Use medium heat, grill chicken sausage for 10 to 15 minutes, and turn every few minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness. Preheat your gas grill to 375°F to 400°F, and let sausages rest briefly after grilling. Adjust time if sausages are pre-cooked or raw; always check doneness with a thermometer.
Key Takeaway
- Grill chicken sausage over medium to medium-high heat (375°F–400°F) for 10–15 minutes, turning every 3–5 minutes.
- Always use a meat thermometer; the safe internal temperature is 165°F.
- Let sausages rest for 5 minutes after grilling to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Grilling Chicken Sausage on a Gas Grill
Source: Official Johnsonville
The first time I grilled chicken sausage on a gas grill. Chicken sausage is leaner than pork, typically around 60% less fat and about 13 g protein per link compared to pork varieties (1),so it needs steadier heat and a bit more patience.
Grill chicken sausage links, whole or sliced, directly on the grates. For best results, preheat the gas grill to medium or medium-high (375°F to 400°F). This temperature helps you avoid burning the casing while letting the inside cook evenly. Place the sausages over direct heat, but be ready to move them to indirect heat if flare-ups threaten to char the outsides.
Some people like to grill sliced chicken sausage. That works, but you risk losing juices. Whole links hold moisture better and give you a juicier bite. If you want grilled chicken sausage with vegetables, use a grill pan or foil packet for the veggies so nothing falls through.
Preparing the Grill and Sausages
The first step in getting grilled chicken sausage right is prep, both for the grill and for the sausage itself. Clean the grill grates with a brush and oil them lightly. This keeps the sausage from sticking and tearing.If you’re wondering how to cook chicken sausage that’s raw, prick a few small holes in the casing with a toothpick. This helps steam escape and prevents bursting. Pre-cooked links don’t need holes, but they benefit from a light coat of oil or a quick marinade.I think marinating chicken sausage in a mix of olive oil, lemon, cracked pepper, and garlic for 30 minutes adds a lot. It’s not necessary, but it gives you a sharp, fresh flavor. If you want to grill chicken sausage with herbs, toss some rosemary or thyme right on the grill for a hint of smoke.
Preheating the Grill
Gas grill chicken sausage needs a steady, not blazing, heat. Preheat your grill to medium or medium-high (375°F–400°F). Use the built-in thermometer if you have one. If not, hold your hand about five inches above the grates,5 to 7 seconds means medium heat around 350–450°F(2).Preheating is more than ritual. A hot grill sears the casing, keeps the sausage from sticking, and helps build up those grill marks everyone likes. If you’re grilling chicken sausage with vegetables, start the veggies first since they usually take longer.
Choosing the Sausage Type
Grilling Process and Timing
The heart of the matter is how long to grill chicken sausage. For most links, grill time should be 10 to 15 minutes over direct heat, turning every 3 to 5 minutes. This gives you even browning and helps avoid burning.If you see flare-ups, move the sausage to the cooler side (indirect heat). This is especially true if you start seeing the casing blacken before the sausage is cooked through. A grill basket can help with small links or sliced sausage.
Direct Heat Grilling Method
- Place sausages directly on grill grates
- Grill for 10 to 15 minutes
- Turn every 3 to 5 minutes for even browning
Managing Flare-Ups and Heat
- If sausages start to burn or split, shift them to indirect heat (a cooler zone)
- Trim excess fat to reduce flare-ups
- Don’t press down on sausages, just let them cook
Determining Doneness and Safety
Chicken sausage internal temperature is the only real way to know if it’s safe and juicy. Use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part. You want 165°F for chicken sausage doneness.You can also use visual and tactile cues. The casing should be golden brown, not pale or black. The sausage should feel firm but not rock-hard. If you press it gently and clear juices run out, you’re there.
Checking Internal Temperature
- Insert meat thermometer into thickest part
- Target: 165°F (74°C)
Visual and Tactile Indicators
- Evenly golden-brown casing
- Sausage feels firm, not mushy or dry
- Clear juices, not pink
Post-Grilling Care and Serving
Chicken sausage needs to rest after grilling, just like steak. Five minutes on a plate, tented with foil, lets the juices settle back in. This step makes a difference in flavor and texture.Serve grilled chicken sausage with classic sides or toss it with peppers, onions, and zucchini cooked in a grill pan right alongside. Sausage sandwiches, pasta, or salads, grilled chicken sausage is versatile.
Resting the Sausages
- Rest for 5 minutes after grilling
- Juices redistribute for better flavor
Serving Suggestions
- With grilled onions, peppers, or zucchini
- Over a bed of greens
- On toasted buns with spicy mustard
Optimizing Grilling Techniques and Variations
Chicken sausage grilling time can shift depending on type and thickness. Pre-cooked links need less time. Raw or thick sausages need the high end of the time range. Always rely on the thermometer more than the clock.
Time Adjustments for Different Sausage Types
- Pre-cooked chicken sausage: 7–9 minutes, turning halfway
- Raw or thick chicken sausage: 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–5 minutes
Heat Control Strategies
- Create direct and indirect heat zones on your grill
- Move sausages as needed to avoid burning or undercooking
- Use drip pans or foil to manage drips and flare-ups
Tools and Safety Tips
Grill chicken sausage with the right tools for best results. Use long tongs for turning, not a fork (keeps juices inside). A grill-safe meat thermometer is essential. Grill pans or baskets help with sliced sausages or vegetables.
Essential Tools
- Meat thermometer (digital or dial)
- Long-handled tongs
- Grill basket or pan for veggies
Food Safety Considerations
Chicken sausage safe temperature is 165°F. Undercooked poultry can cause illness, so always check. Keep raw sausage separate from cooked foods. Store leftovers promptly.
Safe Handling and Storage
- Store raw sausage below 40°F until ready to grill
- Don’t leave cooked sausage out for more than 2 hours
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly
Enhancing Flavor and Presentation
Chicken sausage grilling tips for flavor: try marinades, rubs, or basting during grilling. Lemon, garlic, herbs, or a splash of balsamic vinegar can perk up bland links.
Marinating and Seasoning Options
- Simple marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cracked pepper (30 minutes)
- Herb rub: rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika
- Basting: brush with sauce or glaze for last few minutes
Creative Serving Ideas
- Slice and serve over pasta with grilled vegetables
- Stuff into a crusty roll with grilled onions and peppers
- Top salads or grain bowls for quick meals
Presentation Tips
- Garnish with fresh herbs or grilled lemon slices
- Serve on a wooden board with pickles and mustard
- Pair with grilled corn, potatoes, or summer squash
Conclusion
Grill chicken sausage on a gas grill by keeping things simple. Preheat, cook over medium heat, turn every few minutes, and use a thermometer for doneness. Let the sausage rest before serving. Try it with vegetables or in sandwiches. If you want the skin crisp and the inside juicy, watch your heat and don’t rush, chicken sausage rewards patience.Fire up your grill tonight, grab a pack of sausages, and try your hand at grill chicken sausage. You might never go back to boiling or pan-searing again.
FAQ
What’s the best chicken sausage grill time with vegetables for a full meal?
When doing chicken sausage grill time with vegetables, keep both on medium heat. Chicken sausage usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and veggies in a grill pan or foil packet take about the same. Chicken sausage with vegetables grill well when sliced or cooked whole. Toss in peppers, onions, or zucchini for easy flavor and balance. Flip chicken sausage and stir veggies often to keep them from burning.
How do marinade and temperature affect chicken sausage grilling flavor?
For bold taste, match chicken sausage grill time with marinade flavor and heat level. Go with chicken sausage with garlic grill or chicken sausage with lemon grill for brightness, or chicken sausage with balsamic vinegar for depth. Cook over medium heat and avoid flare-ups that burn sugar-based marinades. Use chicken sausage grill temperature control to lock in juices and keep the chicken sausage grilling flavor enhancement balanced.
How can you avoid uneven cooking during chicken sausage grilling?
Uneven grilling happens when you don’t manage heat zones. Use chicken sausage direct heat to brown, then finish on chicken sausage indirect heat if needed. Follow chicken sausage grilling tips for even cooking by flipping regularly and spacing sausages apart. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid guessing. Chicken sausage grill tips for browning and juiciness also help create evenly cooked results.
How should you prepare chicken sausage for the grill?
For chicken sausage grill time and preparation, start by thawing if frozen, then pat dry to help browning. Chicken sausage grill prep might include brushing with oil or seasoning with herbs. Try chicken sausage grill time with marinade for more flavor. If you’re slicing, use a chicken sausage grill basket to avoid losing pieces. A little prep upfront makes grilling easier and safer.
References
- https://www.premiofoods.com/why-choose-chicken-sausage/
- https://ddrbbqsupply.com/blogs/news/how-long-to-preheat-grill
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-cook-chicken-sausage-on-grill/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-grill-time/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-grill-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.
