If you love starting your day with something savory, juicy, and packed with flavor, let me introduce you to Chicken Breakfast Sausage. This recipe is a true gem for anyone craving a cleaner, lighter sausage with all the comfort and spice of the classic. With just a quick mix and sizzle in the skillet, you’ll have the most delicious, protein-rich patties that are equally at home alongside eggs or tucked into your favorite breakfast sandwiches. Chicken Breakfast Sausage is destined to become your new morning go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Breakfast Sausage plays a standout role, bringing depth, moisture, and that unmistakable sausage flair. These pantry staples come together for an easy but unforgettable homemade sausage that outshines anything store-bought.
- Ground chicken (preferably thigh meat): Juicier and more flavorful than breast, thigh meat keeps these sausages tender and moist.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all those savory flavors—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that mimics traditional sausage.
- Garlic powder: Brings in a warm, earthy undertone without chopping fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Lends sweet depth and a classic sausage aroma.
- Dried sage: Sage is the quintessential sausage herb—herbaceous and aromatic.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick—use more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
- Maple syrup or honey (optional): Just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory richness, totally optional but highly recommended.
- Olive oil for cooking: Ensures that perfect golden crust and helps keep patties from sticking.
How to Make Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Step 1: Mix the Sausage Mixture
In a large bowl, tumble in your ground chicken along with all the seasonings—salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, sage, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Drizzle in the maple syrup for that irresistible sweet touch. Using your hands (gloves help with sticking!), gently mix just until everything is combined and evenly distributed. Overmixing can toughen the sausage, so stop as soon as it looks uniform.
Step 2: Shape Into Patties
Divide the seasoned chicken mixture into eight equal portions. With damp hands, form each one into a small, plump patty about half an inch thick. Making your patties similar in size ensures that they cook evenly and finish at the same time. Line them on a plate as you go, ready for their sizzle in the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your chicken breakfast sausage patties, giving them space to brown nicely. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping just once, until both sides are golden and the inside is no longer pink. A quick check with a thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) for perfectly safe, juicy sausage!
Step 4: Serve Warm
As soon as your Chicken Breakfast Sausage patties are cooked through, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Serve them right away while they’re piping hot—the aroma will have everyone at the table in seconds! Enjoy solo, or build your dream breakfast plate.
How to Serve Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate by sprinkling fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the top of your sausages. A quick grind of black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika also adds even more visual and flavor appeal. For a special treat, serve with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or honey right before eating—classic diner vibes, made healthy!
Side Dishes
Chicken Breakfast Sausage plays beautifully with classics like fluffy scrambled eggs, roasted breakfast potatoes, or lightly toasted sourdough. If you’re craving something fresh, a pile of mixed greens or sliced tomato rounds out breakfast, making it feel just a little bit fancy.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basics and try tucking a chicken sausage patty inside a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and melty cheese for an epic sandwich. Or chop up the cooked patties and toss them into breakfast burritos, savory oatmeal, or breakfast quesadillas—there’s really no wrong way to enjoy these juicy sausages!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover chicken breakfast sausage (lucky you!), just let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tender and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for meal-prepping your mornings.
Freezing
Chicken Breakfast Sausage freezes beautifully, both cooked and uncooked. For uncooked patties, place parchment between each one and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. Cooked sausages can go straight into a freezer bag—you can grab one anytime you need a speedy, protein-packed breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your sausage patties in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in 30-second intervals (loosely covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist). If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes or thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken breast instead of thigh?
Absolutely! Just know that ground breast is leaner and your sausage patties will be a bit firmer. Thigh meat gives a juicier, more traditional sausage texture, but either cut works well, especially with a touch of olive oil added in.
Is this Chicken Breakfast Sausage gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly—so it fits a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing a single bit of flavor or satisfaction.
Can I make the sausage mixture ahead of time?
Definitely. Mix and shape your patties, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. It’s a great way to get ahead on busy mornings, letting you go from fridge to skillet in minutes.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No problem! Regular paprika works too, or you can add a small pinch of cayenne for heat instead. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to play with what you have on hand—your homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage will still be bursting with flavor.
How do I know when the sausage is cooked through?
Your best bet is a quick-read thermometer: once the patties hit 165°F (74°C) in the center, you’re good to go. If you don’t have a thermometer, just check that the patties are firm to the touch and no longer pink in the middle.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage, I promise those store-bought links just won’t compare! With just a handful of ingredients and a quick skillet fry, you’ll have wholesome, sizzling patties that bring joy to every breakfast. Give this recipe a go—your mornings are about to get a whole lot tastier!
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Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with these flavorful and juicy homemade chicken breakfast sausage patties. Made with ground chicken and a blend of savory spices, these patties are easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken (preferably thigh meat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, red pepper flakes (if using), and maple syrup. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and form into small patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can make the patties ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze uncooked for later use.
- For a leaner option, use ground chicken breast, though the texture will be firmer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
