Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Start

Chicken breakfast sausage is a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage while still being packed with flavor. This recipe uses ground chicken and a blend of seasonings to create juicy, flavorful sausage patties perfect for your morning meal. Whether you’re looking for a low-fat option or simply want to try something new, these homemade chicken sausages are easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe, share tips for the best results, and answer frequently asked questions about making chicken breakfast sausage at home.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe

• Healthier option: Made with lean ground chicken, this sausage is lower in fat but still packed with flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Versatile: Perfect for patties, crumbles, or links—use it in breakfast sandwiches, scrambles, or casseroles.
• Meal prep-friendly: Make a large batch and freeze for easy breakfasts all week long.
• Free of additives: Homemade means no preservatives or questionable ingredients, just fresh and natural flavors.

If you’re looking to explore more breakfast sausage options, try our Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe for another lean and protein-packed choice.

Ingredients for Chicken Breakfast Sausage

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple recipe:

For the Sausage Mix:

• 1 lb ground chicken (breast or a mix of breast and thigh meat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Optional Additions:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using very lean chicken for added moisture)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage Mix

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and maple syrup.
2. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined, but avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

2. Shape the Sausage Patties

1. Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each) and shape them into patties. For even cooking, make sure they’re about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Cook the Sausage

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of oil if needed.
2. Cook the sausage patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

4. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the sausage patties warm with eggs, toast, pancakes, or any of your favorite breakfast sides.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Breakfast Sausage

1. Use the Right Ground Chicken
For juicy and flavorful sausage, use a mix of ground chicken breast and thighs. Thigh meat adds fat and moisture, preventing the sausage from drying out. If you only have lean chicken breast, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture.

2. Keep the Meat Cold
Cold ground chicken is easier to work with and helps the sausage patties hold their shape. If the mixture feels sticky or difficult to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping the patties.

3. Don’t Overmix
Mix the ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can make the sausage dense and tough.

4. Taste-Test the Seasoning
Before cooking all the sausage, fry a small test patty in a skillet. Adjust the seasoning as needed—this step ensures the flavor is perfect before cooking the entire batch.

5. Use Fresh Spices and Herbs
Fresh spices and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor. If possible, use fresh sage, thyme, or parsley to enhance the taste and give the sausage a gourmet touch.

6. Cook Patties Evenly
For even cooking, make patties of equal size and thickness (about 1/2 inch). A non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan works best to achieve a golden-brown crust.

7. Freeze for Convenience
Shape and freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to cook a few patties at a time, saving you prep time on busy mornings.

By following these tips, your chicken breakfast sausage will be flavorful, juicy, and perfect for any meal!

Why Ground Chicken Works Perfectly for Breakfast Sausage

Ground chicken is a versatile ingredient that absorbs flavors from spices and seasonings beautifully. Its mild taste makes it the perfect base for breakfast sausage, as you can easily enhance it with classic breakfast spices like sage, thyme, and paprika. Additionally, chicken is leaner than pork, offering a lower-fat alternative while still delivering a juicy, tender sausage when prepared correctly.

Chicken Breakfast Sausage for Meal Prep

This recipe is a game-changer for meal prep. Cooked sausage patties can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it easy to grab a quick breakfast on busy mornings. You can also freeze the patties uncooked or fully cooked for longer storage. Pair them with prepped scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or whole-grain toast to build a complete breakfast box for the week. For a lunch or dinner option, try serving them with Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a comforting, protein-rich meal.

Chicken Breakfast Sausage for Dietary Preferences

This recipe can easily be adapted for dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, simply skip adding any cheese if you’re experimenting with cheesy sausage variations. If you’re gluten-free, there are no breadcrumbs or fillers, so this recipe is naturally gluten-free. You can also adjust the sweetness or spice level based on your preferences, making it suitable for those watching sugar or sodium intake.

Using Chicken Breakfast Sausage Beyond Breakfast

Don’t limit chicken breakfast sausage to morning meals! The seasoned chicken mixture works wonderfully in other recipes. Use it as a topping for breakfast pizzas, stir it into breakfast burritos, or crumble it into pasta sauces or soups for a unique twist. Its versatility makes it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Adding Fresh Herbs for a Gourmet Touch

To elevate the flavor of your chicken breakfast sausage, try adding fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or even dill. These herbs brighten the overall taste and add a hint of freshness that pairs well with the savory spices. Not only do they boost the flavor, but they also make the sausage visually appealing with specks of green throughout each patty.

Variations to Try

1. Sweet and Spicy Sausage: Increase the maple syrup and add extra red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat combo.
2. Herb-Infused Sausage: Mix in fresh parsley, rosemary, or basil for added flavor and a pop of color.
3. Cheesy Chicken Sausage: Fold in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
4. Apple-Sage Sausage: Add finely diced apples for a sweet, fruity balance to the savory spices.
5. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten up the flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Breakfast Sausage

Here are some delicious pairing ideas to complete your breakfast spread:

Serve it with Sweet Potato Puffs for a light, nutritious start to your day, or enjoy a sweet twist by pairing it with Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutritional Information (Per Patty, Approx.)

Why Homemade Chicken Breakfast Sausage Is Worth It

Making chicken breakfast sausage at home is not only healthier but also allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or herbaceous sausage, this recipe can be tailored to fit your preferences. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and additives often found in store-bought options, giving you a cleaner, fresher taste.

Chicken Breakfast Sausage

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• Author: Marina Recipes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 patties 1x

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Description

Chicken breakfast sausage is a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage, made with lean ground chicken and a flavorful blend of spices. These juicy and delicious sausage patties are perfect for your morning meal, whether paired with eggs, toast, or pancakes. Free of additives and easy to customize, this homemade sausage is perfect for meal prep or a nutritious start to the day. Make a big batch to freeze and enjoy throughout the week!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sausage Mix:

• 1 lb ground chicken (breast or a mix of breast and thigh meat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Optional Additions:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using very lean chicken for added moisture)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives

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Instructions

• Prepare the Sausage Mix
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and maple syrup.
  Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.

• Shape the Sausage Patties
  Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each) and shape them into patties. For even cooking, make each patty about 1/2 inch thick.

• Cook the Sausage
  Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of oil if needed.
  Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

• Serve and Enjoy
  Serve the sausage patties warm with scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, or your favorite breakfast sides.

Notes

• Customizable Flavor: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or dill for a gourmet touch, or adjust the cayenne and maple syrup to your preferred heat and sweetness levels.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick breakfasts. Cooked patties can also be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Cooking Tips: Use ground chicken thighs for extra moisture or add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 patty
• Calories: 80 kcal
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 10g