There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own sausage and no, you don’t need a grinder, fancy casing tubes, or a culinary degree. All you need is a bowl, a fork, and a pack of ground chicken. That’s it. Making homemade chicken sausage is ridiculously simple, surprisingly quick, and wildly rewarding.
I started making my own sausage when I was fed up with store-bought links that tasted more like salt than spice. Once I discovered how easy it is to season ground chicken into something magical, I never looked back. Plus, the homemade version lets you ditch mystery fillers and keep it clean, lean, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Sausage Recipe
For even more ways to enjoy breakfast sausage, check out this Chicken Breakfast Sausage guide full of easy recipes and health benefits.
If you’ve ever stood in the grocery aisle debating between “sweet” or “spicy” and still felt let down, this one’s for you. Homemade sausage means you’re in total control the flavor, the texture, the spice level all up to you.
Here’s why this recipe’s a winner:
- It’s high in protein and low in additives
- You can shape it into patties, crumble it, or roll it into meatballs
- It freezes like a dream for meal prep days
- You can tweak it for breakfast chicken sausage, Italian chicken sausage, or make your own custom blend
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Sausage
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious sausage from scratch (see recipe card below for exact measurements):
- Ground chicken (preferably thigh meat for juiciness)
- Olive oil or melted butter (just a touch for moisture)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Fennel seeds (crushed)
- Smoked paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, sage, or parsley)
- Salt and pepper
Optional flavor twists (choose your adventure!):
- Maple syrup (for breakfast-style sweetness)
- Italian seasoning and Parmesan (for pasta nights)
- Chili flakes and cayenne (for spice lovers)
How to Make Ground Chicken Sausage (Step-by-Step)
1. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, oil, and all your seasonings. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix everything together. Don’t overmix just enough to get the spices evenly distributed.
2. Choose Your Shape
Want patties? Scoop and flatten. Crumbles? Toss it into a hot pan and break it up with a spatula. Meatballs? Roll and bake or pan-fry.
This mix is versatile enough for:
- Breakfast chicken sausage patties
- Crumble for pizza, pasta, or casseroles
- Mini meatballs for soups or snacks
3. Cook It Up
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Add your sausage and cook until golden brown and cooked through about 4–5 minutes per side for patties, or 6–8 minutes total for crumbles.
4. Taste and Adjust
Here’s the secret to sausage success: make a tiny test patty and cook it first. Taste it. Then tweak your seasonings before committing to the whole batch.
Looking for ways to spice it up even more? Try this Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage recipe next it’s the perfect cozy dinner option.
Cooking Tips for Homemade Chicken Sausage
- Use thigh meat for juicier sausage. Breast meat tends to dry out faster.
- Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping if it feels sticky.
- Double the batch and freeze half future-you will be thrilled!
- For Italian chicken sausage, add basil, oregano, garlic, and a pinch of fennel.
- For breakfast chicken sausage, add maple syrup, sage, and a dash of nutmeg.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan give patties room to sear and get that golden crust.
- Let them rest after cooking for 2–3 minutes. It locks in the juices and makes a big difference.
- Make mini patties or sliders for brunch boards or quick protein snacks.
How to Store Homemade Chicken Sausage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked sausage in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer (Raw or Cooked): Lay patties flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags. Keeps well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave for 30–45 seconds per patty.
- Pro tip: Label batches with seasoning (“Spicy Italian” or “Maple Sage”) so you know what’s what on busy mornings!
- Use thigh meat for juicier sausage. Breast meat tends to dry out faster.
- Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping if it feels sticky.
- Double the batch and freeze half future-you will be thrilled!
- For Italian chicken sausage, add basil, oregano, garlic, and a pinch of fennel.
- For breakfast chicken sausage, add maple syrup, sage, and a dash of nutmeg.
My Go-To Sunday Prep Ritual
Every Sunday, I whip up a double batch of this sausage. Half goes into patties for breakfasts (hello, egg sandwiches), the other half gets crumbled into jars for weekday meals. The beauty is you can pivot flavors one batch, endless possibilities.
This is the kind of recipe that saves you on a busy Monday morning and impresses your guests at brunch.
Print
Homemade Chicken Sausage
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A juicy, flavorful sausage made with ground chicken and spices. Easy to prep, freeze, and customize for breakfast or Italian dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (thigh meat preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (crushed)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, sage, or parsley)
- Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup (for breakfast flavor), 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together gently.
- Shape into patties or leave loose for crumbles.
- Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked about 4–5 minutes per side for patties.
- Serve warm or store in fridge/freezer for later.
Notes
Test a small portion first to adjust seasoning. Freeze raw or cooked sausage in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 23g
Keywords: ground chicken sausage, homemade chicken sausage, breakfast chicken sausage, chicken sausage ingredients, chicken sausage recipes, Italian chicken sausage
FAQs About Ground Chicken Sausage
Is homemade chicken sausage healthy?
Yes! You skip the preservatives, sugar, and excess sodium found in many store-bought versions. Plus, you control the fat content.
Can I freeze this chicken sausage?
Absolutely. Shape it into patties or freeze it raw in meal-sized portions. It lasts up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to use chicken sausage?
Toss it into pasta, layer it in a breakfast sandwich, stir it into soups, or bake it onto pizza. It’s endlessly flexible.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
You can! Just know turkey is leaner, so consider adding a bit more oil to prevent dryness.
When You Want Flavor Without Fuss
This ground chicken sausage recipe is one of those “why didn’t I try this sooner?” kind of dishes. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible perfect for breakfasts, pasta nights, or protein-packed snacks. Homemade just hits different.