Spiced Apple Kale Chicken Bake (Printable version)

Juicy chicken sausage, sweet apples, and earthy kale oven-baked with warming spices for a cozy, flavorful meal.

# What you need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 chicken sausages (about 12–14 oz), sliced into 3/4-inch rounds

→ Vegetables & Fruit

02 - 2 large apples, cored and sliced
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
04 - 4 cups curly kale, stemmed and roughly chopped
05 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (optional)

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

13 - 1/4 cup chicken broth or apple cider

# How To:

01 - Heat oven to 400°F.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the sausage rounds, sliced apples, onion, kale, and potatoes (if using) with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, thyme, chili flakes (if desired), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the mixture evenly in a large baking dish or sheet pan.
04 - Pour the chicken broth or apple cider evenly over the prepared ingredients.
05 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking, until the sausages are golden, apples are tender, and kale is crisp at the edges.
06 - Serve hot, spooning pan juices over each portion.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses just one dish for easy prep and tidy cleanup
  • Fills your home with the best cozy autumn scent
  • Loads up on nutrient rich kale and apples for a balanced meal
  • Naturally gluten free with simple ingredient swaps
  • Ready in under an hour
02 -
  • Packed with protein and fiber keeps you full longer
  • A great way to use up extra apples or kale
  • Perfect for meal prep or make ahead lunches
03 -
  • For the crispiest kale finish the last five minutes of baking with the broiler on. Watch closely to avoid burning
  • Do not skip tossing everything thoroughly in the oil and spices. This is key to even cooking and flavor
  • If you are using apple cider instead of broth reduce salt slightly and enjoy the subtle sweetness

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