Description
This Italian Chicken Sausage Recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish featuring lean ground chicken combined with classic Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it offers a savory, aromatic taste with versatile serving options. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is family-friendly, wholesome, and adaptable to your personal preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with minced garlic, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese if using. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the sausage tender.
- Shape the Sausages: Form the mixture into sausage patties or small links using your hands, aiming for even thickness so they cook uniformly. Alternatively, shape them into meatballs for a quick twist.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the shaped sausages in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer cooked sausages to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to lock in juicy flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly ground fennel seeds and Italian herbs for better flavor quality.
- Do not overmix the meat to avoid dense sausages.
- Cook a small test patty to adjust seasoning before shaping all sausages.
- Cook over medium heat to achieve crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Let sausages rest after cooking for maximum juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage patty (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg