Chicken sausage has become a culinary favorite for the people seeking a leaner, healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages. With its versatile flavors and adaptability in various dishes, cooking chicken sausage has become a popular kitchen endeavor.
However, the key to enjoying this succulent treat lies in knowing: How long to cook chicken sausage?
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of chicken sausage that includs different types, cooking methods, times, and essential tips for perfect cooking experience.
Whether you’re grilling, frying, baking, or boiling, by the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to achieve perfectly cooked chicken sausage every time.
So, let’s dive into the delicious world of chicken sausage and discover how to savor its flavors to the fullest.
Types of Chicken Sausages
Chicken sausages come in various flavors and styles, both pre-cooked and uncooked. Here are some common types of chicken sausages that are written:
- Pre-cooked Chicken Sausage: Pre-cooked chicken sausages are already cooked before packaging and are a convenient choice for quick meals. They can be reheated by grilling, pan-frying, or microwaving making them a time-saving option for busy individuals.
- Uncooked Chicken Sausage: Uncooked chicken sausages require cooking before consumption. They offer more flexibility for seasoning and customization and allow you to create your own flavor profiles. You can grill, pan-fry, bake, or boil uncooked chicken sausages according to your preference.
- Chicken Italian Sausage: This type of chicken sausage is often seasoned with traditional Italian spices like fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It’s a popular choice for pasta dishes, sandwiches, and pizza.
- Bratwurst-style Chicken Sausage: Inspired by the traditional German bratwurst, these sausages are often seasoned with milder spices like nutmeg and white pepper, making them suitable for grilling or pan-frying.
- Chicken Apple Sausage: Chicken apple sausages are sweet and savory. Thanks to the combination of chicken and apples. They are often used in salads, casseroles, or served on their own.
- Chicken Chorizo: Inspired by the traditional Spanish chorizo, chicken chorizo sausages are seasoned with paprika and other spices. It offers a slightly spicy and smoky flavor. They work well in a variety of dishes, including paella and tacos.
How long to cook chicken sausage?
Pre-cooked sausages typically take 7-15 minutes. However, the cooking time for chicken sausages also varies greatly depending on its thickness and the cooking method you choose to prepare the sausages. Here are some common methods along with their cooking time:
1. Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken sausages on the grill.
- Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Turn occasionally until they are browned.
2. Pan-Fry:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of oil if needed.
- Place the chicken sausages in the pan.
- Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Turn the sausages occasionally until they are evenly cooked on all sides.
3. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place the chicken sausages on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
- Bake for about 18-24 minutes turning them halfway through.
4. Boil:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the chicken sausages to the boiling water.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until they are completely done.
5. Microwave:
- Place the pre-cooked chicken sausages on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
6. Air-fryer: (quick and convenient method)
- Preheat the air-fryer.
- Place the sausage in the airfryer.
- Let the sausage cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Turn the side of sausage occasionally to avoid overcooking.
How long to cook raw chicken sausages?
Unlike pre-cooked sausages, raw sausages take more time to cook evenly. Their cooking time can vary because it depends on their size, thickness, and the cooking method you choose. Here are some general guidelines for cooking raw chicken sausages:
1. Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the raw chicken sausages on the grill.
- Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Turn them frequently to ensure even cooking.
2. Pan-Fry:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of oil.
- Place the raw chicken sausages in the pan.
- Cook for about 15-18 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides.
3. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the raw chicken sausages on a baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Turn the sausages halfway through.
4. Boil:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the raw chicken sausages to the boiling water.
- Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are thoroughly done.
What is the best temperature to cook chicken sausages?
The best temperature to cook chicken sausages is typically in the range of 350-400°F. This temperature range allows the sausages to cook through evenly while achieving a desirable crispiness on the outside.
Cooking chicken sausages at this temperature ensures that they cook thoroughly without drying out and it also helps develop a delicious golden-brown exterior.
Cooking sausages at a lower temperature might result in undercooked centers while cooking at a higher temperature can lead to overly browned or burnt exteriors before the interior is properly cooked. Therefore, maintaining a good cooking temperature is essential for optimal results.
What to serve with cooked chicken sausages?
Chicken sausages are succulent and versatile. They can be paired with a wide range of side dishes to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to serve with chicken sausages:
- Buns or Bread: Serve chicken sausages in buns or crusty bread rolls for a classic sausage sandwich. Add your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, or relish and top with sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or asparagus make a great side dish. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple yet flavorful accompaniment.
- Salads: A fresh salad can complement chicken sausages nicely. Consider a green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing or a pasta salad with a variety of colorful vegetables.
- Mustard and Ketchup: Classic condiments like yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and ketchup complement the savory flavors of chicken sausages perfectly.
- Sauerkraut: Tangy sauerkraut is a traditional topping for sausages that add a pleasant crunch and a hint of sourness to the dish.
- Pasta: Pair chicken sausages with pasta dishes like spaghetti or penne in a tomato-based or creamy sauce.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer various dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or aioli for added flavor.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory sausages.
How to store chicken sausages?
Proper storage of chicken sausages is essential to maintain their freshness and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. To store leftover sausages nicely, all you need to do is:
- Refrigeration: If you’ve leftover chicken sausages, store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Place the sausages in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent air and moisture from getting in or out. Refrigerated sausages will easily last for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you have no plans to use the sausages within a few days, consider freezing them for longer-term storage. Tightly wrap the sausages in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen sausages can last for 3 months or even more.
Tips for perfectly cooking sausages
Here are some concise and handy tips for perfectly cooking sausages:
- Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or baking the sausages, make sure your cooking surface or oven is preheated to the right temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Avoid high heat because it can cause sausages to cook too quickly on the outside and remain undercooked inside.
- Opt for medium heat for a more balanced result.
- When cooking sausages, turn them gently using tongs or a spatula.
- Once cooked, allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps to retain their juiciness.
- Get creative with seasonings and toppings to enhance the flavor of your sausages.
- Cooking times can vary based on sausage thickness, cooking method you are using and type of sausages (raw or pre-cooked). So, be flexible and adjust time accordingly to achieve the desired doneness.
- If serving sausages in buns or sandwiches, always choose sausages that are a similar length to fit the bread comfortably.
- Achieving a nice, even brown exterior adds flavor and texture. So, keep an eye on the sausages to prevent overcooking or burning.
FAQs
Are chicken sausages healthy?
Yes, chicken sausages are a healthier option compared to traditional pork sausages as they are typically lower in saturated fat and calories. They are also a good source of lean protein and can be a perfect part of a balanced meal.
Is it better to cook sausages in butter or oil?
It is generally better to cook sausages in oil rather than butter. Oil has a higher smoke point than butter which means it can withstand higher cooking temperatures without burning. Additionally, oil has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the taste of the sausages, while butter may add a distinct, rich flavor that might not complement all sausage types.
Should sausages be cooked fast or slow?
Sausages are best when cooked slowly over moderate heat. Cooking them too quickly can lead to uneven cooking with the exterior overcooked while the interior remains undercooked. Also, slow cooking allows for thorough cooking and helps develop a flavorful, crispy exterior.
Should you pierce sausages when frying?
It is best to avoid piercing sausages when frying. Pricking sausages can release their flavorful juices which results in dry and less flavorful meat. Instead, cook the sausages slowly and turn them occasionally to ensure even browning and cooking without the need for piercing.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of cooking sausages, whether they’re chicken, pork, or any other variety is a culinary skill well worth cultivating. With the right temperature, cooking time, and attention to details, you can achieve sausages that are perfectly cooked, bursting with flavor, and safe to enjoy. So, no matter if you’re grilling, frying, baking, or boiling the chicken sausages, this article will help you create a delicious and satisfying meal every time. Happy cooking!
Patti began her writing career as a staff writer for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Still based in Florida, Patti serves as editor for Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap. She regularly writes about environmental, home improvement, education, recycling, art, architecture, wildlife, travel and pet topics.