Chicken sausage is a flavorful, leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage, making it a popular choice for health-conscious cooks. Whether you have pre-cooked or raw chicken sausage, cooking it properly is key to unlocking its juicy, savory goodness. In this article, you’ll learn simple, foolproof methods to cook chicken sausage along with tasty recipe ideas that turn this versatile protein into satisfying meals.
What Is Chicken Sausage?
Chicken sausage is made from ground chicken mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes vegetables or cheese. It can come in links, patties, or bulk form and is often pre-cooked for convenience. It’s lower in fat than pork sausage but still packed with flavor, making it perfect for quick dinners, breakfast, or meal prep.
How to Cook Chicken Sausage: 3 Easy Methods
1. Pan-Frying Chicken Sausage
Pan-frying is one of the quickest ways to cook chicken sausage and gives it a nice golden-brown crust.
– Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the chicken sausage links or patties to the pan.
– Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly.
– If the sausage is raw, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
– Once browned and cooked through, remove from the pan and serve.
Pan-fried chicken sausage pairs well with sautéed veggies, pasta, or in a breakfast skillet.
2. Baking Chicken Sausage in the Oven
Baking is a hands-off method that works great when cooking multiple sausages at once or when roasting with vegetables.
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Place the chicken sausage links on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
– Optionally, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or potatoes tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
– Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through to brown evenly.
– Confirm the sausage is cooked through with a thermometer (165°F internal temperature).
This method is perfect for a simple sheet pan dinner with chicken sausage, peppers, and potatoes.
3. Grilling Chicken Sausage
Grilling adds a smoky flavor and crisp skin to chicken sausage.
– Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
– Lightly brush the sausages with oil to prevent sticking.
– Grill the sausages for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through.
– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grilled chicken sausage is delicious served in buns with mustard or alongside grilled veggies.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage
– Pierce the casing lightly: For links, piercing the casing a few times with a knife allows fat and juices to escape, preventing bursting during cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give sausages space to brown, which enhances flavor and texture.
– Use a thermometer: Chicken sausage must be cooked to 165°F to be safe and juicy.
– Rest before slicing: Let cooked sausage rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
Flavorful Chicken Sausage Recipe Ideas
Chicken Sausage with Peppers and Potatoes
Roast chicken sausage links with Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet peppers, and onions tossed in olive oil and Italian herbs at 450°F for about an hour until caramelized and cooked through. This one-pan meal is hearty and easy to prepare.
Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet
Brown sliced chicken sausage in a skillet, then sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add canned white beans, chicken broth, and spinach, simmering until flavors meld. This quick skillet meal is filling and nutritious.
One-Pan Chicken Sausage White Bean Bake
Cook chicken sausage by breaking it apart in a skillet, then add shallots, bell peppers, garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings. Stir in white beans, kale, chicken broth, and cream. Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting dinner.
Homemade Chicken Sausage Patties
Mix ground chicken with sage, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey. Form into patties and cook in a skillet for 4-5 minutes per side. These juicy patties are perfect for breakfast or sandwiches.
Why Choose Chicken Sausage?
Chicken sausage offers a leaner protein option with less saturated fat than pork sausage. It’s versatile, cooks quickly, and absorbs flavors well. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful brunch addition, chicken sausage fits the bill.
Chicken sausage is simple to cook and pairs well with countless ingredients. Whether you pan-fry, bake, or grill, you’ll enjoy juicy, flavorful results every time. Try these methods and recipes to make chicken sausage a staple in your kitchen!