According to Chef Oliver, “Grilled chicken sausage is one tasty way to lighten up your barbecue.”
Grilled chicken sausage lets you enjoy barbecue flavor without feeling weighed down in the summer heat. Usually sausage can be high in fat, but the styles in this guide give you plenty taste with less waste.
Keep reading to get an expert’s tricks for making chicken sausage shine on the grill through simple tips and pairings that boost the enjoyment, so your meal is a true taste of summer!
Key Takeaways
Grilled chicken sausages are a versatile and delicious option for summertime grilling. They can be cooked on their own or paired with fresh vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Benefits of Grilled Chicken Sausages
THEY’RE LOW-FAT AND LEAN
Grilled chicken sausages are a healthier option compared to regular pork or beef sausages. Most chicken sausages are made from chicken breast meat which is very low in fat.
In fact, a single chicken sausage usually has 3g or less of fat compared to 10g or more for pork sausages (1).
The lean meat profile of chicken sausages means they are high in protein but low in calories. A 3oz grilled chicken sausage has about 100 calories on average.
For comparison, the same size pork sausage can range from 170-230 calories depending on the brand.
The lower calorie count of chicken sausages makes them a much better choice for folks watching their weight or trying to lose a few pounds.
HIGH IN PROTEIN
Chicken is one of the best sources of high quality protein. A standard 3oz chicken sausage provides 12-15g of protein (2). This level of protein helps you feel fuller for longer and supports muscle growth and repair.
| Nutrients | Amount per 3oz chicken sausage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12-15g |
| Sodium | 400-500mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 6-10% DV |
| Selenium | 15-20% DV |
As the table shows, chicken sausage is also a good source of key vitamins and minerals. The lean protein and balanced nutrient profile make it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
VERSATILE TO COOK AND EAT
Grilled chicken sausages can be cooked in minutes either on the BBQ grill or in a pan on the stove. Their pre-formed shape and short cook time make them very convenient for weeknight meals. You can also boil or poach chicken sausages if you want a low-fat cooking method.
Eating chicken sausages is simple – eat them as is right off the grill or add them to salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or tacos for extra flavor and protein.
Their mild chicken flavor also allows chicken sausages to blend into any recipe without dominating other ingredients. This makes them very VERSATILE to incorporate into different meal preparations.
ENDLESS FLAVOR COMBINATIONS
While traditional chicken sausages may contain only chicken and seasonings, there are now MANY innovative flavor varieties available. Here are some popular flavor options:
- Italian herb
- Cajun spice
- Apple-sage
- Southwest chipotle
- Sundried tomato and basil
EASY TO DIGEST
The lean meat and lower fat content of chicken sausages makes them gentler on the digestive system compared to other types of sausage.
Chicken is one of the most easily digestible meats. Plus pre-formed sausages made from ground chicken have a larger surface area, allowing the meat to be broken down faster in the gut.
Individuals recovering from illness, dealing with digestive troubles, following a gut healing protocol or on a low-fat diet can benefit from the kindly digestive traits of chicken sausage. They are simple for the body to break down and get nourishment from.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Sausages
CHICKEN SAUSAGES: A LEANER GRILLING OPTION
While beef and pork sausages have long been grilling favorites, chicken sausage has grown in popularity as more people seek out lower-fat alternatives.
Featuring juicy white meat chicken, these sausages can be perfectly cooked on the grill with a few simple adjustments.
With proper preparation and technique, chicken sausage delivers big flavor without the extra fat.
PICKING QUALITY CHICKEN SAUSAGES
When supermarket shopping, look for chicken sausage made with:
- Ground chicken breast meat for leanness
- Minimal ingredients lists focusing on chicken and seasonings
- No fillers like breading or stabilizers
- Natural casings rather than synthetic
Popular varieties include:
- Southwest chipotle style
- Apple chicken sausage
- Andouille chicken sausage
- Sun-dried tomato and basil
SPECIAL GRILLING TIPS FOR CHICKEN SAUSAGE
Unlike pork sausage which can be quite fatty, lean chicken sausage requires some different handling on the grill:
- Use indirect heat as chicken can dry out or burn easily over direct high heat
- Baste with oil during cooking to keep meat moist and help develop nice browning
- Prick casings before grilling to allow fat and juices to escape, prevent splitting
- Cook to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer inserted into thickest part
- Tent with foil if links are cooking too quickly before reaching temp
With a few tweaks to the grilling process and some helpful prep and serving tips, lean chicken sausage emerges from the grill as a delicious and satisfying low-fat option for any barbecue.
Credit : Rachael Ray Show
ELEVATING SAUSAGE FLAVOR WITH SIDES
When it comes to grilling sausage, one of the best ways to amplify the flavor is with fresh, seasonal sides. Pairing sausage with delicious vegetables, herbs and other ingredients takes the meal to the next level. Here are some top combinations to try:
VEGETABLE PAIRINGS
Grilled vegetables complement sausage flavor perfectly and add nutritional value to the plate. Try these quick-cooking veggie sides:
- Zucchini and summer squash – Toss oiled and salted planks over direct high heat for tender crispy strips.
- Bell peppers and onions – Arrange on cooler section of grill or foil pan for mild caramelized flavor during sausage’s last 5 minutes.
- Cherry tomatoes – Add halved tomatoes to skewers in the last few minutes of cooking.
HERBS AND FLAVOR BOOSTERS
Fresh herbs and other ingredients uplift sausage with aromatic notes:
- Basil, oregano, garlic – Mince and stir through grilled sausage slices or spoon onto sandwiches.
- Balsamic vinegar and olive oil – Drizzle grilled vegetables for Mediterranean sweet-tangy flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Top sausages, veggies or pastas for salty savoriness.
CONDIMENTS AND TOPPINGS
Serve an array of sauces so everyone can enhance sausage their way:
- Brown mustard – A tangy-hot spread with German brats or Italian sausage.
- Barbecue sauce – Try your favorite regional variety with chicken apple sausage.
- Ketchup or salsa – Please all ages with these crowd-pleasing topping options.
With some simple vegetable and flavor pairing suggestions, taking grilled sausage to the next level is easy, versatile and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the barbecue!
Updates Trends in Chicken Sausage Grilling
LEANER OPTIONS BECOME MORE POPULAR
In recent years, chicken sausage has grown increasingly popular as more people choose lower-fat varieties (3). With proper handling on the grill, these sausages deliver big taste without excess calories or fat compared to traditional pork varieties
BETTER COOKING METHODS
Using indirect heat setups like two-zone grilling helps chicken sausage stay moist and juicy compared to directly over high flames. Basting with oil or butter during cooking also boosts browning.
GROWING POPULARITY OF PLANT-BASED OPTIONS
For those seeking meatless grilling, plant-based “sausages” made from soy, wheat, or pea protein are gaining shelf space. With flavorful seasoning, these mock sausages can satisfy grill cravings.
Whether you enjoy classic or innovative flavor profiles, grilling chicken sausage is a healthy, versatile option. With trending cooking methods and convenient prepped links, enjoying juicy chicken sausage on the grill has never been simpler..
Conclusion
In conclusion, grilling chicken sausage is a simple way to enjoy BBQ flavor throughout the warmer months without worrying about excess fat or calories.
As outlined here, chicken sausages provide big taste with minimal ingredients. Whether cooked on their own or paired with fresh sides, they add unique flavors without weight gain.
The tips covered show how to keep chicken sausage juicy on the grill. Tricks like indirect heat and basting prevent drying out so the links remain pleasing till the end.
The bonuses of high protein and ease of digestion also make swapping varieties a healthier choice for weeknight meals or cookouts.So for tasty grilled sausage without heavy feelings afterward, give chicken a try this summer.
Your links are sure to delight guests and leave you satisfied without regrets when using the techniques shared here.
Join the conversation! Share your grilling adventures and favorite tips for cooking grilled chicken sausage in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
References
- https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/generic/chicken-sausage
- https://carnivorestyle.com/how-much-protein-in-chicken-sausage/
- https://medium.com/@rameshramurp23/chicken-sausage-market-size-market-outlook-and-market-forecast-2023-to-2030-f8a3230fff55
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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.
