You may be wondering how to cook chicken sausage, especially if you’re new to the culinary world. Chicken sausages are incredibly popular in American households and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Not only are they healthy, but they also make for a delicious breakfast or any meal of the day. In this article, we’ll explain how to cook chicken sausage for beginners, so you can enjoy this tasty treat in no time.
The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Chicken Sausage
With so many sausage variants and recipes out there, we’ll focus on the simplest and quickest methods for cooking chicken sausage. Let’s dive into the easiest ways to prepare this delectable dish.
1. How to Cook Chicken Sausage in the Oven
If you’re a beginner, cooking chicken sausage in the oven is the most convenient option. It ensures the sausage cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients Needed:
- Cooking oil (Olive oil, Vegetable oil, or Butter)
- Salt and Pepper for Seasoning
- Chicken Sausages
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy and flavorful sausage in a short time.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the sausages in a single row. Leaving space between the sausages ensures even cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over the sausages and season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sausages are evenly cooked.
- To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the sausage. If it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, your chicken sausage is ready to be removed from the oven.
- Let the sausages rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to reabsorb and distribute juices.
2. How to Cook Chicken Sausage in a Pan
Cooking chicken sausage in a pan is one of the easiest and quickest ways to prepare this delicious dish. It’s perfect for when you need a quick and simple meal. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients Needed:
- Chicken Sausage
- Cooking Oil (Olive oil, Vegetable oil)
Instructions:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan, cast-iron skillet, or non-stick pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
- If the sausage is too big, don’t hesitate to cut it into pieces. This increases the surface area and enhances the flavor.
- Place the sausages in the pan in a single layer, ensuring there is some space between them. The sausages should sizzle immediately when placed in the pan. If not, heat up the pan to medium-high.
- Cook the sausages for 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages. If it reads around 165°F, they are cooked and ready to serve.
- Remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the hot and crispy sausages with roasted vegetables, pasta, or salad.
3. How to Cook Chicken Sausage on the Stove
If you’re looking for a simple cooking method, using the stove is the way to go. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients Needed:
- Chicken Sausages
- Cooking oil (Olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil)
Instructions:
- Place a skillet on the stovetop over medium or medium-high heat.
- Add a little oil to the skillet and let it heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Put the chicken sausages in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until they turn brown. Flip the sausages often with tongs to cook both sides evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages. It should reach 165°F for them to be fully cooked. You can also cut into a sausage to check the internal color for doneness.
- Once fully cooked, remove the sausages from the stovetop and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the sausages with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
4. How to Cook Chicken Sausage from Frozen
Cooking frozen chicken sausages is also easy and simple. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients Needed:
- Chicken Sausages
- Cooking oil (Olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil)
- Water
Instructions:
- Take a pan full of water and place the unpacked frozen sausages in it.
- Cook the sausages for 5 minutes, and they will defrost in the meantime.
- Remove the water from the pan and add some cooking oil. Heat the pan for a few minutes.
- Place the defrosted sausages in the pan and cook for 5-8 minutes on each side.
- When the sausages turn brown or golden in color, they are done.
- Remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest for a while.
- Serve the sausages with your favorite sides.
5. How Long to Cook Chicken Sausage on the Grill
Grilling is another easy and quick way to cook chicken sausages. The cooking time will depend on the type and size of the sausage. Here’s a general guide:
Chicken Sausage Cooking Time on Grill:
- Raw sausage: 8-10 minutes
- Pre-cooked sausage: Less time than raw sausage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s answer some common questions about cooking chicken sausages:
Q: What is the best cooking method for sausages?
A: Boiling and air frying are generally considered the healthiest cooking methods for chicken sausages, as they require less oil. However, pan cooking and oven baking are great options for achieving delicious and crispy sausages.
Q: How do you know when chicken sausage is cooked?
A: Chicken sausage is cooked when it turns brown or golden in color. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for fully cooked sausages.
Q: Is eating chicken sausage healthy?
A: Yes, eating chicken sausage is a healthy choice. Chicken sausages are made from white meat, which is lower in fat and calories compared to pork or beef. They are also rich in protein and other nutrients like iron and zinc.
Q: Should you boil chicken sausage?
A: Boiling raw chicken sausages before baking or grilling can help reduce cooking time. Boiling is also a healthier option than frying in oil.
The Bottom Line
Cooking chicken sausage doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the instructions provided in this article, you’ll be able to prepare your first chicken sausage delicacy with ease. Enjoy the deliciousness and versatility of chicken sausage in various cooking methods. For more amazing recipes and cooking tips, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!