Homemade Chicken Sausage
This homemade chicken sausage recipe is packed with flavor, lean protein, and is easy to customize. Whether you're making Italian, apple, breakfast, or andouille-style chicken sausage, this recipe provides a perfect base for any variation.
Equipment
- Equipment:
- mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Air fryer (optional)
- Sausage casings (optional for links)
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken sausage or ground chicken if making from scratch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking if pan-frying
- Flavor Add-Ins for Variations:
- Apple Chicken Sausage: 1/2 cup finely diced apples & a pinch of cinnamon
- Chicken Andouille Sausage: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper & 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Italian Chicken Sausage: 1 teaspoon fennel seeds & 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Chicken Breakfast Sausage: 1 teaspoon maple syrup & a pinch of sage
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage Mix:
- If using pre-made ground chicken sausage, mix in the spices.
- If starting with plain ground chicken, combine it with all seasoning ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Shape the Sausage (Optional):
- For patties: Shape the mixture into small discs.
- For links: Use sausage casings or roll into small logs.
- For crumbles: Keep the mixture as is.
- Cooking Methods:
- Pan-Frying: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties or crumbles for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Grilling: Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C). Grill links or patties for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange sausages on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Frying: Place patties or links in an air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
Notes
Pair with eggs for breakfast, toss into pasta, or add to a sandwich for a delicious meal.
Pro Tips:
Keep the meat cold for better texture.
Don’t overmix to prevent toughness.
Let the sausage rest after cooking to retain juiciness.