Looking for a breakfast sausage that’s both delicious and a bit lighter? This Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage is the answer. Packed with flavor and made with lean chicken, it’s a healthier twist on your classic sausage. The seasonings come together in such a perfect balance that each bite will have you hooked. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for your breakfast routine.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re prepping for a lazy weekend breakfast or meal prepping for the week, this sausage is versatile enough for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Lean Protein: Made with ground chicken, it’s a lighter option compared to traditional pork sausage, without sacrificing flavor.
Flavorful: The blend of spices is what makes this sausage stand out. It’s a little savory, a little sweet, and absolutely delicious.
Easy to Make: No need to hunt for pre-made sausage. You can whip these up in minutes and have them ready for your breakfast spread.
Customizable: If you like a little extra heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more mellow flavor, just adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a ready-to-go protein for your breakfasts or even to toss into your lunch salads.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this sausage—it’s simple but flavorful, with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
Ground Chicken: The lean, protein-packed base of this sausage.
Ground Sage: The classic sausage flavor that makes this breakfast sausage taste just right.
Thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly lemony note that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, to really bring out the flavors of the herbs and chicken.
Maple Syrup: A little sweetness to balance the savory flavors, making this sausage truly irresistible.
Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of savory depth to the sausage.
Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds a subtle sweetness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick if you like your sausage spicy.
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful, homemade chicken breakfast sausage:
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the sage, thyme, salt, pepper, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the Sausages: Take a small amount of the sausage mixture and roll it into small patties, about the size of a golf ball. You can also make links if you prefer.
Cook the Sausages: Heat a non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the sausage patties to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve your sausages warm with your favorite breakfast sides like scrambled eggs, pancakes, or toast.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 200
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage
This chicken sausage is perfect on its own or paired with other breakfast favorites. Here are a few serving ideas:
Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelet for a complete breakfast.
Pancakes or Waffles: The slight sweetness of the maple syrup in the sausage pairs beautifully with pancakes or waffles.
Toast: Add a piece of buttered toast or avocado toast to the side for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like berries or orange slices, adds a refreshing touch.
Presentation Tip: For a fun twist, serve your sausages on a breakfast platter with a few garnishes like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your chicken breakfast sausage even better:
Make Ahead: You can prep the sausage mixture the night before and keep it in the fridge. That way, you can simply cook the sausages the next morning for an easy breakfast.
Freeze for Later: Make a double batch and freeze the uncooked patties. Store them in a freezer-safe bag and cook them directly from frozen whenever you need a quick breakfast.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sausage, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or leave it out altogether.
Storage Tips: Store leftover sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
A1: Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work just as well in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make these sausages spicy?
A2: Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Q3: Can I freeze the sausage patties?
A3: Yes, freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just cook them straight from frozen when you’re ready.
Q4: Can I make a larger batch?
A4: Yes, feel free to double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch for meal prep.
Q5: Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
A5: Yes! You can substitute honey or agave syrup if you prefer.
Q6: How do I store leftover sausages?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q7: Can I bake these sausages instead of frying them?
A7: Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Q8: Can I use pre-ground sausage meat?
A8: While you can use pre-ground sausage, this recipe allows you to control the seasoning and flavor to your liking.
Q9: Can I make these sausage patties larger?
A9: Of course! Just adjust the cooking time slightly. Larger patties may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to the sausage mixture?
A10: Yes! Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach would be a great addition to this sausage.
Conclusion
There you have it—Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage that’s juicy, flavorful, and just the right amount of savory and sweet. It’s perfect for busy mornings or for prepping ahead of time. Whether you serve it with eggs, pancakes, or just enjoy it on its own, this sausage will definitely elevate your breakfast game. Enjoy!
Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 sausage patties 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
These high-protein homemade chicken breakfast sausages are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage. Packed with flavor from simple ingredients like sage, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup, these sausages are perfect for meal prep or a high-protein breakfast. Whether you’re serving them with eggs or using them in breakfast bowls, these sausages will fuel your morning!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, fennel, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 8 small sausage patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Cook the sausage patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Alternatively, cook the patties in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- These sausages freeze well! Store uncooked patties in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground chicken or turkey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage patty
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg