Cooking chicken sausage can be an easy, delicious and versatile meal. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or an impressive dinner, this guide will teach you how to cook chicken sausage in the most simple and flavorful way.
With just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you’ll quickly have a tasty dish that’s sure to please any palate. We will cover everything from the types of sausage available to the best cooking methods and recipes that use chicken sausage.
Table of Contents
What is Chicken Sausage?
Chicken sausages are created by enclosing ground chicken in an edible, cylindrical skin. Commercially-sold nonorganic versions may also include additional additives and fillers as specified by the chef, along with preservatives to extend shelf life. If you’re looking for a deliciously healthy alternative to pork sausages, chicken sausages are the perfect answer.
These savory treats have far fewer calories and fat than their pork counterparts, yet offer an array of flavorings from fiery jalapenos to zesty garlic and lemon combinations. If that wasn’t enough, some recipes even include spinach or apples as extra veggies! Whether you buy them pre-made or make your own at home – there’s no limit on the creative possibilities with these tasty little morsels.
Benefits Of Eating Chicken Sausage
In addition to being a great source of lean protein, chicken sausage can also be an excellent way to add flavor and variety to your meals. It is lower in fat and calories than traditional pork or beef sausages and can be a great addition to salads, sandwiches, casseroles and more.
Nutrition Information
One serving of cooked chicken sausage (3 oz or 85g) contains approximately 140 calories, 8.5g fat, 2g carbohydrates and 16g protein.
How To Cook Chicken Sausage
- Step 1: Gathering Ingredients
Before getting started, you’ll need to gather some basic ingredients. You will need chicken sausage (available in links or patties), oil or butter if needed, and any seasonings or herbs that you would like to add to the dish.
- Step 2: Prepping the Sausage
To prep the sausage, you’ll need to remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help ensure that the sausage cooks evenly.
- Step 3: Seasoning
Once the sausage is prepped, season it according to your tastes. Some popular seasoning options for chicken sausages include garlic, onion powder, paprika, cumin and more.
- Step 4: Cooking Methods
Once the ingredients are ready, it’s time to decide how you’d like to cook the chicken sausage. Here are a few of the most popular methods:
–Baking: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking sheet with oil. Place the sausages on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking time.
–Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the sausages on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking time.
–Frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter to lightly coat the pan. Add the sausages and fry until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking time.
- Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the sausage is cooked through (the internal temperature should read 165°F), it’s time to add some finishing touches. Serve your chicken sausage with a side of vegetables, on top of a salad or in a sandwich for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Step 6: Storing & Freezing
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, cooked chicken sausage can also be frozen and will keep for up to 3 months.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
– Chicken sausage is a type of processed meat made from ground chicken and seasonings.
– It is lower in fat and calories than traditional pork or beef sausages but still provides plenty of flavors.
– Prepping the sausage before cooking it is important for achieving even cooking results.
– Different flavors and types of chicken sausage can be found in grocery stores.
– Cooking times for chicken sausage vary depending on the method used (grilling, baking, roasting, frying).
– Leftover cooked chicken sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips for Seasoning & Cooking Times:
– When seasoning your chicken sausage, use spices such as garlic, onion powder, paprika and cumin to bring out the flavor.
– Grill or fry chicken sausage for about 8 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
– Bake chicken sausages at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
– Roast in an oven preheated to 400°F
Transform Ordinary Chicken Sausages Into A Tantalizing Dish With Just A Few Simple Steps On The Stovetop!
The fastest and most uncomplicated way to cook chicken sausage is by slicing it into sections and then cooking them in a pan on the stovetop.
You won’t need any oil, nor will you have preheated your pan first; just throw either sliced or whole sausage pieces onto the heated frying surface and set medium-high heat.
Remind yourself to flip over each piece regularly so that they can be uniformly cooked on all sides!
Grill Chicken Sausages For A Smoky and Delicious Meal
Grilling chicken sausages is a classic way to achieve that smoky, charred flavor. To do this, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (between 375°F and 425°F), then lightly brush each side of the sausage with oil and place them on the grates. Close the lid, give it between 6 to 8 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This method also works great for making kebabs or pairing sausages with vegetables!
Bake Chicken Sausage For A Healthier Option
Baking chicken sausages in the oven results in a healthier alternative because no extra fats are needed during cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the sausages onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20 minutes. Make sure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before you remove them from the oven!
Chicken Sausage vs Pork Sausage
Both chicken and pork sausage are processed meats made with seasonings, but the main difference between them is their fat and calorie content. Chicken sausages typically have fewer calories and fat than their pork counterparts, making them ideal for those on a health-conscious diet or watching their weight. However, it should be noted that not all brands of chicken sausages will be as lean as advertised!
Dishes With Chicken Sausage
Chicken sausage can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast scrambles to pasta dishes. It’s also great for making flavorful and filling sandwiches – just throw some grilled chicken sausages onto a bun with lettuce and tomato, and you’ve got yourself an easy lunch! You can even use it in stir-fries or soups for a nutrient-packed meal.
No matter how you decide to cook your chicken sausages, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to adding flavor, texture, and nutrition into your meals! With these simple steps on preparing and cooking your sausages, you’ll be able to transform ordinary sausages into appetizing dishes that everyone will enjoy.
Chicken Sausages from Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is a great way to create homemade chicken sausages without having to buy pre-made ones. All you need is some ground chicken, salt and pepper, as well as any other seasonings of your choice. Mix everything together in a bowl until it forms a dough-like consistency – then you can shape them into patties or links! Cook the sausage on the stovetop, in the oven, or even on the grill just like regular sausages.
Tasty Variations of Chicken Sausage
Chicken sausage comes in a variety of flavors such as Italian, teriyaki, garlic herb, and sun-dried tomato. Spend some time exploring different recipes that best suit your taste buds – there are lots of unique and exciting flavors that you can try with chicken sausages.
No matter how you choose to prepare it, cooking up some delicious chicken sausage is sure to be a hit! With the right ingredients, techniques, and recipes, you can create savory dishes that are hearty and healthy at the same time.
- Italian Chicken Sausage
Italian chicken sausages are a great way to add some flavor and pizzazz to any dish! Start by heating up some olive oil in a pan, then add the sausage links. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Serve with pasta or your favorite veggies for an Italian-inspired meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Teriyaki Chicken Sausage
Teriyaki chicken sausages offer a sweet and savory twist to ordinary meals – perfect for those who love that Asian flair. Begin by marinating the sausages in teriyaki sauce overnight, then cook them up on the grill or stovetop over medium-high heat until they get a nice char. Serve with rice and some stir-fried veggies for a tasty teriyaki feast!
- Garlic Herb Chicken Sausage
Garlic herb chicken sausages are great for adding flavor to any dish. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and then place the sausage links on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before removing them from the oven. Serve with potatoes or vegetables for a delicious garlic herby dinner!
- Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Sausage
Sun-dried tomato chicken sausage is a unique and flavorful way to spruce up your meals. Marinate the sausages in extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes before cooking. Heat up some olive oil in a skillet and cook the sausages for about 10 minutes until they’re browned on all sides. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a tasty meal!
Equipment Needed for Chicken Sausage
When it comes to cooking chicken sausages, you won’t need a lot of special equipment. All you really need is a large skillet or pot to cook them in, some parchment paper if baking the sausages in the oven, and a thermometer to check that they’re cooked through before serving. Once you have these items on hand, you can easily whip up your favorite sausage dishes!
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FAQ:
Q: Is chicken sausage usually cooked?
A: Yes, chicken sausage is usually cooked before serving. It can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill just like regular sausages. For best results, make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Do you have to boil sausage before cooking?
A: No, you don’t have to boil sausage before cooking. Sausages can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill just like regular sausages. It’s important to make sure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Q: What equipment is needed to cook chicken sausage?
A: You won’t need a lot of special equipment when cooking chicken sausages – all you really need is a large skillet or pot to cook them in, some parchment paper if baking the sausages in the oven and a thermometer to check that they’re cooked through before serving. Once you have these items on hand, you can easily whip up your favorite sausage.
Q: What is the simplest method of cooking sausages?
A: The simplest method of cooking sausages is to cook them on the stovetop. Heat up some olive oil in a skillet and cook the sausages for about 10 minutes until they’re browned on all sides. Make sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Q: What flavors can you make chicken sausage with?
A: You can make chicken sausage with a variety of flavors, such as Italian, teriyaki, garlic herb or sun-dried tomato. Each flavor offers different taste and texture profiles, so experiment to find your favorite!
Q: Are sausages better in the oven or frying pan?
A: Both cooking methods will yield tasty results, but oven baking is generally considered better because it gives the sausages a nice char and helps retain their juiciness. Be sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the oven.
Q: Is marinating necessary when making chicken sausage?
A: Marinating the sausages in a sauce or oil can add extra flavor, so it’s not necessary but definitely recommended! For example, you could marinate teriyaki chicken sausages overnight in teriyaki sauce or garlic herb sausages in olive oil and herbs before cooking. This will take your sausages to the next level of flavor!
Q: What should you serve with chicken sausage?
A: Chicken sausage pairs well with both potatoes and vegetables, so try serving it up with a side dish of roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables. You can also whip up a garlic herb sauce to drizzle over the top for added flavor. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Cooking up some delicious chicken sausage is a breeze – just follow the simple steps provided above and you’ll be able to whip up nutritious and flavorful dishes in no time. Whether it’s Italian, teriyaki, garlic herb or sun-dried tomato, you can’t go wrong when it comes to infusing flavor into your food with chicken sausages! Try out different recipes and experiment with spices until you find the perfect combination that your family will love. Bon appetit!
