The Best Chicken Breakfast Sausage

Hey breakfast lovers! You know that moment when you're craving a really good breakfast sausage, but you're trying to eat healthier? I've got you covered with the most amazing chicken breakfast sausage recipe that'll make your morning absolutely fantastic! As someone who's tested countless breakfast recipes, I can't wait to share this game-changing homemade chicken breakfast sausage with you. It's so good, you'll probably do a happy dance in your kitchen (don't worry, I won't tell anyone!).

Imagine rolling out of bed on a lazy weekend morning to the most mouthwatering aroma – that's your soon-to-be-famous chicken breakfast sausage sizzling away in the pan! These aren't those boring, mystery-meat breakfast sausages from the store. Nope, these are your very own homemade chicken breakfast sausage patties, packed with fresh herbs and spices that'll have everyone asking for seconds. And here's our little secret: they're actually healthier than regular pork sausages, but trust me, they're just as juicy and delicious!

A plate of golden brown chicken breakfast sausage served with two sunny-side-up eggs and fresh avocado slices. The sausage patties are crispy on the outside and tender inside, garnished with a sprig of rosemary. This high-protein breakfast is beautifully presented on a white plate, making for a delicious and nutritious start to the day.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Breakfast Sausage

Let me tell you why this chicken breakfast sausage recipe is about to become your new favorite breakfast buddy! First off, isn't it amazing when you know exactly what's going into your food? That's the beauty of making these sausages yourself – no mysterious ingredients, just simple, wholesome goodness that you can feel great about serving to your family.

You know what's really cool about this recipe? We've cracked the code on making these chicken breakfast sausages taste absolutely incredible while keeping them on the lighter side. I've spent countless mornings perfecting this blend of herbs and spices (tough job, but someone had to do it! ), and trust me, you won't believe these aren't traditional pork sausages. They're juicy, flavorful, and just right for those mornings when you want something delicious but don't want to feel weighed down.

Whether you're trying to eat a bit healthier, cutting back on pork, or just love trying new breakfast ideas, these homemade sausages are a total game-changer. Plus, they're so versatile – you can even get the kids involved in mixing up their own special seasoning blend!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Ingredients
Chicken Breakfast Sausages Instructions
Hints and Tips
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment
Storage
Top Tip
Grandma's Magic Touch
FAQ
How did your homemade chicken breakfast sausage turn out?
Related
Pairing
The Best Chicken Breakfast Sausage

Ingredients

Let's gather our ingredients! Here's everything you'll need to make these amazing sausage patties:

The Star of the Show:

2 pounds ground chicken (grab thigh meat if you can – it makes these patties extra juicy and flavorful!)

Our Flavor Dream Team:

2 teaspoons dried sage (this gives us that classic breakfast sausage taste we all love)
1½ teaspoons salt (just enough to make all the flavors pop)
1 teaspoon black pepper (for that perfect morning kick)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds such a lovely herby note)
½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed (crush it between your fingers to release all that fragrant goodness)
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (our secret ingredient for that warm, cozy flavor)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (totally optional – skip if you're not a spice fan!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (because let's be honest, everything's better with garlic)

The Magic Extras:

2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, but it adds this amazing subtle sweetness that everyone raves about)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for getting that perfect golden-brown crust)

A top-down view of fresh ingredients for homemade chicken breakfast sausage, including ground chicken, fresh sage, dried herbs, garlic, brown sugar, and maple syrup. The ingredients are arranged on a rustic wooden board, ready to be mixed for a flavorful and savory breakfast dish.

Chicken Breakfast Sausages Instructions

Preparing the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine all the dried herbs and spices: sage, thyme, rosemary, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Mince the garlic cloves finely and add to the spice mixture.
Mix well to ensure even distribution of all seasonings.

A bowl filled with a carefully measured blend of dried herbs and spices for homemade chicken breakfast sausage, including sage, thyme, rosemary, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. A wooden spoon is gently mixing the seasoning, with fresh sage leaves and minced garlic scattered on a rustic wooden cutting board. Warm natural lighting enhances the cozy kitchen atmosphere.

Making the Sausage Mixture

Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Add the prepared seasoning mix and maple syrup (if using) to the ground chicken.
Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the sausages tough.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld.

A large mixing bowl filled with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and spices being combined for homemade chicken breakfast sausage. Ingredients include sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of maple syrup. A hand is seen gently mixing the sausage blend, ensuring even distribution of flavors. The rustic wooden countertop and warm lighting create an inviting kitchen atmosphere.

Forming and Cooking the Sausages

Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and divide it into 12 equal portions.
Form each portion into a patty about ½-inch thick. Make a slight depression in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the sausage patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Hints and Tips

The key to perfect chicken breakfast sausages lies in the temperature of the meat. Keep the mixture cold while working with it, as this helps maintain the proper texture. If the mixture becomes too warm, return it to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before continuing.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

These chicken breakfast sausages are:

Lower in fat compared to traditional pork sausages
High in protein
Gluten-free (when made without additives)
Customizable for different dietary needs

Serve your chicken breakfast sausages with:

Scrambled eggs and whole-grain toast
Fresh fruit and yogurt
Breakfast potatoes or hash browns
On an English muffin with egg for a healthier breakfast sandwich

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Turkey Option: Ground turkey can be substituted for chicken with similar results
Spicy Version: Double the red pepper flakes and add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Italian Style: Replace sage with fennel seeds and add dried basil and oregano
Apple-Chicken: Add ½ cup finely diced apple and increase the maple syrup to 3 tablespoons

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for spice mixture
Large skillet or griddle
Meat thermometer
Measuring spoons
Kitchen scale (optional but helpful for portioning)

A cast-iron skillet works particularly well for achieving a nice golden crust on the sausages, but any heavy-bottomed pan will work.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked sausages in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Raw patties can be frozen for up to 3 months when properly wrapped
Meal Prep: Make a double batch and freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper

Top Tip

For the juiciest chicken breakfast sausages, use ground chicken thigh meat instead of breast meat. The slightly higher fat content helps keep the sausages moist and flavorful during cooking. If using breast meat, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture to prevent dryness.

Grandma's Magic Touch

You know what makes this chicken breakfast sausage recipe extra special? It's actually inspired by my grandmother's secret technique of balancing herbs and spices! She always said, "The secret isn't just in what you add – it's in how you add it with love." Every Sunday morning, she'd be in her kitchen, mixing her sausage seasonings by hand, teaching me that patience and a gentle touch make all the difference.

Her clever trick? She'd warm the dried herbs gently in her palms before mixing them into the chicken, saying it "wakes up the flavors from their slumber." While it might sound like classic grandma wisdom, there's actually some culinary science behind it – warming the herbs really does help release their essential oils! I've carried this tradition into our chicken breakfast sausage recipe, and let me tell you, it makes such a difference in every bite.

My grandmother also taught me that the best chicken breakfast sausages need a moment to "get to know each other" – that's why we let the mixture rest in the fridge. "Good flavors are like good friends," she'd say with a wink, "they need time to bond!" Now, every time I make these sausages, I can't help but smile, thinking of those cozy morning lessons in her kitchen.

FAQ

Is chicken sausage for breakfast healthy?

Yes, chicken breakfast sausage is generally a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage. It contains less saturated fat and fewer calories while still providing high-quality protein. Homemade chicken breakfast sausage is especially healthy because you can control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and excess sodium. A typical serving (2 patties) contains approximately 180 calories and 14 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious breakfast.

Can you eat chicken for breakfast?

Absolutely! Chicken is an excellent breakfast protein choice that's enjoyed worldwide. From chicken breakfast sausages to chicken and waffles, chicken provides lean protein that helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning. It's particularly beneficial for people following high-protein diets or those looking to reduce their red meat intake. Plus, chicken is versatile and can be prepared in numerous breakfast-friendly ways.

Are Heck chicken sausages healthy?

While Heck chicken sausages are a commercial product that's leaner than traditional pork sausages, homemade chicken breakfast sausages are an even healthier choice. By making your own, you can control the sodium content, avoid preservatives, and choose high-quality ingredients. Our homemade recipe contains no fillers or artificial ingredients, making it a more nutritious option compared to any store-bought varieties.

Is chicken sausage the same as sausage?

No, chicken sausage differs from traditional pork sausage in several ways. Chicken breakfast sausage typically contains 50-60% less fat than pork sausage and has a lighter, more delicate flavor profile. While both use similar seasonings (sage, thyme, and other breakfast sausage spices), chicken sausage offers a leaner protein option that's more heart-healthy. The texture is slightly different too - chicken sausage tends to be more tender and less greasy than its pork counterpart.

How did your homemade chicken breakfast sausage turn out?

We're betting your kitchen smells absolutely amazing right now! This recipe is a game-changer with its perfect balance of savory herbs, subtle sweetness, and that incredibly juicy texture that makes every bite feel like a warm morning hug.

If you're loving this healthier take on breakfast classics, you're going to absolutely adore our Gluten Free Zucchini Bread – it's another family favorite that proves healthy can be incredibly delicious! Like these chicken breakfast sausages, it's easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

Did you make these chicken breakfast sausages your own? We're dying to hear about it! Maybe you added a special spice blend, or perhaps you discovered a genius meal-prep trick? Drop a star rating and share your cooking adventure in the comments below!

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with chicken breakfast sausages