats but still wanted that comforting, slightly sweet breakfast sausage flavor. And wow—they totally hit the spot.
Once you try them, you’ll see why these patties have a permanent spot in my meal prep routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – No sausage casings or fancy equipment required.
- Healthier than store-bought – Made with lean ground chicken and real ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for quick breakfasts later.
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free – Great for people with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable – You can tweak the seasonings or switch up the apple variety.
- Juicy and flavorful – A perfect balance of savory herbs and apple sweetness.
- Kid-approved – Mild but tasty, and great in lunchboxes or breakfast sandwiches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these sausage patties:
- 1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
(Dark meat is juicier and more flavorful, but lean breast meat works too if you’re watching fat.) - 1 small apple, grated (about 1/2 cup)
(Go for a sweet, firm variety like Fuji or Gala. Don’t peel it—just wash and grate.) - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
(Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the apple flavor.) - 1 teaspoon salt
(Essential for bringing out all the flavors.) - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
(This gives it that classic breakfast sausage flavor.) - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
(Just a bit of heat to balance the sweetness—skip if you prefer mild.) - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
(Optional, but really lovely with the apple and chicken.) - 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil (for cooking)
(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Grate your apple
Start by grating the apple using a box grater or food processor. No need to peel it. Once grated, gently squeeze out a little of the excess juice using a paper towel—just enough so your mixture isn’t too wet.
Too much moisture will make the patties hard to shape and may cause them to steam instead of brown.
Step 2: Mix everything together
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated apple, maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, red pepper flakes (if using), and thyme. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to gently mix everything until evenly incorporated.
Try not to overwork the mixture—just mix until combined so the patties stay tender.
Step 3: Shape the patties
Divide the mixture into 8–10 small patties, about 2 to 3 inches wide and 1/2-inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
If the mixture feels sticky, wet your hands slightly to make shaping easier.
Step 4: Cook the patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).
Don’t crowd the pan—give them space to brown properly. If you’re meal prepping, let them cool before storing.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Serve warm, alongside eggs, toast, or pancakes. These also work great on English muffins or in breakfast wraps.
Helpful Tips
Don’t skip the apple
The grated apple adds moisture, sweetness, and character to the patties. If you’re unsure about the fruit-meat combo—trust me. It’s subtle and seriously delicious.
Use dark meat for the juiciest patties
Ground chicken thigh or a 90/10 blend works best for that classic sausage texture. Lean breast meat can be a little drier but still works if that’s what you have.
Make-ahead like a pro
Make a double batch and freeze uncooked or cooked patties for later. Stack with parchment paper between them and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze raw or cooked
To freeze raw: shape and place on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a bag.
To freeze cooked: let cool completely, wrap, and freeze. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Reheat without drying out
Warm cooked patties in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Change up the flavor
Try different herbs like rosemary or basil. Add chopped scallions or a bit of Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
Serving ideas
Pair with scrambled eggs, sweet potato hash, or wrap in a tortilla with greens and avocado for a breakfast on the go. They’re even tasty cold straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works great—just like chicken, go for dark meat if possible for better flavor and texture.
Are these spicy?
Not unless you add the red pepper flakes. You can completely skip the heat if you want them mild or make them spicy by adding more.
Do I need a food processor to make these?
Nope! Just a box grater for the apple and a mixing bowl. It’s very low-tech and beginner-friendly.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t brown quite as much, but they’ll still taste great.
Are these Whole30 or Paleo compliant?
Yes, if you skip the maple syrup (or replace it with date paste) and make sure your ingredients are clean and compliant, these can easily fit into Paleo or Whole30 meal plans.
These Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage Patties are a game-changer for your breakfast routine. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and much more satisfying than anything from the frozen aisle. I love having a stash of these in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts, lunch wraps, or even a protein-packed snack.
I make these almost every week during meal prep, and they never get old. The sweet-savory combo just works, and they’re super adaptable to whatever you’re craving that day. Give them a try and let me know how you serve them—whether you go classic with eggs or build a full-on breakfast sandwich, I’d love to hear how they turn out.
Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage Patties
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken preferably thigh meat for juiciness
- 1 medium apple peeled and grated (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional for added sweetness
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Mix the sausage mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated apple, maple syrup (if using), sage, thyme, pepper, nutmeg, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into patties, about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat the pan: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve warm: Enjoy immediately, or cool and store in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Notes
- For extra moisture, use dark meat ground chicken or add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture if using lean breast meat.
- These patties freeze well—just reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Great served with eggs, pancakes, or tucked into a breakfast sandwich.
