How Long to Grill Chicken Sausage for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Chicken sausage is a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage Made from ground chicken and seasoned with herbs, spices, cheese, or even vegetables, it offers a world of diverse flavors perfect for grilling But to get the best results when cooking chicken sausage on the grill, it’s important to know how long to cook it. Undercooking can lead to raw, unsafe meat, while overcooking produces a tough, dried-out sausage. Follow this guide to learn techniques and timing for perfectly grilled chicken sausage every time.

Factors That Affect Chicken Sausage Grill Times

Several key factors impact just how long it takes to grill chicken sausage

• Sausage thickness – Thicker sausages require more grill time than thin sausages. Aim for 10-15 minutes for average thickness.

• Raw vs pre-cooked – Raw chicken sausage needs proper time to cook through, while pre-cooked just requires reheating. Raw takes 12-15 minutes usually.

• Grill temperature – Medium heat of 350-400°F allows sausages to cook evenly without burning. High heat risks undercooking inside.

• Grill type – Charcoal grills tend to have hotter and less even heat compared to gas grills. Adjust time accordingly.

• Weather conditions – Windy or cold weather can increase grill times. Pay attention and adjust as needed.

Grilling Methods for Chicken Sausage

There are two primary methods for grilling chicken sausages – direct and indirect heat.

Direct Grilling

Direct grilling means placing the sausages directly over the heat source. This method sears and caramelizes the outside while cooking the inside. It’s best for raw, fresh sausages.

• Preheat grill to medium-high, 375-400°F

• Place sausages directly on grill grates over heat

• Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally

• Check internal temp, shoot for 165°F

• Allows quick cooking and nice char

Indirect Grilling

Indirect grilling involves heating the sausages to the side of the direct heat. This gentler approach prevents burning and drying out. It’s ideal for pre-cooked or smoked chicken sausages.

• Preheat grill to 300-350°F

• Place sausages on cooler side of grill

• Close lid and cook 15-20 minutes, turning sausages

• Check internal temperature, 165°F minimum

• Allows slower cooking, perfect for larger batches

Recommended Chicken Sausage Grill Times

Taking the factors above into account, here are general guidelines for grilling times based on sausage type and thickness:

• Average raw chicken sausage, 3/4 to 1-inch thick – 12-15 minutes

• Jumbo raw chicken sausage, 1 to 1 1/4-inch thick – 15-18 minutes

• Smoked or pre-cooked chicken sausage, any size – 10-12 minutes

• Thin chicken breakfast sausage, 1/2-inch thick or less – 8-10 minutes

These times serve as a starting point, but always rely on a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If juices run clear, the sausage is fully cooked. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Sausage

Follow these tips for grilling chicken sausage like a pro:

• Choose quality sausages – Go for all-natural ingredients without artificial flavors or fillers.

• Partially freeze – For raw sausage, freezing 15-30 minutes firms it up to hold shape on the grill.

• Oil the grates – Lightly oil hot grates to prevent sticking.

• Two-zone fire – Use direct then indirect heat to get char while cooking through.

• Preheat properly – Heat grill fully before cooking, shoot for 350-400°F.

• Turn frequently – Rotate sausages every 2-3 minutes for even browning.

• Get a good char – Don’t be afraid of nice grill marks, it adds smoky caramelized flavor.

• Check temperature – Invest in a good instant-read thermometer for accuracy.

• Rest before serving – Letting sausages sit 5-10 minutes post-grilling allows juices to redistribute.

Serving Up Perfectly Grilled Chicken Sausage

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving grilled chicken sausage. Try these delicious options:

• On buns with favorite toppings like sautéed peppers and onions

• Chopped up in pasta, rice, or grain bowls

• Sliced into a fresh salad for added protein

• On cheesesteak sandwiches instead of beef

• Alongside grilled veggies for a complete meal

• In tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a fun twist

However you choose to eat it, properly grilled chicken sausage is full of flavor. Now that you know approximate grill times and helpful techniques, you can achieve perfect results. Get creative with new flavor combinations and enjoy this leaner, healthier grilled sausage all summer long. Happy grilling!