How to Cook Chicken Sausage on the Grill Right

Cooking chicken sausage on the grill isn’t complicated. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, about 350°F. While it warms up, take the sausages out of the fridge; let ’em sit for about 10 minutes to take the chill off. This helps ’em cook evenly.Place the sausages on the grill, turning occasionally. Cook for about 15–20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.You might want to add some veggies on the side for color and flavor.Want more tips on grilling? Keep reading for the best seasoning ideas and side dishes!

Key Takeaway

• Preheat the grill to 375–450°F and oil grates to prevent sticking.
• Grill sausages 6–8 minutes per side, flipping once, until they reach 165°F inside.
• Let sausages rest a few minutes before serving for best juiciness.

Choosing and Preparing Chicken Sausage for Grilling

Funny how easy it is to forget what you buy, and how you treat it, decides if your chicken sausage ends up juicy or just another dried-out disappointment. Most people just grab whatever’s cheap at the shops, but that’s not how you get that proper snap when you bite in.

Selecting Quality Sausage

Fresh chicken sausage with natural casings just grills better, it’s as simple as that. You can taste the difference. Look for sausages made with lean chicken, and pick your flavour, herb, spicy, smoky, or maybe that sweet Italian style.[1] Chicken apple sausage, for example, might sound odd but sometimes it’s the best thing on the barbie. Maybe it’s the bit of sweetness or just the right fat content, but it works.A few things to keep in mind:

• Fresh always wins. The texture holds up better on the grill.
• Natural casings matter. That’s where you get the snap.
• Frozen sausages? Only if you must. They never come back quite right.

Sausage Preparation Techniques

This is where people usually get it wrong. Always prick your sausages in a few spots, just a fork or toothpick, not all the way through. Some reckon you shouldn’t, but with chicken sausage, letting a bit of fat out stops flare-ups and keeps the casing from splitting wide open. The trick is to prick, not stab.If you don’t want the sausages sticking and you want some extra flavour, brush them with olive oil. If you’re after a punchier taste, marinate or season them for at least half an hour before grilling. Garlic-herb marinade works, or go for something spicy with chilli flakes and smoked paprika.Prep steps:

• Prick sausages in a few spots (don’t go all the way through)
• Brush with olive oil if you like
• Marinate or season for at least 30 minutes if you’ve got the time

Grill Setup and Preheating

Credit: Smoky Beginnings BBQ

The grill can ruin even the best sausage if you’re not careful. If it’s dirty or not hot enough, you’ll regret it.

Cleaning and Oiling Grill Grates

Now for the main event. You’ve prepped, you’ve cleaned, you’re ready.

Temperature Settings and Heat Zones

Medium to medium-high heat is what you want, 375 to 450°F (190–230°C). On a gas grill, set your burners right. For charcoal, spread the coals for even heat. A two-zone fire works best: direct heat for searing, indirect for finishing thicker sausages. If you get flare-ups, just move the sausages over.Grill setup checklist:

• Preheat to 375–450°F
• Clean and oil the grates
• Set up zones: direct for searing, indirect for finishing

Grilling Process and Techniques

The moment of truth. You’ve prepped, you’ve cleaned, now you’re ready.

Sausage Placement and Cooking

Lay the sausages in a single layer, not crowded. Close the lid, trap heat, cook them even. Used to leave the lid open, but closing it really does help.Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping once with tongs. Look for those grill marks, they’re not just for looks, they add flavour. Don’t crowd the grill or you’ll steam the sausages instead of grilling them.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

A few things to remember:

• Don’t prick the sausages again once they’re on the grill.
• Don’t press down with your tongs, or you’ll lose all the juice.
• Watch for overcooking. Chicken sausage dries out faster than pork.

Checking Doneness and Serving

Chicken sausage needs to be cooked through, but not dry as cardboard.

Temperature Verification

A meat thermometer is your friend. Internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C). Stick the probe in the thickest part, but don’t touch the grill grates or you’ll get the wrong reading. Guessing doesn’t work, one pink link and you’ll remember it.[2]

Resting and Presentation

Once they’re done, take the sausages off the grill and let them rest for five minutes. Keeps them juicy. Serve in buns with whatever toppings you like, mustard, grilled onions, sauerkraut, or peppers. Or slice and toss into pasta, salads, even a breakfast scramble.Serving ideas:

• In toasted buns with mustard, grilled onions, and sauerkraut
• With grilled peppers and zucchini
• Sliced over greens with vinaigrette

Flavor Enhancements and Serving Suggestions

Don’t be shy about experimenting. Lemon-garlic marinade, barbecue sauce, whatever you like, sometimes people can’t even pick a favourite.Marinades, Rubs, and Toppings
Try these:

• Garlic and herb marinade for a Mediterranean vibe
• Smoked paprika and chilli for some heat
• Sweet Italian or apple sausage with caramelised onions

Toppings to try:

• Grilled peppers and onions
• Sauerkraut
• Spicy mustard or honey mustard
• Relish, pickled jalapeños, or slaw

Side Dish Pairings
Some sides that go well:

• Grilled veggies like asparagus, corn, or capsicum
• Pasta salad with a vinegar dressing
• Crispy potato salad
• Simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette

Cooking Variations

Sometimes you need more than just the grill. For thick sausages or if you’re worried about drying them out, parboil for five minutes before grilling. Or use indirect heat for a slower cook.Alternative methods:

• Parboil for 5 minutes, then grill for colour and flavour
• Use indirect heat for thick sausages
• Grill in foil packs with onions and peppers for extra juiciness

Summary Quick Reference

Here’s the cheat sheet you’ll want taped to your fridge:

• Preheat grill: 375–450°F, clean and oil grates
• Prep sausage: Prick, brush with oil, season or marinate
• Grill time: 6–8 minutes per side, flip once, lid closed
• Internal temp: 165°F minimum
• Rest & serve: Rest 3–5 minutes, serve as desired

Conclusion

Every grill’s got its own personality. For chicken sausage, check its temperature often. It can turn from juicy to dry quicker than pork. A toppings bar with mustards, onions, and peppers makes it a hit. Best way to master grilling chicken sausage? Just keep trying. Experiment with marinades or new flavors. Leftovers are great for lunch, and you can freeze extras. Grab those sausages and fire up the grill, dinner’s just ten minutes away. For more tips or ideas, drop a comment.

FAQ

How long should I cook chicken sausage on the grill to make sure it’s done?

Cook chicken sausage on the grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning it often. The chicken sausage grill time depends on how thick it is and whether it’s fresh or pre-cooked. Always check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to make sure the inside reaches 165°F chicken sausage. That’s the chicken sausage safe temperature. Don’t just go by color or grill marks alone.

What’s the best way to grill chicken sausage without it bursting?

To prevent chicken sausage burst, don’t prick the chicken sausage casing. That can dry it out. Try indirect heat grilling chicken sausage first, then finish over direct heat for that smoky chicken sausage flavor. This two-zone grilling method keeps it juicy. Avoid starting on a high heat grill, a medium heat grill works better and more gently.

Do I need to oil the grates before grilling chicken sausage?

Yes, oiling grill grates helps prevent sausage sticking. Chicken sausage has less fat than pork, so it’s more likely to stick. A little oil on hot grates goes a long way. It also helps get that nice charred chicken sausage look. Just make sure the grill is hot before you place the sausage on it.

What’s a good grilled chicken sausage recipe for summer cookouts?

Try a summer chicken sausage grill combo with chicken sausage with peppers and onions. You can also use marinated chicken sausage for more flavor. Make chicken sausage skewers or chicken sausage kebabs, they’re great for easy grilling. Serve them on a bun like a chicken sausage hot dog, or go bunless with grilled vegetables.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken sausage on the grill, or does it have to be raw?

You can grill both pre-cooked chicken sausage and fresh chicken sausage. Pre-cooked sausage only needs to heat through and get a little char. Fresh sausage takes longer and must reach the chicken sausage internal temperature of 165°F. Either way, keep flipping chicken sausage to cook it evenly. Let it rest after grilling to stay juicy.

What’s the difference between grilling natural chicken sausage and smoked chicken sausage?

Natural chicken sausage often has fewer added ingredients, while smoked chicken sausage is precooked and flavored with smoke. When grilling, the smoked kind just needs a quick heat-up on a medium heat grill. Natural chicken sausage usually takes longer and needs to hit the 165°F chicken sausage mark. Either way, both taste great with chicken sausage toppings like mustard or sauerkraut.

How can I make a healthy grilled chicken sausage meal for the week?

For chicken sausage meal prep, try pairing healthy grilled chicken sausage with roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Use low-fat chicken sausage or high-protein chicken sausage for a better nutrition profile. You can also slice grilled links into salads or grain bowls. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for weekday lunches.

What’s a fun way to serve grilled chicken sausage at a backyard party?

At your next chicken sausage party or chicken sausage cookout, try making a chicken sausage sandwich bar. Offer chicken sausage on bun with toppings like ketchup, relish, and cheese. Or serve grilled chicken sausage with garlic and lemon on a platter for a fancy touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially during summer BBQ season.

Can I use chicken sausage with herbs or spicy chicken sausage on the grill?

Yes! Grilling chicken sausage with herbs or spicy chicken sausage adds bold flavor without much effort. These work well in chicken sausage BBQ recipes, especially when paired with grilled onions or vegetables. Just watch the chicken sausage grill temperature so the seasoning doesn’t burn. Flip often for even cooking and a charred chicken sausage finish.

References

• https://recipes.net/articles/how-to-cook-chicken-sausage-on-grill/
• https://www.agoudalife.com/grilled-sausage-recipe/

Related Articles

1. https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-grill-chicken-sausage/
2. https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-cook-chicken-sausage-at-home/
3. https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-grill-time/