Chicken sausage is a fantastic, lean alternative to traditional pork sausage. It’s packed with flavor, versatile, and cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook chicken sausage perfectly, you’re in the right place! This article will guide you through simple, foolproof methods to cook chicken sausage, plus tips for making it even tastier.
What Is Chicken Sausage?
Chicken sausage is made from ground chicken mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes vegetables or cheese. It’s usually sold pre-cooked or raw, so cooking times and methods can vary slightly. Because it’s leaner than pork sausage, it’s a healthier option but still juicy and flavorful when cooked right.
3 Easy Ways to Cook Chicken Sausage
1. Cooking Chicken Sausage in a Skillet
This is one of the quickest and most popular methods.
– Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
– Add the chicken sausages and cook for about 7-10 minutes.
– Turn them frequently so they brown evenly on all sides.
– Cook until the sausages are heated through and have a nice golden crust.
– Serve with your favorite sides like sautéed veggies or pasta.
This method gives you a crispy outside and juicy inside, perfect for a quick dinner.
2. Baking Chicken Sausage in the Oven
Baking is great for cooking multiple sausages at once and hands-off cooking.
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
– Place the sausages on the sheet, spacing them evenly.
– Bake for 18-24 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
– Optionally, add chopped vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or onions to the sheet for a full meal.
– Bake until sausages are cooked through and veggies are tender.
This method is simple and less messy, plus it’s perfect if you want to prepare a sheet pan dinner with sausage and veggies in one go.
3. Air Frying Chicken Sausage
For a fast and convenient option, air frying is excellent.
– Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
– Place the sausages in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
– Cook for 6-9 minutes, turning halfway through.
– Check that the sausages are heated through and have a crispy exterior.
Air frying gives you a nicely browned sausage with minimal oil and fuss.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Sausage Perfectly
– Check if your sausage is pre-cooked or raw. Pre-cooked sausages only need reheating and browning, while raw sausages need to be cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
– Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet. Give sausages space to brown properly.
– Pierce sausages lightly before cooking (optional). This helps release some fat and prevents bursting.
– Use a meat thermometer. To ensure safety and juiciness, chicken sausage should reach 165°F internally.
– Add flavor with sides and sauces. Pair your sausage with roasted vegetables, mustard, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Sausage
If you want to try making chicken sausage from scratch, it’s surprisingly easy!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
– Ground boneless chicken (preferably thighs for juiciness)
– Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, or your favorite spices
– Flour or corn flour (to bind)
– Soy sauce (for umami)
– Optional: herbs like sage or Italian seasoning
Basic Steps:
- Grind the chicken or buy pre-ground.
- Mix in all seasonings and binders until you get a paste-like mixture.
- Shape into sausage links or patties.
- Wrap in foil and boil for about 20 minutes to cook through.
- Remove foil and pan-fry or bake until browned on the outside.
Homemade chicken sausage lets you customize flavors and avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions.
Delicious Chicken Sausage Meal Idea: Sheet Pan Dinner
For a wholesome and easy meal, try this:
– Slice chicken sausage into medallions.
– Chop bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
– Toss everything with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
– Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
– Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway, until veggies are tender and sausage is browned.
This one-pan meal is colorful, nutritious, and requires minimal cleanup.
Chicken sausage is incredibly versatile and easy to cook, whether you prefer pan-frying, baking, or air frying. With these methods, you’ll enjoy juicy, flavorful sausage every time. Try making your own at home or experiment with different seasonings to keep things exciting in the kitchen!
Enjoy your chicken sausage adventure!