5 Ways to Cook Chicken Sausage for Perfect Results Every Time

Cooking chicken sausage for the first time can be pretty confusing if there are no instructions on the label. You might have many questions, such what is the best way to smoke or cook sausage, as well as how to tell if chicken sausage is cooked.Here is an overview that will help you determine when your chicken sausage is cooked, and more.

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How long does it take to cook chicken sausage?

There are so many different ways to cook chicken sausage that determining how long to cook it will vary, depending on several different factors.

The thickness of the sausage that you’re cooking must be taken into determination, whether the sausage is raw or pre-cooked, what temperature you’re cooking it at, as well as what method you’re using to cook it.

You can cook chicken sausage in a skillet, in the oven, in an air fryer, on the grill, and even in the microwave. If you’re dealing with raw chicken sausage, then here is how long to cook it:

Ways to cook chicken sausage

Here are a few different methods.

In a skillet

If you plan on cooking your raw chicken sausage in a skillet, then it should take about 15 minutes total on medium heat, and you’ll want to turn the sausage halfway to be sure it’s cooked thoroughly. 

In the oven

Cooking raw chicken sausage in the oven will take longer than in a skillet. With the oven set to about 400 degrees F, you should expect to cook them for approximately 20-30 minutes, but this will depend on how thick the sausage is, how many you’re cooking, and whether they’re separated or not – just be sure not to dry it out.

In the air fryer

Cooking raw chicken in the air fryer is very similar to cooking it in the oven. When cooking chicken sausage in an air fryer, you should be sure to pre-heat it for the required amount of time and then cook for about 15-20 minutes.

On the grill

Cooking raw chicken sausage on the grill should take about 15 or 20 minutes, depending on how brown you want it to be. As long as the internal temperature is at least 165 Fahrenheit as measured by a thermometer, then the amount of browning doesn’t matter and totally depends on your preference. 

In a microwave oven

Although your sausage won’t get crispy by cooking it in the microwave, this is certainly a very rapid way of cooking your sausage if you’re famished and don’t want to wait the time it takes to cook it using other methods.

Depending on the wattage of your microwave, it can take as little as 2 minutes to fully cook raw chicken sausage, or as long as 5, if you have a low wattage microwave.

How do you know if a sausage is cooked?

Sometimes, merely looking at the sausage and determining whether it’s cooked or not is difficult, especially if you’re not an experienced cook. Some experienced cooks can tell whether food is done by looking at it, but it’s always best to check, because it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

That is why food thermometers exist, so that you can check the internal temperature of foods to ensure their safety. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the sausage should measure 165 degrees Fahrenheit in order to be considered completely cooked.

Consuming raw or undercooked chicken can result in food poisoning from bacteria like E Coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and more. You could become ill enough to require hospitalization for food poisoning, so it’s best to avoid it at all costs.  

How long does it take to cook chicken sausage on the stove?

If you’re going to be cooking chicken sausage on the stove, in a pot, then it should take about 10 minutes. To fully cook chicken sausage in a pot, all you have to do is add water and the sausage to a pot and boil on medium until it’s done.

Cooking the sausage in this manner is one of the quickest ways to cook it, aside from microwaving it, which is the absolute fastest. 

If you’re cooking pre-cooked chicken sausage on the stove, then it will be done even faster, only taking about 5 minutes. All you’re trying to do is heat the sausage throughout instead of fully cooking it, so you don’t have to measure the temperature unless you desire to.

Is chicken sausage fully cooked?

Some chicken sausage does come fully cooked and all you have to do is heat it, which shouldn’t take long at all.

For instance, when cooking pre-cooked chicken sausage in a skillet, instead of it taking 15 minutes, it should only take half the time.

This is the same for the other cooking methods, because again, all you’re doing is heating the sausage, and unless you’re placing frozen chicken sausage on the grill, in the oven or in an air fryer, then you should be able to cut the cooking time in half. 

When cooking fully cooked chicken sausage in the microwave, you can be ready to eat in as little as a minute, depending on the type and wattage of your microwave.

What’s the easiest way to cook chicken sausage?

By far the easiest (and quickest) way to cook chicken sausage is by tossing it into the microwave oven.

However, if you prefer not to use a microwave oven to cook your sausage, then the next easiest way to prepare your sausage is by tossing it into an air fryer.

Unlike an oven, air fryers are set for a certain amount of time and when they’re done cooking, they automatically turn off. That means that you aren’t required to set a timer or constantly watch the sausage as you’re waiting for it to cook.

Is raw chicken sausage better than pre-cooked?

This is a matter of personal opinion, and while one person will have a preference for pre-cooked chicken sausage, another person might prefer raw.

So, whichever type of chicken sausage you personally prefer is fine, whether it’s pre-cooked or raw. 

Ways to cook your chicken sausage faster

If you don’t necessarily want to cook your chicken sausage in the microwave but you want it to cook faster, here are some ideas to help you easily achieve this goal:

• Slice them up – cut the sausages into thin slices, which will reduce the cooking time significantly. You can then add them to a casserole or even a stir fry.
• Refrain from cooking frozen sausage – be sure that your chicken sausage is completely thawed before cooking, which will help it to cook faster. Frozen sausage will take 50% longer to cook.
• Slice the sausages in half – another way to cook your chicken sausages faster instead of cutting them into thin slices is to slice them lengthwise. This way, they can still be eaten on a bun, if that’s what you prefer.
• Plan in advance – if you plan ahead of time, you can ensure your chicken sausage cooks faster by pre-cooking raw sausages and simply reheating them once you’re ready to serve the meal (like bratwursts). 

More FAQs

How can you tell if chicken sausage is undercooked?

To determine if chicken sausage is undercooked, you can examine its color. Undercooked chicken sausages typically have a pale or pinkish appearance, whereas properly cooked ones should have a consistent, golden-brown color throughout.

What happens if I eat slightly undercooked sausage?

If you eat slightly undercooked sausage, there is a possibility of contracting food poisoning as raw meat can contain bacteria. Consuming undercooked pork or chicken may lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. It is crucial to seek medical attention from a healthcare facility promptly if you experience these symptoms after consuming undercooked meat.

What temperature is grilled chicken sausage done?

Grilled chicken sausage is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. It is recommended to move the sausage from indirect to direct heat when it is about 15-20 degrees F away from reaching its final cooking temperature.

How long does it take to cook chicken sausages?

The cooking time for chicken sausages varies depending on the cooking method and the sausage’s level of doneness. On the stove, it typically takes 8-10 minutes to cook chicken sausages. In the oven, the cooking time is approximately 15 minutes, while in the air fryer, it takes about 6 minutes.

Is chicken sausage always cooked?

Chicken sausage is typically already cooked, which is convenient because it eliminates the need to cook it separately before incorporating it into dishes like casseroles or pasta sauces. I usually keep various types of chicken sausage in my freezer, ensuring that I have a variety of options for quick and easy weeknight meals.

How long do you cook sausages in a frying pan?

The sausages should be cooked in a frying pan for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them frequently, until they are thoroughly cooked. To do this, heat 1 tbsp of oil in the frying pan. Alternatively, if you prefer baking them in the oven, preheat it to 190°C, gas mark 5. Baking sausages in the oven is a convenient method, especially if you are simultaneously cooking other dishes.

How long does it take to cook sausage all the way through?

It takes approximately 10 minutes to cook pre-cooked sausages and up to 30 minutes to cook raw sausages by boiling them in a pot of boiling water. Boiling is a simple and convenient method for preparing sausage links at home.

What temperature is chicken sausage fully cooked?

Chicken sausage is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, while beef, pork, lamb, or veal sausage should be cooked to 160°F. To ensure they are cooked thoroughly while maintaining their flavor and moisture, it is recommended to use an instant-read digital thermometer to check the temperature.

How long to grill chicken sausage at 350?

The chicken sausage should be grilled at 350 °F for approximately 18-22 minutes. It is recommended to use direct heat and turn the sausage occasionally to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F. Due to the higher fat content in sausage, it can be cooked ahead of time and allowed to rest before serving.

Is chicken sausage always fully cooked?

Chicken sausage is not always fully cooked. Most chicken sausage that you find in stores is pre-cooked, but there are also raw chicken sausages available. If you have raw chicken sausage, you can cook it using various methods, but you will need to increase the cook times. It is important to ensure that your chicken sausage reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165F before consuming it.

Are chicken sausages fully cooked?

Chicken sausages, such as True Story Foods chicken sausage, are typically precooked, which makes preparation easy. You can either sear them in a pan or grill them for a smokier taste.

Is chicken sausage OK to eat?

Chicken sausage is safe and suitable for consumption. It is a popular choice among chicken enthusiasts due to its convenience in cooking and delightful taste. Additionally, individuals seeking to incorporate an adequate amount of protein into their daily diet can opt for a few nutritious chicken sausages as part of their meal. Chicken, being a lean meat, serves as an excellent alternative to red meat.

Why do chicken sausages stay pink?

Chicken sausages stay pink because they are cooked perfectly, not undercooked. It is important to note that the pink tint can also be caused by salt treatments. Many of my friends who have children are particularly cautious about food safety.

How long does it take to grill chicken sausage?

It takes approximately 12-15 minutes to grill chicken sausage. To do so, you should first set the grill to high heat and then brush the sausages with oil. Proceed to grill the sausages, rotating them often, until they are cooked through.

How do you know if my sausage is cooked?

To determine if your sausage is cooked, you can insert a thermometer into the center of each sausage and ensure it registers a minimum temperature of 160°F (70°C). Moreover, you can observe if all sides have a golden brown color and use a knife to slice into one sausage, ensuring there is no pink remaining and that all parts are thoroughly cooked.

What color should sausage be when cooked?

The color of cooked sausage should be more brownish compared to its pinkish raw state. If there is any doubt about the sausage being fully cooked, it is advisable to cook it until it is well done.

Are chicken sausages precooked?

Chicken sausages, such as True Story Foods chicken sausage, are typically precooked, which makes preparation easy. You can either sear them in a pan or grill them for a smokier taste.

What temperature do you cook chicken sausage?

The temperature at which chicken sausage is cooked is typically 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) in the oven. It usually takes around 20-25 minutes to cook raw chicken sausage at this temperature. To ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat, make sure the inside temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) before serving.