Hard Cider-Braised Chicken Sausages
This is a hearty, stick to your ribs kind of meals meant for a cool fall or wintry evening. The hard cider lends a wonderful sweetness to the gravy. I used a chicken-apple sausage from Sprouts (local farmers market) which I thought would compliment the apple in the hard cider quite well. I serve it up with some creamy mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. You, of course, can cheat with a bagged masher and frozen Brussels sprouts, I won’t tell.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large chicken sausages
- 1 sweet yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups hard cider (or apple cider)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or sage (or dried)
- 1 Bay leaf
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
1.) In large saute pan, add olive oil over medium heat. When oil is hot, add sausages and saute for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
2.) Add onions to pan and saute for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and saute for another minute. Add flour to pan and stir to incorporate. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the flour is cooked a bit.
3.) Pour cider into pan and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add Worcestershire, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Add sausages back to pan and bring mixture to a boil. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Ramona said:
This looks so delicious! My kids and hubby would devour it! Great idea!
Ana Helena Campbell said:
Don’t you love Sprouts? I go there every Wednesday! Your dish is so warm and perfect for winter. Speaking of it. We are about to get our first official snow of the season! Love the step by step photos. Thanks for sharing it!
Jen Roque said:
Yes I adore Sprouts! One of my favorite go-to grocery stores. Sadly, here in Phoenix I don’t see any snow, but I miss it!
Kristi Rimkus said:
I love chicken sausages. Costco sells an apple version that’s to die for. They would work well with your recipe.
Jay said:
nice combination of lipsmacking flavors…love your recipe collection..:)
Tasty Appetite
Janelle Staat said:
Yummy!! Made this last night for jerm w chx habanero sausage and some fall veggies from fresh n easy!! It was simple and delish! Thanks jen for your fabulous recipes!!!
baconbiscuit212 said:
This looks terrific. I have to try this! Have you ever tried braising the sausages in beer? Is the hard cider better?
Jen Roque said:
I haven’t tried them in beer but think they would be awesome in some kind of Belgian lager. The hard cider gives it the alcohol as well as an apple flavor. May have to try them in beer next time!