My grandma always made the best breakfast. Her secret? Homemade chicken breakfast sausage! This Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe was handed down to me, and now I’m sharing it with you. It’s way better than anything you can buy at the store.
This recipe is super easy, even for beginners. You’ll mix everything together, shape it, and cook it. That’s it! Plus, you can add your own favorite flavors to make it just how you like it.
Forget those greasy store-bought sausages packed with who-knows-what. This chicken sausage is made with healthy ingredients, so you can feel good about feeding it to your family. It’s a delicious and healthy way to start your day!
Why This Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe is Special
This chicken breakfast sausage isn’t just any sausage. It’s bursting with flavor from fresh herbs and spices like sage and thyme. My grandma’s secret blend makes it extra special! We’re using lean ground chicken, which is much healthier than pork sausage. You’ll get lots of protein without all the extra fat and calories.
This recipe is also super versatile. Make it into patties for breakfast sandwiches, stuff it into casings for classic links, or crumble it up to use in your favorite breakfast casseroles. No matter how you cook it, this sausage is a winner! For a fun twist, try making mini cinnamon rolls as a side dish! You can find my recipe here: Mini Cinnamon Rolls.
Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chicken breakfast sausage:
- 1 pound ground chicken: Use lean ground chicken for a healthier sausage. Ground turkey works too!
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: These help hold the sausage together. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Panko breadcrumbs will give a crispier texture!.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A little healthy fat adds flavor and keeps the sausage moist.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: This gives the sausage a classic breakfast flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Another herb that adds delicious flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat!
Equipment Essentials
You’ll need just a few simple tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Skillet for cooking
- Sausage stuffer (if making links – but you don’t need this for patties!)
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
First, grab your large mixing bowl. Add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, olive oil, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything really well. Make sure the spices and herbs are evenly spread throughout the chicken. This will ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. Keep mixing until everything is completely combined – no pink spots!
Shaping the Sausage
Now for the fun part – shaping the sausage! If you’re making patties, divide the mixture into equal portions. About 1/4 cup of the mixture will make a nice patty that’s about 3 inches across. Flatten each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
If you want to make sausage links, you’ll need a sausage stuffer. Carefully follow the instructions that came with your stuffer to fill the casings with the chicken mixture. You can make your links as long or short as you like! Twist them every few inches to make individual sausages.
Cooking the Chicken Breakfast Sausage
You have several options for cooking your chicken sausage.
Pan-frying: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties or links in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the sausages on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown. Again, make sure they reach 165°F inside.
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the sausages for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely marked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
Looking for other breakfast ideas? Check out my recipe for crispy fried cornbread: Crispy Fried Cornbread.
Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions
Creative Flavor Twists
Want to get creative with your chicken sausage? Try these delicious flavor variations:
- Italian Sausage: Add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a taste of Italy.
- Sweet and Savory Sausage: Mix in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a unique flavor combination.
- Spicy Sausage: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Dice up a jalapeno and add it to the mix!
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and even cheeses to create your own signature sausage!
Delicious Serving Ideas
This chicken breakfast sausage is delicious in so many ways!
- Classic Breakfast: Serve it alongside scrambled or fried eggs, toast, and your favorite breakfast potatoes.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Tuck a patty into a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and cheese for a quick and easy breakfast on the go.
- Pancakes and Waffles: Crumble the sausage and sprinkle it over pancakes or waffles for a sweet and savory treat.
- Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled sausage to a warm tortilla for a hearty breakfast burrito. Try my breakfast casserole recipe for another great way to use this sausage: The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole.
- Full English Breakfast: Include your homemade sausage as part of a traditional full English breakfast with bacon, eggs, beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Get creative and try it in your favorite breakfast recipes! You can even use it in frittatas, quiches, or breakfast casseroles. For inspiration, check out these amazing Mashed Potato Puffs: Mashed Potato Puffs Recipe. Or, indulge your sweet tooth with this decadent dessert: Cheesecake Brownies. You can also find delicious Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks here: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks.
FAQ
Your Chicken Breakfast Sausage Questions Answered
Simple Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe
Looking for a simple breakfast sausage recipe? This one is it! With just a few common ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have homemade sausage in no time. Mixing, shaping, and cooking – that’s all it takes!
Healthy Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe
This chicken breakfast sausage is a healthy alternative to traditional pork sausage. Chicken is naturally leaner than pork, meaning less fat and fewer calories. You control the ingredients, so you can keep the sodium low too!
Best Chicken Breakfast Sausage
This recipe is the best because it delivers big on flavor without sacrificing health. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh herbs and spices, and incredibly versatile. Plus, it’s so much better for you than store-bought sausage!
Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties
Making patties is a breeze! Just divide the sausage mixture into equal portions, flatten them into discs about 3 inches across and 1/2-inch thick, and cook them in a skillet, oven, or on the grill until fully cooked and golden brown. Easy peasy!
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage!
Making your own chicken breakfast sausage is so rewarding! You’ll get a healthier, tastier breakfast that your whole family will love. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making something delicious from scratch.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe and let me know what you think! Leave a comment below sharing your experience. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more easy and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow me on social media for daily cooking inspiration!