Are you tired of standing over a hot stove to cook your chicken sausages? I’ve got good news for you! Baking chicken sausage in the oven is not only super easy but also delivers amazingly juicy and flavorful results every time. As someone who cooks these at least once a week, I’m excited to share my foolproof method that will have you enjoying perfectly cooked chicken sausages with minimal effort.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking chicken sausage in the oven – from choosing the right sausages to temperature settings, cooking times, and even some delicious serving suggestions. Whether you’re cooking pre-cooked sausages or raw ones, this guide has got you covered!
Why Cooking Chicken Sausage in the Oven is a Game-Changer
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why the oven is actually my favorite method for cooking chicken sausages:
- Even cooking – The oven provides consistent heat distribution, ensuring your sausages cook evenly from all sides
- Hands-off approach – Pop them in and forget about them (well, almost!)
- Less mess – No oil splatters to clean up from your stovetop
- Healthier option – Excess fat drains away during cooking
- Multi-tasking friendly – You can prepare the rest of your meal while the sausages cook
- Perfect for meal prep – Cook a big batch at once for the week ahead
As a busy home cook, I love that I can throw these in the oven and focus on other parts of my meal without worrying about flipping them constantly.
Choosing Your Chicken Sausage
Not all chicken sausages are created equal! Here’s what to consider:
Types of Chicken Sausage
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Fresh/Raw Chicken Sausage
- Requires thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F
- Often has the most vibrant flavors
- Takes longer to cook (25-35 minutes)
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Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausage
- Already fully cooked but benefits from heating through
- Quicker cooking time (15-20 minutes)
- Great for busy weeknights
- Brands like Adelle’s chicken apple or Trader Joe’s are popular choices
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Frozen Chicken Sausage
- Can be cooked directly from frozen
- Requires additional cooking time (35-45 minutes)
Popular Flavor Varieties
Chicken sausages come in tons of delicious flavors that can complement any meal:
- Italian-style
- Spinach and feta
- Apple
- Jalapeño (my personal fave from Trader Joe’s!)
- Parmesan and black pepper
- Garlic and herb
- Chipotle
I’ve found that Trader Joe’s spicy jalapeño chicken sausages are amazing for adding a kick to any dish, while Kirkland’s parmesan and black pepper version offers a more subtle flavor with a whopping 14g of protein per serving!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Chicken Sausage in the Oven
Now let’s get to the main event – cooking those sausages to perfection!
Basic Method (Sausages Only)
Ingredients:
- Chicken sausages (pre-cooked or raw)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
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Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil (trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier!) and give it a light spray with cooking oil or brush with olive oil.
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Prepare the sausages:
- For raw sausages: Gently prick the casings in a few places with a fork to prevent bursting
- For pre-cooked or frozen: No preparation needed
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Arrange the sausages on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to ensure even cooking. Crowding the pan is a big no-no as it can lead to steaming rather than browning.
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Bake according to type:
- Raw chicken sausages: 25-35 minutes
- Pre-cooked chicken sausages: 15-20 minutes
- Frozen chicken sausages: 35-45 minutes
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Flip halfway through cooking time for even browning on all sides.
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Check for doneness using a meat thermometer – chicken sausage should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Sheet Pan Dinner Method (With Vegetables)
Want to make a complete meal in one pan? This is my go-to method for busy weeknights!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken sausage (pre-cooked)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, sliced
- 8 oz broccoli florets
- 1 lb potatoes (Yukon Gold work great), cut into 3/4″ chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (slightly hotter than the sausage-only method).
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Prepare your vegetables by cutting them into similarly sized pieces for even cooking.
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Toss the vegetables in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Spread the vegetables on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake the vegetables first for about 20 minutes.
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Add the chicken sausages to the pan among the partially cooked vegetables.
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Continue baking for 10 minutes, then flip the sausages and stir the vegetables.
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Finish baking for another 10-15 minutes until the sausages are browned and vegetables are tender.
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Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
This complete meal approach saves so much time and dishes! I make this almost every week, and it’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Sausage
After making these countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks:
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – This is crucial! Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
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Use a meat thermometer – The most reliable way to ensure your sausages are perfectly cooked. No more cutting into them to check!
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Line your baking sheet – Parchment paper or foil makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
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For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking time (but watch carefully to prevent burning).
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Let them rest briefly before serving to keep them juicy.
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If using raw sausages, pricking the casing helps prevent them from bursting during cooking.
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For frozen sausages, no need to thaw – just add extra cooking time.
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Adjust for convection ovens by reducing the temperature by 25°F and checking a few minutes earlier than the recommended time.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken sausage is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
Breakfast Ideas
- Alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit
- Sliced in a breakfast burrito
- With pancakes or waffles for a sweet and savory combo
Lunch Ideas
- Sliced in a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies
- On a sandwich with sautéed peppers and onions
- Added to a hearty salad
Dinner Ideas
- With roasted vegetables (as in our sheet pan recipe)
- Sliced and added to pasta dishes
- Served with mashed potatoes and gravy
- In a rice dish for extra protein
I personally love serving them with a side of creamy cabbage or roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
Made too many? No problem!
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Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked chicken sausage in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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Freezer: Cooked chicken sausage can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Reheating options:
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes on high (quickest method)
- Oven: 10 minutes at 350°F
- Stovetop: Slice and sauté for a few minutes
- Air fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350°F (gives the best texture when reheating)
FAQ About Cooking Chicken Sausage in the Oven
Q: Can I cook chicken sausage directly from frozen?
A: Yes! Just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Do I need to prick the sausage casing before baking?
A: For raw sausages, it’s helpful to prevent bursting. For pre-cooked sausages, it’s generally not necessary.
Q: Why are my chicken sausages dry after cooking?
A: Overcooking is the most common culprit. Use a meat thermometer and remove them as soon as they reach 165°F.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet?
A: Absolutely! Just be aware that different vegetables have different cooking times, so you may need to add them at different stages.
Q: What’s the best temperature for cooking chicken sausage in the oven?
A: 375°F is ideal for sausages alone, while 400°F works better for sheet pan meals with vegetables.
Q: Can I use a convection oven?
A: Yes, just reduce the temperature by 25°F and check for doneness a few minutes early.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken sausage in the oven is seriously one of the easiest and most foolproof methods I’ve found. Whether you’re making them on their own or creating a complete sheet pan dinner with vegetables, this method delivers consistent, delicious results with minimal effort.
The next time you’re wondering what to do with that package of chicken sausage in your fridge, remember this guide and enjoy a hassle-free, delicious meal that’s ready in no time. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but we’ll keep the simplicity our little secret!
Happy cooking!
How to Make Chicken Sausage
In the Oven (simplest)
- Preheat Oven to 375F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place chicken sausages on the sheet.
- Bake for 18-24 minutes or until cooked through.
In a Skillet (tastiest)
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken sausages to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, frequently turning, until evenly browned and cooked through.
In an Air Fryer (quickest)
- Preheat Air Fryer to 400F.
- Place chicken sausages in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-9 minutes or until cooked through.
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.