Cooking chicken sausage in the oven is a healthy and convenient way to prepare this versatile protein. But nailing the right oven temp and cook time is key for juicy, flavorful results. So how long does it take to cook chicken sausage in the oven? Generally, 350°F for 20-30 minutes is the oven chicken sausage sweet spot.
I’ve cooked hundreds of batches of chicken sausage over the years. Through trial, error, and many dry, overcooked links, I’ve honed the method for perfectly baked chicken sausage every time. In this complete guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned on how to cook chicken sausage in the oven.
Finding the Right Oven Temperature
While 350°F is the standard oven temp for chicken sausage, you can tweak it based on your preferences
- 375°F – Crispier exterior but requires close monitoring to prevent burning
- 325°F – More tender interior but extends cook time
No matter what temp you choose, always rely on an instant-read thermometer to judge doneness, not just color. Insert into the thickest part of the sausage to ensure it reaches the safe internal temp of 165°F.
Nailing the Cook Time
The oven cook time for chicken sausage can range from 20-30 minutes. Factors like thickness, whether it’s raw or pre-cooked, and frozen vs. thawed all impact total time
Here are general chicken sausage oven bake times:
- Raw chicken sausage links: 25-30 minutes
- Pre-cooked chicken sausage: 20-25 minutes
- Extra thick chicken sausage: 30+ minutes
- Frozen chicken sausage: Add 5-10 minutes
Rely on the instant-read thermometer for the best gauge of doneness. But also check sausages at least 5 minutes before the recipe time. You can always bake a bit longer if needed.
Step-by-Step Oven Baking Method
Follow these simple steps for perfectly oven-baked chicken sausage:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Allow oven to fully preheat before baking.
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Prep sausages. Prick links with a fork 2-3 times to prevent bursting. Optional but helps.
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Line pan. Place sausages on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Provides non-stick surface.
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Bake 20-30 minutes. Flip sausages halfway through. Check temp at 25 minutes.
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Rest 3-5 minutes. Allows juices to redistribute before serving.
Handy Chicken Sausage Oven Tips
- Don’t overcrowd pan – leads to uneven cooking
- Add veggies like peppers, onions, potatoes
- Brush with oil or glaze for added flavor
- Use light spritz of oil to promote browning
- Temp each sausage to account for variances in thickness
Oven-Baked Chicken Sausage FAQs
Can you cook frozen chicken sausage in the oven?
Yes, though thawing in the fridge overnight is best for even cooking. If using frozen, increase cook time by 10-15 minutes and monitor temperature closely.
How do you prevent chicken sausages from bursting in the oven?
Poking a few fork holes in the sausages allows steam to escape and reduces bursting risk. Avoid overcrowding the pan which creates moisture buildup.
What’s the best way to get chicken sausage browned in the oven?
Use a light brush or spritz of oil before baking to help promote browning. Cook at slightly higher temp like 375°F. Place sausages on foil-lined pan for heat conduction.
Should you flip chicken sausage in the oven?
Flipping halfway through prevents just one side from over-browning. But if pressed for time, skipping the flip is OK – just watch closely to prevent burning.
How do you know when chicken sausage is done in the oven?
An instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part is the best test. Chicken sausage should reach 165°F. Visual cues like color can’t be relied on fully.
Oven-Baked Chicken Sausage Tips and Recipes
Cooking chicken sausage in the oven takes just minutes but yields big flavor payoff. Follow these tips and handy recipes for making the most of oven-baked chicken sausage:
- Pair with roasted veggies like peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots
- Toss with pasta, rice, or grains for easy complete meals
- Layer into frittatas, omelets, breakfast sandwiches
- Top pizza, nachos, tacos for a protein punch
- Add to soups and stews for heartiness
- Serve on buns with favorite toppings and condiments
With the right oven temp, cook time, and method, you can achieve tender, juicy chicken sausage every time. Ditch the guesswork and rely on an instant-read thermometer for fail-safe doneness. Oven-baked chicken sausage makes for a fast, healthy protein option that works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them using the methods above or in the microwave.
- Grilled veggies
- Roasted broccoli
- Potato salad
- Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
- Mediterranean Rice
Once chicken sausage (precooked or raw) reaches a temperature of 165F its safe to eat.
Bake at 375F for 18-24 minutes.
Add chicken sausages to a skillet over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, frequently turning, until evenly browned and cooked through.
Preheat your air fryer to 400F. Cook sausage for 6-9 minutes or until it starts to brown. [social_warfare ]
My Favorite Brands of Chicken Sausage
Aidells: These have a natural casing and are smoked over hardwood chips. They are all-natural, minimally processed, and have no artificial ingredients. They come in flavors like Italian, Chicken & Apple, and Cajun Style Andouille.
Applegate: Organic, case-free sausage. They have flavors like Sweet Italian, Chicken & Apple, and Spinach and Feta.
Alfresco: These are all natural with no artificial ingredients and minimally processed. They come in flavors like Sweet Apple, Italian Style, and Apple Maple.
Bilinskis: This brand is whole 30 approved, has no casing, and the chickens are raised without antibiotics. They have flavors like Cajun-Style Andouille, Cilantro and Lime, and Spicy Italian with Red Peppers.