How to Cook Chicken Sausage: A Delicious Recipe Guide

Chicken sausage has become a favorite in many households, not just for its delightful taste but also due to the health benefits of consuming chicken over red meats.

Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide aims to provide comprehensive information on how to prepare chicken sausage to perfection. Let’s understand its nuances, preparation methods, and delicious pairing options.

What Is Chicken Sausage?

Chicken sausage is a fantastic alternative to traditional pork or beef sausages. Made primarily from ground chicken spices and sometimes filled with additional flavors like apples or cheese, it provides a leaner, often healthier option for those watching their fat intake. Its versatility in breakfast and dinner recipes has contributed to its growing popularity.

Ingredients Needed for Cooking Chicken Sausage:

Before diving into the cooking methods, gathering all necessary ingredients is crucial. Typically, when cooking chicken sausage, you’ll need:

• Chicken sausages (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Preferred seasonings (like salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
• A thermometer (to check internal temperature)

For those interested in making homemade chicken sausages, the additional ingredients can include ground chicken, herbs, spices, and sausage casings.

Expert Tip:

Ensure the chicken sausage’s internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

My Favorite Brands of Chicken Sausage:

While numerous chicken sausage brands are in the market, some have managed to stand out due to their quality, flavor profiles, and commitment to natural ingredients.

Brands such as Aidells, Al Fresco, and Bilinski come highly recommended for their consistency and taste. Always check for additives and preservatives when choosing a brand, prioritizing those with minimal artificial components.

Personal Experience:

Having tried various brands, Bilinski offers an impressive blend of spices that elevate the sausage’s overall flavor.

3 Ways to Cook Chicken Sausage:

Cooking chicken sausage is an art, and there’s more than one way to achieve succulent results. Here’s a deep dive into three popular methods that guarantee a flavorful outcome:

1. Chicken Sausage in the Oven

Oven-baking chicken sausage is a hassle-free method that retains the juiciness while giving a slightly crispy outer layer. It’s perfect for those who prefer a minimalistic approach without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients:

• Four chicken sausages (store-bought or homemade)
• One tablespoon olive oil
• Preferred seasonings (like salt, pepper, and garlic powder)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly brush each sausage with olive oil and season as desired.
• Place the links on a baking tray, ensuring they are spaced apart to avoid sticking.
• Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even cooking.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

2. Chicken Sausage in a Skillet:

Pan-frying chicken sausage enhances its flavors by caramelizing the exterior. It’s ideal for those who love browned, crispy skin with a tender inside.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients:

• Four chicken sausages
• Two tablespoons olive oil
• Preferred seasonings

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Once hot, place the sausages in the skillet.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, occasionally turning to achieve a uniformly browned exterior.
• Once fully cooked, transfer to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Chicken Sausage in an Air Fryer:

Air frying is a healthier alternative that uses hot air circulation to cook the sausages, giving them a crispy texture without much oil.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients:

• Four chicken sausages
• A light spray of cooking oil (optional)
• Seasonings of choice

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
• Lightly spray or brush the sausages with oil (if desired) and season.
• Arrange the links in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
• Cook in the preheated air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking.
• Once done, remove and cool for a minute or two before serving.
• With these methods, you can choose the best approach based on your kitchen tools and flavor preference. Each technique ensures a tasty result, leaving you with a delightful culinary experience.

Benefits of Chicken Sausage:

Apart from its delectable taste, chicken sausage boasts several benefits that might make you consider switching from your regular link.

• Lower Fat Content: Chicken sausages typically have a reduced fat content compared to their pork and beef counterparts.
• Fewer Calories: Ideal for those monitoring their calorie intake.
• Versatility: They can be infused with various flavors, herbs, and spices, offering a wide range of taste profiles.
• Healthier Alternative: It’s a cleaner meat option with no added nitrates or artificial preservatives in many brands.

Why Choose Chicken Sausage?

Before diving into the cooking methods, let’s understand why chicken sausage stands out:

• Leaner Content: Chicken, inherently less fatty than pork or beef, provides a thinner option for sausage lovers.
• Diverse Flavors: From spicy Italian to apple and sage, there’s a chicken sausage flavor for every palate.
• Dietary Preferences: Many people reduce red meat intake for health or ethical reasons, making chicken sausage an attractive alternative.
• Understanding Chicken Sausage Types
• Before you cook, know what you have:
• Fresh Chicken Sausage: This is raw and needs to be fully cooked. It’s more tender and often juicier when cooked right.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausage: These sausages are already cooked and need reheating. They’re convenient, but you still want to ensure they’re hot throughout before serving.

Tips for Preparing Chicken Sausage:

• Prepping chicken sausage for cooking is straightforward, but a few tricks can elevate its taste and texture.
• Baked Chicken Sausage Cooking Tip:
• When baking, consider adding vegetables on the same tray. As the sausage cooks, it’ll release juices that can be absorbed by the veggies, providing an easy and flavorful one-pan meal.

Pan-Fried Chicken Sausage Cooking Tip:

Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the sausages for an extra crispy exterior. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Chicken Sausage Cooking Tip:

If you’re cooking frozen chicken sausages in an air fryer, increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes. Ensure they are fully cooked by checking their internal temperature.

Delicious Meals with Chicken Sausage:

Chicken sausage is not just for grilling. Its versatility allows for incorporation into various dishes. Here are some delectable ideas:

Chicken Sausage Sandwich:

A chicken sausage sandwich can be a quick, savory delight with a freshly baked bun, some lettuce, tomato slices, and a hint of mustard.

Chicken Sausage Macaroni:

Stir-fried veggies, boiled macaroni, some creamy sauce, and bite-sized chicken sausage make for a heartwarming dinner.

Chicken Sausage Pizza:

Swap out pepperoni for chicken sausage slices on your next homemade pizza. Add bell peppers, onions, and a drizzle of olive oil for an enhanced flavor profile.

Chicken Sausage Breakfast Burrito:

Roll up scrambled eggs, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced chicken sausage in a tortilla for a protein-packed breakfast.

Cooking Tip:

When incorporating chicken sausage into dishes, consider the sausage’s flavor profile. For instance, an apple-infused chicken sausage might be better suited for breakfast dishes, while a spicy variety might be great for dinner recipes.

Storage and Reheating:

Storing and reheating chicken sausage correctly ensures you enjoy its flavors without compromising safety.

How to Store?

For uncooked sausages, refrigerate them if you plan to use them within a few days. For more extended storage, consider freezing them in airtight containers.

How to Reheat?

Reheat cooked sausages in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or a skillet over medium heat until they’re warmed. Remember, overcooking can make them dry.

Recipes:

Grilling Chicken Sausage:

Nothing beats the smoky flavor of a grilled sausage. It’s great for BBQs and family gatherings.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: Varies based on quantity

Instructions:

• Preheat the grill to a medium-high setting.
• Place the sausages evenly on the grill, ensuring they’re not too close together.
• Turn every 4-5 minutes for even cooking.
• Grill until the link has a crisp exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Remove and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips: A grill basket can prevent sausages from sticking or falling through the grill grates. It also makes turning them more accessible.

Poaching Chicken Sausage:

Poaching is a gentle way to cook sausage, ensuring it remains moist.

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 12-14 minutes
• Yield: Varies based on quantity

Instructions:

• Fill a skillet or pot with enough water (or broth for extra flavor) to submerge the sausages.
• Heat the liquid until it’s below boiling – you want it to simmer.
• Add the sausages, ensuring they’re submerged.
• Let them poach for about 10 minutes or until they’re fully cooked.
• If desired, sausages can be briefly seared after poaching for a browned exterior.

Tips: Poaching is especially useful for fresh chicken sausages, ensuring they’re cooked through without drying them out.

Roasting Chicken Sausage:

Roasting in an oven is convenient, especially when preparing a large quantity.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: Varies based on quantity

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lay the sausages on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and fully cooked.
• Ensure they’ve reached the recommended internal temperature before serving.

Tips: Consider adding vegetables to the tray. As the sausages roast, they’ll release flavorful juices that the veggies can absorb.

Seasoning and Marinades:

While many chicken sausages come pre-seasoned, if you’re working with plain varieties or making your own, consider the following:

• Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage complement chicken beautifully.
• Spices: Paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder can add a kick.
• Marinades: Consider marinating fresh chicken sausages in olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice or cider vinegar for a few hours before cooking.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions:

• Sauces: Mustards, especially Dijon or whole grain, pair wonderfully with chicken sausage.
• Bread: Consider serving with crusty bread, buns, or inside a tortilla wrap.
• Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the meaty richness of the sausage.

Final Thought:

Chicken sausage is a culinary delight that fits seamlessly into various cooking methods and dishes. Whether grilled, poached, or roasted, the key is to ensure thorough cooking without drying it out. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and slightly healthier than traditional meat options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken sausage healthier than pork sausage?

While both have merits, chicken sausage generally has fewer calories and less fat. However, always check the nutrition label, as ingredients vary by brand.

How can I ensure my chicken sausage is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Consider using a meat thermometer to check.

Can I make my chicken sausage at home?

Absolutely! You can make a personalized sausage mix at home by grinding chicken and adding preferred herbs and spices.