Chicken sausage is a tasty and healthy kind of sausage made from chicken instead of pork.
Dr. Taylor, a food expert, says “Chicken sausage has all the yummy sausage flavor without the bad fat from pork.”
I remember the first time I tried chicken sausage – I was amazed at how juicy and delicious it was! It tastes just like a regular sausage but so much lighter.
Have you ever had chicken sausage before? Whether scrambled up for breakfast or sizzling on the grill, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy that amazing sausage flavor.
And get this – it’s lower in calories and fat than pork sausage, but you’d never be able to tell by how insanely good it tastes!
KEY TAKEAWAY
Chicken sausage (1) is a savory and versatile protein option enjoyed in various cuisines worldwide.
Introduction to Chicken Sausage
Growing up, Saturday mornings always meant enjoying a delicious breakfast cooked by mom.
One of my favorites was her chicken sausage patties paired with fresh fruit.
The mild yet flavorful meat had me asking for seconds every time.
As I got older and started cooking for myself, I decided to explore the many types of chicken sausage available.
After years of trying out different varieties, I’ve learned a lot about this healthy alternative.
Types and Varieties
There is a wide selection of chicken sausage flavors in the grocery store. (2)
Some of the most common include:
- Italian Style – Infused with herbs like basil and garlic to remind you of Nonna’s Sunday gravy.
- Apple Sage – A blend of sweet apple and savory sage that’s perfect for autumn meals.
- Sweet Italian – Similar to the traditional but with notes of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Chili Lime – A spicy southwestern sausage bursting with the flavors of chili powder and lime.
No matter the variety, chicken sausage is naturally low in fat and calories compared to pork. Many brands also offer gluten-free or pre-cooked options.
Recipes and Cooking Methods
The versatility of chicken sausage makes it a staple in my kitchen. Here are some of my favorite preparation styles:
- Grilled – Thread sausages onto skewers and grill over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Enjoy al fresco with a crisp sea salt or serve inside ciabatta rolls.
- Pasta Sauces – Remove casings and crumble sausage into marinara, alfredo, or pesto. Toss with your favorite pasta shape.
- Air Fryer – Toss links or patties into the basket and cook at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping half way, until browned. No oil needed!
- Breakfast Hash – Sauté diced potatoes, bell peppers, and cooked sausage with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Top eggs and enjoy your hearty morning meal.
Health Benefits and Nutrition
The lean protein and nutrients in chicken sausage provide numerous health perks. An average 3-ounce serving contains:
- 19g protein
- 4g fat
- 280mg sodium
- 1g sugar
Chicken is lower in saturated fat and calories compared to beef or pork.
It’s also high in niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium—all important for a balanced diet.
Those watching cholesterol or following a heart-healthy regimen will appreciate chicken sausage as part of a well-rounded meal plan.
Overall, it makes for a mild yet flavorful substitute when grilling out or fixing family dinners throughout the week.
Comparison with Other Sausages
Comparison with Pork and Beef Sausages
While pork and beef sausages carry their own charms like robust seasoning, they’re higher in fat and calories.
A three-ounce pork sausage links packs nearly 10g fat versus only 4g in chicken.
Beef is similar with 8g per serving.
Health-Conscious Options
For those watching their figures, chicken sausage offers a healthier swap.
All the taste without the extra saturated fat or calories found in other meat varieties.
Preparing it by grilling, baking or broiling helps keep it low-fat.
Ground Chicken as an Alternative
For ultimate control over ingredients and seasoning, try making your own sausages using ground chicken breast.
Simply mix the poultry with your choice of herbs, peppers, garlic or other flavors.
Form into patties or links then cook as desired.
This DIY method ensures only high-protein, low-fat chicken sausage goodness.
Popular Brands and Options
Aidells Italian Style Smoked Chicken Sausage
This sausage from Aidells is a crowd-pleaser in my book.
It’s made with lean, fresh chicken and gets that authentic smoky flavor from being hardwood smoked.
The Italian seasoning blend packs a punch with garlic, fennel, and pepper.
Description and Review
- Fully cooked smoked sausage made from chicken
- Infused with an aromatic Italian seasoning blend
- No nitrites or nitrates added
- Gluten-free
After years of trying out different chicken sausages, Aidells is one of my go-tos.
The smoky flavor is on point, and the seasoning is robust without being overpowering.
I love firing these up on the grill or slicing them into pasta dishes.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Bold, authentic flavor | Higher in sodium |
| Pre-cooked for convenience | $$ More expensive than some |
| Free of nitrites/nitrates | – |
Bilinski’s Organic Mild Italian Chicken Sausage
Organic Option Overview
For those seeking an organic chicken sausage option, Bilinski’s fits the bill.
Their mild Italian chicken sausages are made with organic chicken raised without antibiotics.
They also skip the nitrites and use a natural collagen casing.
Considerations for Organic Seekers
- USDA certified organic
- No antibiotics or hormones
- Nitrite and nitrate-free
- Lower sodium than some brands
I appreciate that Bilinski’s takes an all-natural approach with this sausage.
While the flavor is a bit more mild than some, it lets the quality chicken shine through.
It’s a nice option for organic-minded folks.
Boar’s Head Robust Italian Chicken Sausage
Flavor Profile and Review
Don’t let the name fool you – this is 100% chicken sausage, just infused with an incredibly zesty Italian seasoning blend.
Along with the usual suspects like garlic and fennel, Boar’s Head kicks it up a notch with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.
The bold seasoning is balanced by the fresh chicken taste that comes through.
I’m a fan of the ample spice level that gives this sausage a punch of flavor.
Pro tip – slice and sauté with roasted peppers and onions for a next-level sandwich filling.
Recommendations and Alternatives
- For spice lovers and those wanting big, intense Italian flavor
- May be overly spicy for some; try the Boar’s Head Mild Italian variety
- Also available in a maple chicken sausage flavor
Whether you want a classic smoked Italian chicken sausage or something on the spicier side, there are some awesome options out there.
My advice? Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the flavors that speak to you!
Cooking Techniques and Pairings
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Sausage
One of the best things about chicken sausages is how versatile they are! You’ve got plenty of delicious options for cooking up these tasty sausages.
- Pan Fry or Sauté: Get that crispy outer sear by cooking in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat.
- Grill: Toss some chicken sausage links right on the grill for amazing charred flavor.
- Bake: Oven baking is a hands-off way to cook them through. I like baking then finishing with a quick broil for crispiness.
- Boil or Simmer: If you’re slicing up chicken sausages for dishes like soups, boiling or simmering is an easy prep method.
Pro tip: Most chicken sausages are fully cooked, so you just need to heat them through! This makes for super speedy meals.
Ingredient Pairings for Chicken Sausage Dishes
With so many amazing flavors of chicken sausage out there, the pairing possibilities are endless!
Some of my go-to ingredients:
- Veggies: Peppers, onions, mushrooms, kale, Brussels sprouts
- Starches: Pasta, polenta, roasted potatoes, crusty bread
- Fruits: Apples, figs, pears, grapes
- Sauces: Marinara, pesto, mustards, wine sauces
- Cheeses: Fresh mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, goat cheese
Side Dishes to Complement Chicken Sausage Meals
Chicken sausages make for tasty and satisfying main dishes.
Round out your meal with some delicious sides:
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted veggies like brussels sprouts or broccoli
- Tomato and mozzarella salad
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Cornbread or rolls
The great thing about chicken sausages is you get a bold flavor without a ton of heaviness, so you can get creative with sides!
I’m getting hungry just thinking about all the possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chicken sausage be cooked on the air fryer?
Yes, chicken sausage cooks nicely in an air fryer.
For best results, cut links in half or quarters to ensure even cooking.
A few minutes at 375°F should heat sausage through and get the outsides lightly browned and crispy.
Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Smaller pieces cook faster than whole links.
It’s a convenient al fresco cooking method that requires less oil than pan frying.
What’s the best way to season chicken sausage?
Many pre-made chicken sausages already contain flavors like fennel, black pepper, and chili powder.
For those looking to make their own, a basic seasoning is a blend of mild sweet paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt to taste.
For apple chicken sausage, you may want to add brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple juice or cider.
Italian varieties often include red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil.
Experimenting with different herb and spice combinations lets you customize flavors to suit different tastes.
Can chicken sausage be made without a meat grinder?
Yes, it’s possible to make chicken sausage without a stand mixer or meat grinder by finely chopping or processing chicken, fat, and seasonings in a food processor instead.
Pulse the ingredients in small batches until they form a sticky mass.
The texture may be slightly more coarse than sausages made with a grinder but they still taste delicious.
It adds only a few extra minutes of preparation over just seasoning and cooking store-bought sausage links or patties.
Conclusion
Chicken sausages are a lean, tasty and versatile alternative to traditional pork sausages.
From breakfast patties to zesty Italian links, there’s a chicken sausage out there to satisfy any craving.
I’m a big fan of how easy they are to cook up – sautéing, grilling, baking, you name it.
And the flavor possibilities are endless when you start mixing and matching sausage varieties with fresh veggies, cheeses, sauces, and more.
Whether you’re looking to cut back on fat and calories or just switch up your usual sausage routine, I’d definitely recommend giving chicken sausages a try.
With so many delicious pre-cooked options available, they make whipping up a quick, protein-packed meal a total breeze.
So don’t be afraid to experiment!
Maybe an Italian chicken sausage pasta bake tonight, and breakfast sandwiches with apple chicken sausage patties tomorrow.
No matter how you spin it, chicken sausages make eating lighter and healthier a whole lot more craveable.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy chicken sausages? Drop a comment and share your tips!
References
- https://humanfood.bio/is-chicken-sausage-healthy/#:~:text=Is%20Chicken%20Sausage%20a%20Healthy,that%20help%20in%20mood%20improvement.
- https://www.today.com/food/groceries/best-chicken-sausage-rcna79780
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-breakfast-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-stir-fry/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/spicy-chicken-sausage/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
