Key Takeaway
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping sausages over halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when done.
- Optionally, brush sausages with BBQ sauce, mustard or Italian seasoning before baking. This adds extra flavor as they cook. Check doneness by slicing one open near the end of baking.
The Best Way to Bake Chicken Sausages
Preheating the Oven
To start, preheat your oven to between 375°F and 400°F (1). I’ve found this temperature range works well through years of experimenting – it ensures the insides are thoroughly cooked without burning the outside.
Preparing the Sausages
Once the oven is heated, get your sausages ready. Simply rinse the raw chicken sausages under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. No need for complicated preparations here!
Arranging on a Baking Sheet
Take your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze. Place the sausages in a single layer, leaving some space between each. A full sheet can hold around 8-12 sausage links depending on their size.
Drizzling with Olive Oil
Drizzling a tablespoon of olive oil over the sausages is optional but highly recommended. It keeps them moist and promotes browning for extra crispness and flavor. Just toss to coat evenly. You can also use your favorite marinade in place of the oil.
Baking Times
| Sausage Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Thick links | 18-22 minutes |
| Thinner turkey sausages | 15-18 minutes |
| Pre-cooked sausages | 10-15 minutes |
Internal Temperature
For food safety, insert a digital meat thermometer into the center of a sausage to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures any bacteria is eliminated.
Flipping and Browning
Feel free to flip the sausages halfway through if you want an even brown crust all over. I like to increase the oven temperature to around 425°F for the last 5 minutes too to get some nice crispy edges.
Sheet Pan Meals
What’s great about oven baking sausages is they make an easy main dish you can also turn into a sheet pan meal! Toss sliced potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or other veggies onto the pan alongside the sausages. Simply toss with oil and seasonings and you have a complete dinner in one pan with minimal effort.
Leftovers and Storage
Any uneaten sausages can be tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days (2). They also freeze well for a few months when sealed in a bag or container. Just reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave when craving them again.With these simple steps, you’ll transform chicken sausage from an afterthought to a high heat, super easy main meal the whole family will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors and combinations.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YZrbWvpseUCredit : Sew White
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Through years of cooking sausages in the oven, I’ve learned a few mistakes that can easily be prevented. Careful attention to some key details goes a long way in ensuring your sausages turn out perfectly every time.
Overcrowding the Pan
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overcrowding sausages on the baking sheet | Leave space (1-2 inches) between each sausage so they brown, not steam. |
Touching Too Much
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Poking/protding sausages as they cook | Use a light touch when flipping. Don’t disturb them otherwise or juices may escape. |
Relying on Time Alone
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Thinking all sausages cook in same time | Always check internal temp with a meat thermometer in addition to estimated cook times. |
Some other tips to avoid common flubs:
- Use cooking spray on the pan instead of oil to prevent sticking
- Arrange sausages in a single layer for even browning
- Check periodically and rotate/flip sausages for a gorgeous golden-brown all over
- Ensure adequate space between sausage links for airflow
By carefully following instructions and avoiding these easy to fix mistakes, your oven baked sausage bake is guaranteed to come out perfectly every time. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your delicious creation!
Easy Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Vegetable Add-Ins
| Vegetable | Description |
|---|---|
| Potatoes, quartered | Crisp roasted potatoes are a classic pairing |
| Brussels sprouts, halved | Their caramelized edges complement the sausage well |
| Bell peppers, sliced | Colorful and mildly sweet, add nutrition too |
| Onions, sliced | Sweet onions such as Vidalia add layers of flavor |
Herb Add-Ins
| Herb | Description |
|---|---|
| Oregano | Earthy and complementary to Italian sausages |
| Thyme | Fragrant and pairs beautifully with chicken |
| Rosemary | Piney and slightly resinous, enhances savory flavors |
Saucy Add-Ins
| Sauce | Description |
|---|---|
| BBQ sauce | Smoky-sweet with a kick of heat, intensifies flavors |
| Mustard | Creamy Dijon adds zing and moisture |
| Ketchup | Tangy tomato enhances the umami in chicken |
To make a simple sheet pan sausage and veggies, I like to lay everything out, then drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper. Toss to coat and roast until the sausage is fully cooked and the edges of the vegetables are browned – about 25 minutes at 400°F. The blended flavors are absolutely irresistible. Feel free to get creative with your add-ins for extra nutritious one-pan weeknight meals.
FAQ
Does cooking sausage in the oven yield similar results as pan frying?
While pan cooking chicken sausage over the stove yields crispy browned edges, oven baking allows you to achieve a similar golden-brown finish without having to constantly monitor and flip the sausages. Simply arrange the sausage links and desired add-ins like red onion, red pepper, and green bell pepper on a large sheet pan, toss with a tbsp olive oil and seasonings like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika, and bake at 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Both methods result in fully cooked sausage but oven baking requires less attention for a hands-off meal prep.
How do I ensure even cooking of sausage on a sheet pan?
For best results, arrange sausage links or pieces in a single layer on a large sheet pan leaving some space, about 1-2 inches, in between each sausage. This allows hot air to circulate freely and prevents parts from steaming instead of browning. You can also consider flipping sausages halfway through the cooking time if using thick cut sausage. Use a instant pot to brown and cook thin Italian sausage perfectly in just the push of a button for a quick and easy dinner recipe.
What are some tasty side dishes to serve with oven-baked sausage?
Popular side dishes to serve alongside oven-baked chicken sausage include roasted red potatoes or sweet potato pieces tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper; green beans or brussel sprouts roasted on the sheet pan; and rice dishes like brown rice pilaf. You can even get creative mixing multiple sides together on the pan like red potatoes, onion and bell peppers for a delicious meal full meal prep idea.
How do I reheat leftover cooked sausage?
The best ways to reheat leftover cooked sausage is either by gently warming it in the oven at 300°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, or briefly microwaving in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed throughout (3). You can also pan fry or crisp up cooked sausage pieces in a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat if you want to add extra flavor and re-develop that crispy exterior. No matter the method, always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Conclusion
After many years of trying different cooking methods for chicken sausage, I’ve found that oven baking truly is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare them. Not only does it allow you to achieve that crisp exterior many people love from pan cooking, but it requires far less attention and cleanup too. Simply arrange your sausage links and desired vegetables on a single baking sheet, give them a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite herbs and spices, then sit back and let the oven do the work. Before long, your kitchen will be filled with the inviting aromas of a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With the countless mix-and-match possibilities of sausage flavors, veggie combos and seasonings, sheet pan oven-baked suppers never get dull. It’s now my go-to method for a hearty sausage dinner the whole family is sure to enjoy.I hope you found this guide to oven baking chicken sausage helpful. If you have any other tips or tricks you’ve discovered in your own cooking, please share them in the comments below. I’m always looking for new ideas to expand my sausage supper repertoire.
Reference
- https://healthykitchen101.com/blog/how-long-to-preheat-the-oven/
- https://www.chefsresource.com/how-long-will-cooked-sausage-keep-in-the-refrigerator/
- https://letsfoodie.com/how-to-reheat-sausages/
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-heat-up-chicken-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-cooking-techniques/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/roasted-vegetables/
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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.
