Spiced Apple Kale Chicken

Featured in: Classic Comfort Foods

This dish combines tender chicken sausage slices with sweet apples, earthy kale, and fragrant spices. Tossed in olive oil and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, thyme, and optional chili flakes, the mixture is baked until golden and crisp. The addition of chicken broth or apple cider adds moisture and depth. Perfect for an easy, comforting autumn meal that balances savory and sweet flavors in a single pan.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:02:00 GMT
Hearty Spiced Apple & Kale Chicken Sausage Bake with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Save to Pinterest
Hearty Spiced Apple & Kale Chicken Sausage Bake with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. | krispyrecipes.com

A hearty, flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken sausage, sweet apples, earthy kale, and warming spices, perfect for a comforting autumn dinner.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite for its ease and fall-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

  • Chicken sausages: 4 chicken sausages (about 350–400 g) sliced into 2 cm rounds
  • Apples: 2 large apples cored and sliced
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium yellow onion sliced
  • Curly kale: 4 cups stemmed and roughly chopped
  • Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 medium diced (optional for a heartier dish)
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp
  • Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
  • Dried thyme: ½ tsp
  • Chili flakes: ¼ tsp (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Chicken broth: ¼ cup (or apple cider for extra sweetness)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Mix ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl toss the sliced sausages apples onion kale and potatoes (if using) with olive oil cinnamon nutmeg smoked paprika thyme chili flakes (if using) salt and pepper.
Transfer to baking dish:
Transfer everything to a large baking dish or sheet pan spreading evenly.
Add liquids:
Pour the chicken broth (or apple cider) evenly over the mixture.
Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes stirring halfway through until the sausages are golden the apples are tender and the kale is crisp at the edges.
Serve:
Serve hot spooning pan juices over each portion.
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| krispyrecipes.com

Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this warming dish on cool autumn evenings.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a dry Riesling or a light-bodied cider for the perfect meal experience.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl chefs knife baking dish or sheet pan cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 370 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 34 g Protein 19 g per serving

Delicious Spiced Apple & Kale Chicken Sausage Bake ideal for cozy autumn dinners. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Spiced Apple & Kale Chicken Sausage Bake ideal for cozy autumn dinners. | krispyrecipes.com

This dish is simple to prepare but delivers maximum comfort and flavor every time.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?

Yes, turkey sausage or plant-based sausage can replace chicken sausage. Adding sliced carrots or parsnips offers extra vegetables.

What is the best way to ensure the apples stay tender but not mushy?

Slice apples evenly and bake alongside other ingredients without stirring too often to maintain their texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the ingredients in advance and refrigerate before baking to streamline cooking on the day.

What beverage pairs well with this dish?

A dry Riesling or light-bodied cider complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Is it necessary to use chicken broth or can I use apple cider instead?

Both liquids work well; apple cider adds sweetness while chicken broth enhances savory depth.

Spiced Apple Kale Chicken

Juicy chicken sausage, sweet apples, and kale baked together with warming spices for a cozy autumn dinner.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Proteins

01 4 chicken sausages, sliced into 3/4 inch rounds

Vegetables & Fruit

01 2 large apples, cored and sliced
02 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
03 4 cups curly kale, stemmed and roughly chopped
04 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (optional)

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tsp ground cinnamon
03 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
04 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp dried thyme
06 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids

01 1/4 cup chicken broth or apple cider

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss sausage slices, apples, onion, kale, and potatoes (if using) with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, thyme, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 03

Arrange in baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish or sheet pan and spread evenly.

Step 04

Add liquid: Pour the chicken broth or apple cider evenly over the ingredients.

Step 05

Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sausages are browned, apples are tender, and kale edges are crisp.

Step 06

Serve: Serve hot, spooning pan juices over each portion.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Baking dish or sheet pan
  • Cutting board

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Check chicken sausage and broth labels to verify absence of gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 370
  • Total Fat: 18 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Protein Content: 19 grams