Citric Acid Free Paleo Chicken Apple Sausage Hash
This hearty skillet dish layers homemade chicken sausage, golden sweet potato, caramelized onion, bell pepper, and fresh apple into a one-pan meal that feels both rustic and genuinely satisfying. The sausage is made from scratch using ground chicken and warm spices like fennel, sage, and a touch of red pepper flakes — so you know exactly what's going into it, with no mystery preservatives or additives to worry about. That matters a lot when you're avoiding citric acid, which shows up constantly in pre-made sausages and processed meats as a preservative or flavor enhancer. Apple does double duty here, folded into the sausage mixture for subtle sweetness and added again to the hash for a little fresh bite that brightens the whole pan. A small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end ties everything together with just enough tang without relying on any citrus-derived acids. The sweet potato brings natural richness and a satisfying chew that makes this feel like a complete, filling meal rather than a light side. Scatter some fresh parsley over the top and you've got a colorful, craveable hash that's as clean and straightforward as cooking gets.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the sausage
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium apple (such as honeycrisp or fuji), peeled and finely diced
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¾ tsp salt, divided
- ¼ tsp black pepper, divided
For the hash
- 3 tbsp avocado oil, divided
- 1 lb sweet potato (about 1 large), peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 medium apple (such as honeycrisp or fuji), cored and cut into ½-inch dice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely diced apple, fennel seeds, dried sage, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp of the salt, and 1/8 tsp of the black pepper. Mix with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp of the avocado oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sausage mixture and press it into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, until the underside is browned, then break it into rough 1-inch chunks with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 4–5 minutes more. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
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