Need more healthy sausage recipes? You’ll love my turkey sausage and air fryer sausage links! I always have a container of ground chicken in the freezer because it’s such a versatile protein. It’s quick and easy to cook, and it pairs well with any combination of flavors. This time around, I’m making homemade sausage with it. But not just any sausage–one that’s ACTUALLY healthy and made with a shortlist of easy-to-find ingredients.
Why I love this recipe
Best bang for your buck. Making sausages from scratch is way more cost-effective than buying the pre-packaged kind. Wholesome ingredients. No copious amounts of sodium, nitrites/nitrates, or ‘natural flavors’…whatever that means. Meal prep and freezer-friendly. They’re easy to make in advance and you can freeze them raw or cooked. I actually love them in my Copycat sausage McMuffins. Three cooking methods. I prefer the crispy edges you get from pan-frying, but I also tested the oven and air fryer methods for a more hands-off recipe.
Ingredients needed
Dried sage. My favorite seasoning to pair with chicken, giving it that distinctive breakfast sausage flavor. Italian seasoning. To make ‘Italian chicken sausage.’ Read my tips below on some different spice blends to try instead. Sea salt and black pepper. To taste. Garlic. Freshly minced is best, but ½ teaspoon of garlic powder will work in a pinch. Ground chicken. If possible, I prefer ground chicken thighs for a proper mix of lean meat and fat content, but ground chicken breasts or a mix works just fine. Honey. Adds a touch of sweetness without being overpowering. Oil. For cooking the patties. Use any neutral-flavored cooking oil.
How to make homemade chicken sausage
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 3- Cook. Add oil to a non-stick skillet. Once hot, add four patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining patties.
Arman’s recipe tips
Don’t skip the resting time! As tempting as it may be, you want that time for the patties to rest in the fridge so they hold their shape better when they cook. Cook in batches. Adding too many patties in the pan can make the oil temperature drop, resulting in dry, overcooked chicken. Stick to 2-4 patties, depending on the size of your pan. Transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. To soak up any excess oil.
Storage instructions
To store: Place the leftover sausage in an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days. Oven method: Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them at 375F/190C for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F/74C. Air fryer method: Similar to my air fryer chicken patties, place the patties in a single layer in the greased air fryer basket and air fry at 375F/190C for 12-15 minutes (flipping halfway through) or until they reach 165F/74C. Work in batches so as not to overcrowd the basket.
Sweet Italian chicken sausages. Add minced sweet chilis. Apple gouda. Add finely grated apple, a pinch of nutmeg, and 1/2 cup of shredded gouda cheese. Cajun. Swap the Italian seasoning for a Cajun or Creole seasoning blend. Smoked chipotle. Swap the Italian seasoning for smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and minced chipotle peppers.
To freeze: Let the sausages cool, store them in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for three months. Reheating: Microwave in 20-second intervals or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm.
Frequently asked questions
More recipes using ground poultry
Ground chicken meatballs Ground turkey soup Ground chicken burgers Ground turkey meatloaf
Originally published May 2023, updated and republished September 2024
