If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage, or just want to add more variety to your breakfast routine, homemade chicken breakfast sausage is the way to go. Making it yourself gives you complete control over the ingredients, flavor, and quality, and it’s surprisingly simple to do. This recipe will walk you through the process of making chicken sausage patties from scratch, perfect for pairing with eggs, adding to burritos, or serving as part of a balanced breakfast.
Why Chicken Breakfast Sausage?
Chicken sausage has several advantages over pork sausage, especially if you’re looking for a leaner, lighter option. Chicken breast is packed with protein, low in fat, and still offers plenty of flavor when seasoned well. If you’re conscious of your calorie intake or want a breakfast option that doesn’t feel too heavy, chicken sausage is an excellent choice. Plus, it’s versatile and can be used in a variety of meals, whether you’re making a chicken egg burrito or serving it alongside chicken and eggs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, we’re using simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground chicken breast (1 lb): Lean and packed with protein, ground chicken is the star of the show. You can also grind your own chicken breast if you have a food processor.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For frying the patties to a golden brown.
- Spices: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need:
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Black pepper (½ tsp)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp)
- Dried sage (½ tsp) – adds that signature breakfast sausage flavor.
- Dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp) if you like a little kick.
These ingredients will create a perfectly seasoned chicken sausage patty that’s flavorful but not overpowering. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Sausage Patties
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken breast with all the spices. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This step is crucial, as it ensures every bite of your chicken sausage patty is full of flavor.
Ground chicken can be a bit sticky, so if you find it hard to handle, lightly oil your hands to make forming the patties easier.
2. Shape the Patties
Once your chicken mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape it into patties. Take a small handful of the mixture (about ¼ cup) and roll it into a ball, then flatten it slightly into a patty shape. Aim for patties that are about 2 inches wide, which is a good size for breakfast sandwiches or to serve alongside scrambled eggs.
You should be able to get about 8 patties from 1 pound of ground chicken.
3. Cook the Patties
Now it’s time to cook your homemade chicken sausage patties. In a large skillet, gently warm the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is ready, gently place the patties in the pan, ensuring there’s enough space between them for even cooking. If your skillet is small, you might need to cook the patties in batches.
Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Since chicken needs to be fully cooked for safety, check that the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165°F.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once your patties are cooked, you’re ready to serve them! Chicken breakfast sausage pairs well with all your favorite breakfast foods. Try it with classic scrambled eggs, use it in a chicken egg burrito, or enjoy it with a side of whole-grain toast for a balanced meal.
If you want to get creative, these chicken sausage patties can be added to a variety of dishes:
- Chicken and eggs: Serve the patties alongside poached or scrambled eggs for a protein-packed meal.
- Chicken egg burrito: Crumble the patties and wrap them in a tortilla with eggs, cheese, and salsa for a quick and filling breakfast.
- Chicken breakfast bowl: Serve the patties over a bed of spinach, avocado, and roasted sweet potatoes for a nutritious start to your day.
Health Benefits of Chicken Breakfast Sausage
When you make your own chicken sausage at home, you get all the benefits of a high-protein, low-fat breakfast without any of the preservatives or fillers found in store-bought options. Chicken breast is naturally lean, providing a great source of protein to help you stay full and energized throughout the morning.
Here are some of the key benefits of choosing chicken sausage over traditional pork sausage:
- Lower in fat: Chicken sausage has less fat, especially if you use ground chicken breast, making it a healthier option.
- High in protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which helps build and repair muscle tissue.
- Fewer calories: With fewer calories per serving compared to pork sausage, chicken sausage allows you to enjoy a hearty breakfast without going overboard on calories.
- Customizable: By making your own sausage, you control the ingredients, allowing you to avoid unnecessary additives and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Table: Chicken Breakfast Sausage Nutritional Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 Patties) |
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
This nutritional breakdown makes homemade chicken breakfast sausage a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying delicious, savory breakfast options.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Sausage Patties
If you want to make a big batch of chicken sausage to save time on busy mornings, these patties freeze well and reheat easily.
Storing:
Once cooked, store your chicken sausage patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop, making them a convenient option for meal prep.
Freezing:
To freeze, lay the cooked patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. After they’re frozen, move the patties into a freezer-safe bag or container for storage. This method prevents the patties from sticking together, so you can easily grab just one or two at a time. Frozen chicken sausage patties can be stored for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Making chicken breakfast sausage at home is not only simple but allows you to create a healthier version of a breakfast classic. Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a chicken and eggs breakfast, in a chicken egg burrito, or just on their own, these chicken sausage patties are sure to become a staple in your morning routine. Plus, with the ability to freeze them for later, you can have a delicious, homemade breakfast ready whenever you need it.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a flavorful, satisfying breakfast, skip the store-bought sausage and give this homemade version a try. Both your body and your taste buds will be grateful!