Mastering Chicken Sausage: Your Ultimate Guide to Cooking It 5 Ways

Are you ready to transform your meals with a versatile, lean protein that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further than chicken sausage! Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, learning how to cook chicken sausage perfectly can elevate your everyday dishes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through five effortless methods to prepare chicken sausage: in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, in an air fryer, and even in the microwave. We’ll cover everything from precise cooking times and temperatures to ensuring food safety, making sure your chicken sausage is cooked to juicy perfection every time.

Chicken sausage is a fantastic alternative to traditional pork sausages, offering a lighter profile without compromising on flavor. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, making it a popular choice for health-conscious eaters. But how exactly do you cook it to achieve that ideal texture and taste? Many popular brands like Trader Joe’s, Aidells, Applegate, and Alfresco offer delicious chicken sausages, and the good news is that cooking them is straightforward once you know the right techniques.

We’ll start by focusing on how to cook precooked chicken sausage links, which are the most common type found in grocery stores. Following that, you’ll learn how to bake raw chicken sausage, like the varieties from brands such as Premio, ensuring you can safely prepare any type of chicken sausage you choose. Get ready to master the art of cooking chicken sausage, making it a staple in your meal rotation!

Learn how to cook chicken sausage in 5 different ways for quick and delicious meals!

Chicken sausages, and turkey sausages in general, offer a leaner, lower-fat, and lower-calorie option compared to traditional pork sausages, while still providing a good source of protein. However, it’s crucial to be mindful that some brands can be high in sodium or contain various additives. Always check the nutrition label, especially if you’re looking for a low-sodium choice or aiming for minimally processed foods. Overcooking chicken sausage can lead to dryness due to its lower fat content, so keep a close eye on it!

The nutrition information provided is an estimate for one Marketside apple chicken sausage (Walmart brand) and will vary significantly based on the specific brand and type of chicken sausage you choose.

🔥 Cooking Chicken Sausage in the Oven

The oven is a fantastic way to cook chicken sausage, especially if you’re preparing multiple links or prefer a hands-off approach. It allows for even cooking and a lovely exterior browning, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.

How long do you cook chicken sausage in the oven at 400°F (200°C)? For precooked chicken sausage, baking takes approximately 15 minutes at this temperature. Simply place your oven chicken sausage on a light-colored baking sheet. For best results and crispier skin, you can use a wire rack placed over the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around the sausages. Position the rack about one-third down from the top of your preheated oven.

Should you cook sausages in the oven with foil?

Many wonder how to cook chicken sausage in the oven with foil. While convenient for cleanup, cooking chicken sausage wrapped in foil will steam the sausages rather than roast them, resulting in less browning and a softer skin. If you prefer a browned exterior, skip the foil and bake them directly on a baking sheet. If you must use foil for easier cleanup, ensure it’s a light-colored sheet, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the precooked chicken sausages directly on the foil. Cooking in foil will take slightly longer, typically 20-25 minutes, and as mentioned, won’t yield the same crisp texture.

For raw chicken sausage, the oven method is also highly effective. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place about one pound (454g) of raw chicken sausage on a rimmed metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, which helps with browning and prevents sticking. Bake for a total of 25-30 minutes, remembering to flip the sausages after 15 minutes to ensure uniform cooking and browning on all sides. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken sausage internal temp has reached 165°F (74°C) for safety.

➕ Air Frying Chicken Sausage: Quick & Crispy

If speed and crispiness are your priorities, the air fryer is arguably the best way to cook chicken sausage. It delivers beautifully browned sausages with minimal effort and in a fraction of the time compared to other methods.

How long does it take to cook chicken sausage in the air fryer? For precooked chicken sausage, it takes a mere 6-8 minutes in an air fryer set to 400°F (200°C). One of the greatest advantages is that you typically don’t need to preheat your air fryer or flip the sausages, making it incredibly convenient for busy schedules. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and a delightfully crispy exterior.

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model. For example, in an air fryer oven, sausages might take closer to 8 minutes, especially if placed on the top rack position. Smaller air fryer baskets often cook faster, sometimes in as little as 6 minutes. Always keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes to prevent overcooking and achieve your desired level of crispness.

While the microwave offers the fastest cooking time, it lacks the browning capability that makes chicken sausage so appealing. The air fryer strikes the perfect balance between speed and quality, delivering that satisfying golden-brown finish.

🐔 Stovetop Chicken Sausage: Pan-Fried & Braised Methods

The stovetop offers two excellent methods for cooking chicken sausage: braising for a tender interior with a browned exterior, and direct pan-frying for raw sausages. Both methods allow for great control over the cooking process and are ideal for smaller batches.

Braising Precooked Chicken Sausage (with Water)

If you’re wondering how to cook chicken sausage in water, or prepare braised chicken sausages, this method is for you. It’s perfect for precooked links. Add about ½-inch (1.27 cm) of water to a cast iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan. Place the chicken sausage links in the water, cover the pan, and simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes. This gentle steaming helps to heat the sausages through, making them tender and juicy inside.

After simmering, remove the lid and carefully drain any remaining water. Increase the heat slightly to medium-low and continue to cook the sausages, turning them occasionally. This step allows the sausages to brown beautifully on all sides, adding flavor and texture. It will only take a few minutes to achieve that desirable golden crust. This method is truly the ideal way to get your chicken sausage heated through and nicely browned in a pan.

Pan-Frying Raw Chicken Sausage

For raw chicken sausage on the stovetop, you’ll want to use a more direct frying approach. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) in a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the raw chicken sausages to the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the sausages for 5-6 minutes per side, turning them regularly to ensure even cooking and browning. Continue cooking until the chicken sausage internal temp reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausages, so a meat thermometer is your best friend here.

After cooking, let the chicken sausages rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender sausage.

How long to boil chicken sausage?

While boiling can cook chicken sausage, it’s generally not recommended as the sole cooking method if you desire browning. Boiling extracts fat and flavor, and leaves the sausages with a pale, unappetizing appearance. If you absolutely must boil them, bring water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and boil sausages for 10-12 minutes. However, for a much better texture and flavor, I highly recommend the braising and browning method described above.

♨️ Microwaving Chicken Sausage: For Speed, Not Sizzle

For those times when speed is the absolute priority, the microwave can be used to heat precooked chicken sausage. While it’s the fastest method, it comes with a significant trade-off: lack of browning and potentially a less appealing texture.

To microwave precooked chicken sausage, simply place the links in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 3 minutes. After microwaving, allow them to stand for 1-2 minutes before eating to ensure the heat distributes evenly throughout. As noted, this method will heat the sausages quickly, but they will not develop any browning or crispness on the exterior. If texture and flavor are important to you, consider one of the other cooking methods.

🍗 Grilling Chicken Sausage: Smoky Flavor Perfection

Grilling chicken sausage imparts a wonderful smoky flavor and creates beautiful char marks, making it a favorite method, especially during warmer months.

To grill chicken sausage, start by lightly greasing your grill grates to prevent sticking. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. Once the grill is ready, place the precooked chicken sausages directly on the grates. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the sausages are thoroughly heated through and have developed an appealing golden-brown color with visible grill marks. It’s crucial to turn the grilled chicken sausage frequently (every 1-2 minutes) to ensure even browning on all sides and prevent any single side from burning. If you’re grilling raw chicken sausage, adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, turning frequently, and always check for the 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Grilling not only cooks the sausages but also infuses them with a unique char and smoky aroma that enhances their overall taste, making them perfect for summer barbecues or a quick outdoor meal.

🍳 How to Cook Raw Chicken Sausage on Stove

We’ve already touched on various methods for precooked chicken sausage, but cooking raw chicken sausage requires a slightly different approach to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. The stovetop is an excellent choice for achieving a perfectly cooked interior and a crispy exterior.

To cook raw chicken sausage on the stovetop, begin by heating 2 tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil) in a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the raw chicken sausages in the skillet, ensuring there’s enough space between them for even cooking. Cook the sausages for approximately 5-6 minutes per side. It’s important to turn them frequently to prevent burning and ensure all sides brown evenly. The key is to continue cooking until the chicken sausage internal temp reaches the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, as cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the sausages. Once cooked, remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful sausage.

😋 How to Cook Raw Chicken Sausage in the Oven

Baking raw chicken sausage in the oven is another straightforward method that requires minimal attention once the sausages are in. It’s ideal for cooking multiple links at once.

To bake raw chicken sausage, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a rimmed metal baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange approximately 1 pound (454g) of raw chicken sausage links on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the sausages; this helps with browning and keeps them moist.

How long do you bake chicken sausage from raw? Baked chicken sausage from raw typically takes 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For even cooking and browning, make sure to flip the sausages halfway through the baking time, usually after about 15 minutes. For this recipe, using a lower oven rack can help achieve a more consistent cook. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) before serving.

🤔 How Do You Know When Chicken Sausage Is Cooked?

Ensuring your chicken sausage is cooked safely and thoroughly is paramount. Relying on visual cues alone can be misleading, especially with poultry products. So, how do you tell if sausages are done?

The most reliable and recommended method to check for doneness in chicken sausage, or any meat, is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage, avoiding any bones or casing if possible. The safe chicken sausage internal temp, according to the USDA, is 165°F (74°C). Reaching this temperature guarantees that any potentially harmful bacteria are destroyed, making the sausage safe for consumption.

Can chicken sausage be a little pink?

This is a common question, and the answer is yes, sometimes. It’s important to remember that color is not a reliable indicator of doneness for meat and poultry. Certain spices or additives in chicken sausage can cause it to retain a pinkish hue even after it has reached a safe internal temperature. This is why a meat thermometer is an indispensable tool in your kitchen; it removes all doubt and ensures food safety regardless of the visual appearance.

🌭 Do You Cook Chicken Sausage in Its Casing?

A common query among home cooks is whether to remove the casing before cooking chicken sausage. The simple answer is: yes, you generally cook chicken sausage in its casing. I never peel chicken sausage before cooking, and there’s a good reason for this.

The casing plays a vital role in maintaining the sausage’s shape and keeping the filling intact during the cooking process. Without it, the sausage mixture could crumble and fall apart. Casings are typically made from either natural materials (like animal intestines) or synthetic materials (like collagen). Both types are edible and designed to be cooked and consumed along with the sausage. If you were to remove the casing, you’d lose the classic sausage shape and potentially some of the juiciness. So, feel free to leave the casing on—it’s part of the authentic sausage experience!

🌡️ How to Store and Reheat Cooked Chicken Sausages

Proper storage and reheating of chicken sausages are crucial for both safety and maintaining quality. After enjoying your freshly cooked chicken sausage, you’ll want to ensure any leftovers are handled correctly.

Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked chicken sausages in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s essential to refrigerate them promptly after cooking and allowing them to cool down. Place the sausages in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure and contamination.

Freezing: If you don’t plan to consume the leftover chicken sausages within four days, freezing them is an excellent option for longer storage. Cooked chicken sausages can be kept frozen for up to two months. To freeze, wrap individual sausages tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: When it’s time to enjoy your frozen chicken sausages, thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating. For refrigerated sausages, you can reheat them using most of the methods described above (oven, stovetop, air fryer). Always ensure that when reheating leftover chicken sausages, they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to eliminate any potential bacterial growth.

Common Questions About Cooking Chicken Sausage

Can you cook chicken sausages from frozen?

Yes, you can cook chicken sausages directly from frozen, but it will require a longer cooking time compared to cooking them from fresh or thawed. To prepare frozen sausages in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen sausages on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring you turn them over halfway through the cooking time to promote even cooking. Always check the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).

Are chicken sausages ready to eat?

The readiness of chicken sausages depends on their packaging. According to the USDA, sausages are sold as either uncooked (raw) or ready-to-eat (precooked). If your chicken sausages are not explicitly labeled as “fully cooked” or “ready to eat,” they must be cooked thoroughly by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consumption.

Can you cook chicken sausages in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make delicious slow cooker chicken sausages, often by simmering them in sauces or alongside vegetables. However, it’s generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken sausage in a slow cooker (crockpot). Slow cookers operate at low temperatures, and frozen food may not reach a safe temperature quickly enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Always thaw frozen chicken sausages completely in the refrigerator before adding them to a slow cooker recipe.

Is Johnsonville chicken sausage precooked?

Most varieties of Johnsonville chicken sausage found in stores are precooked, meaning they are ready to heat and eat. However, it’s always best practice to check the product packaging carefully. The label will clearly indicate whether the sausage is “fully cooked” or “raw,” guiding you on the necessary preparation.

Are the chicken sausages from Costco precooked?

Generally, the chicken sausages available at Costco, including their popular Kirkland Signature brand, are precooked. They are designed for quick and easy meal preparation. Nevertheless, always double-check the specific product packaging, as there might be a raw or uncooked variety available. The packaging is your definitive source for determining if the sausage is precooked or raw.

How to make chicken sausage from scratch?

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making your own chicken sausage, it’s a rewarding culinary experience! You can find a delicious recipe for how to prepare chicken sausage from scratch that uses a flavorful mixture of chicken thighs and chicken breasts, resulting in amazing flavor. For a homemade version, check out this recipe: Homemade Sausage with Chicken and Feta.

👨‍🍳 What to Serve with Chicken Sausage

Chicken sausage is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, making it suitable for any meal of the day. Whether you’re aiming for a hearty Italian feast, a comforting gluten-free meal, or a low-carb option, chicken sausage fits right in.

Precooked sausages are a perfect addition to an Italian-inspired meal. Serve them alongside classic pasta dishes, such as air fryer spaghetti Bolognese, and complete the experience with crispy air fryer garlic bread. For a comforting, gluten-free carbohydrate option, air fryer chicken sausage is delicious with creamy mashed potatoes.

Alternatively, you can easily create a low-carb meal by pairing chicken sausage with an assortment of vibrant vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and spinach are all excellent choices that complement the savory flavor of chicken sausage beautifully. Sauté them together for a quick and nutritious one-pan meal.

Here are a few specific recipes that feature chicken sausage:

• Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
• Sausage Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Air Fryer)
• Keto Mini Quiche (where chicken sausage can be a great addition)