“Chicken sausage offers flavorful versatility for any meal,” declares chef and food blogger James.
“Whether grilled outdoors or simmered in a sauce, exploring new chicken sausage recipes is a fun way for home cooks to get creative in the kitchen.”
Perhaps you’ve wondered how else you might prepare this protein besides the usual breakfast.
I’ve spent years perfecting my chicken sausage techniques after disappointments led me down numerous trial-and-error paths.
Now I’m ready to share my best cooking methods so you can make the most of these versatile ingredients
Curious which preparation turns out juiciest every time?
Eager to discover new flavor combinations to excite your taste buds?
Then keep reading to learn my tested tips for cooking chicken sausage to tender, tasty perfection!
KEY TAKEAWAY
Chicken sausage recipes and cooking methods, what to know?
Chicken sausage recipes and cooking methods (1) offer a diverse array of flavorful dishes, from creamy pasta to sizzling skewers, providing delicious options for every mealtime.
How to Cook Chicken Sausage Perfectly
After years of experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve discovered some tried and true methods for cooking chicken sausage to tender, flavorful perfection.
Whether grilling outdoors or simmering on the stovetop, following a few tips can make all the difference.
Grilling
Grilling is one of my favorite methods for preparing chicken sausage.
Not only does it infuse the meat with delicious smoky flavors, but it also creates a wonderful browned exterior.
When grilling chicken sausage:
- Use your sharpest knife to cut links on a slight bias before placing on the grill. This extra surface area promotes nicer browning.
- Oil the grates well before adding sausages to prevent sticking.
- Grill over direct medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, rolling sausages a quarter turn every few minutes for attractive grill marks.
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from heat. The sausage is fully cooked at this temperature.
With these techniques, you’ll achieve perfectly plump and browned chicken sausages with no risk of splitting or bursting.
The charred edges offer maximum flavor payoff.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a quick and easy hands-on cooking method for chicken sausage. (2)
By constantly tossing the ingredients in a hot wok or skillet, meat takes on lots of flavor.
When stir-frying chicken sausage:
- Slice links on a bias into 1⁄2-inch pieces for a recipe like stir-fried rice.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat until it shimmers.
- Add chicken sausage pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until no longer pink inside and browned in spots.
- Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside before cooking other ingredients to avoid overcooking the meat.
Stir-frying ensures chicken sausage comes out tender yet maintains a little chew.
It soaks up surrounding flavorings beautifully in the process.
Baking
For those times you want tender, juicy chicken sausage without any fuss, try baking.
It requires little hands-on work while delivering delicious results.
When baking chicken sausage:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange whole links or slices in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sausage is nicely browned.
- Baking dries out less moisture than other methods, so sausage stays plump and flavorful.
With any of these tried-and-true cooking methods, you’re sure to achieve perfectly cooked chicken sausage every time. Just be sure to check doneness with an instant-read thermometer for food safety.
Delicious Chicken Sausage Recipes
Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
This has become a hugely popular weeknight recipe since I started making it years ago.
Sautéed chicken sausage, bell peppers and onions all come together in a creamy, rich Cajun sauce over bow-tie pasta.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 each green, red and yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown sausage and vegetables over medium-high heat.
- Pour in broth and cream. Add Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta into sauce and coat thoroughly. Serve sprinkled with parsley.
Chicken and Sausage Pasta
This simple yet deeply flavorful pasta dish is a staple in my household.
I love how the creamy garlic sauce complements the chicken sausage.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 12 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan, plus more for topping
- Chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown sausage until cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in pot for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in broth and bring to a simmer.
- Whisk in cream and parmesan until smooth. Season with red pepper flakes.
- Toss cooked pasta and sausage into sauce and coat thoroughly. Serve topped with extra parmesan and parsley.
Chicken, Sausage, and Peppers
A low-carb meal option featuring chicken, sausage, and peppers in a delicate sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 each green, red and yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Chopped parsley
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high.
- Add sausage and cook through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté peppers and onion in residual oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return sausage to pan. Stir in tomatoes, broth and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve sprinkled with parsley. Enjoy!
Additional Chicken Sausage Cooking Ideas
Chicken Sausage Stir-fry
This recipe throws together some pantry staples for a nutrient-packed weeknight meal.
Sliced chicken sausage and plenty of veggies like bell peppers and broccoli make a complete stir-fry.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 each bell pepper, stemmed and sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp oil
- Soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame seeds for serving
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a wok over high. Add sausage and stir-fry 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from wok and set aside.
- Add bell peppers and broccoli to wok. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes until crispy-tender.
- Push veggies to the side. Add garlic to center and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return sausage to wok and toss to combine. Serve with sauces and topped with sesame seeds.
Chicken Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This is the perfect make-ahead breakfast that will have you sorted for a few mornings.
Layers of cheese, eggs, sausage and hashbrowns create a hearty casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken sausage, browned and sliced
- 32 oz bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs like sage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread hash browns in an even layer. Top with sausage.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and herbs until combined. Pour over the sausage layer.
- Top with cheese then cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Uncover last 15 minutes to brown.
Grilled Chicken Sausage Skewers
These skewers are perfect for eating on the run at your next BBQ!
They’re also easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Bell peppers, zucchini, onions – cut into 1-inch chunks
- Oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Alternate sausage and veggies onto skewers. Brush or rub with oil, seasonings.
- Grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning often, until sausage is cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store uncooked chicken sausage?
Uncooked chicken sausage will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, you can freeze sausage for 4 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Can I make my own chicken sausage?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to make homemade chicken sausage!
The process is similar to other fresh sausage – combine ground chicken with seasoning mix and stuff into casings.
Pay attention to safety by keeping raw meat and surfaces sanitized.
What grains are commonly used in chicken sausage?
Common fillers and binders used in store-bought chicken sausage include grains like breadcrumbs, oats, quinoa or rice.
These soak up moisture and impart substance.
Varieties labeled “grain-free” use only meat and spices without any grains or binders.
Is chicken sausage healthy?
The leanness and protein content of chicken make sausage an option for health-conscious eaters.
However, sodium and preservatives may be higher than plain chicken.
Homemade variety or reading labels can help identify healthier store brands.
In moderation as part of a balanced diet, chicken sausage offers flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
I hope exploring these different methods for cooking chicken sausage has sparked your curiosity to get creative in the kitchen.
After testing so many recipes over the years, these techniques and dishes have become my tried and true favorites.
Whether served for weekday meals or weekend entertaining, chicken sausage truly offers VERSATILE POSSIBILITIES.
Its mild flavor profile allows the meat to take on surrounding seasonings beautifully.
With some practice, you’ll be whipping up tasty chicken sausage creations of your own in no time!
Always remember to rely on your INSTINCTS when COOKING sausage.
Adjust seasoning and cook times based on thickness of links.
And most importantly, enjoy exploring new recipes with family and friends.
Getting to SHARE THE PASSION OF MEAL PLANNING is what cooking is all about.
So grab a package of chicken sausage from the store, pick a recipe that speaks to you, and get to cooking! I’d love to hear about any creations you dream up.
Bon appétit and happy cooking!
References
- https://meganvskitchen.com/how-to-cook-chicken-sausage-3-ways/
- https://girlheartfood.com/sausage-stir-fry/
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-stir-fry/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-breakfast-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-recipes-homemade/
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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.
