Barbecue Chicken Sausage: How Long Does It Take?

Grilled chicken sausage is a delicious and healthy meal, perfect for a barbecue or a tasty grilled dish. The cooking time for chicken sausages on the grill varies depending on their preparation and thickness. Raw chicken sausages can be tricky to cook on the grill as the outside can burn while the inside remains raw. To avoid this, you can poach the sausages in boiling water before grilling, or turn them frequently. Generally, raw sausages will take around 15-20 minutes on the grill, with 5-8 minutes on each side. Precooked chicken sausages only need to be heated up and gain some grill marks, so they will take less time, around 3-4 minutes on each side.

Chicken sausage cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken sausages depend on whether they are raw or precooked.

Raw Chicken Sausages

When cooking raw chicken sausages on the grill, it is recommended to preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350°F). Use indirect heat by placing the sausages on the cooler part of the grill to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.

The sausages should be cooked for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure they are safe to consume and help retain their juices for a succulent bite.

However, some sources suggest cooking raw chicken sausages for about 5-8 minutes on each side, which equates to 10-16 minutes in total. This shorter cooking time may be due to the use of direct heat, which involves cooking the sausages directly over the heat source.

To ensure even cooking and prevent burning, it is important to flip raw chicken sausages frequently during the cooking process.

Precooked Chicken Sausages

Precooked chicken sausages require less time on the grill since they only need to be heated up and given some grill marks. They should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes on each side, which is 6-8 minutes in total.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The cooking time for chicken sausages may vary depending on their thickness and the type of grill used. For example, gas grills offer more precise temperature control, while charcoal grills provide a smokier flavor.

Additionally, if you are grilling frozen chicken sausages, expect a longer cooking time. Increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure the sausages are thoroughly cooked.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure your chicken sausages are fully cooked, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage, and ensure it reaches at least 165°F. This is the minimum internal temperature recommendation for poultry to be safe for consumption.

How to prevent chicken sausages from sticking to the grill

Grilled chicken sausages are a tasty treat, but it can be tricky to get them just right. Here are some tips to prevent your chicken sausages from sticking to the grill:

Firstly, make sure your grill is clean and well-prepared. Before you start cooking, scrape off any burnt food from previous grilling sessions, and heat up the grill to a high temperature to burn off any remaining food remnants. A clean grill is less likely to cause sticking.

Next, season the grill grates with oil. Use a paper towel, held with long tongs, to rub a thin coat of cooking oil onto the hot grill grates. This will help to prevent the sausages from sticking.

When it comes to the sausages themselves, opt for high-quality chicken sausages with your preferred seasonings. Prick the sausages gently with a fork to prevent bursting during cooking, and brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and add moisture.

Now you're ready to grill! Place the sausages on the preheated grill and close the lid. For raw chicken sausages, grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, turning them frequently to prevent burning. Precooked sausages will only need 3-4 minutes per side.

Finally, don't try to flip the sausages too soon. Allow them to form a sear on one side before turning them over. This will help the proteins to firm up and release from the grill.

By following these steps, you can minimise the risk of your chicken sausages sticking to the grill and enjoy perfectly grilled sausages.

Chicken sausage grilling techniques

Choosing the Chicken Sausage

When grilling chicken sausages, opt for high-quality, fresh sausages without artificial additives and preservatives. Lean and tender meat with your preferred seasonings is ideal. Experiment with flavours like spicy chipotle, garlic and herb, sundried tomato, spicy Italian, spinach and feta, or roasted garlic.

Preparing the Grill

Before placing the sausages on the grill, preheat it to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F (200-230°C). This ensures even cooking and prevents the sausages from sticking.

Readying the Chicken Sausages

As the grill heats up, prepare the sausages. Prick them gently with a fork to prevent bursting during cooking, and brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and add moisture.

Grilling the Sausages

Place the sausages directly on the preheated grill and close the lid. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, using tongs to flip them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.

Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage without touching the grill grates.

Resting and Serving

Once the sausages are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps retain their juices and enhances their flavour. Serve them as they are, in a bun, or sliced in a salad.

Variations and Tips

• Experiment with marinades, rubs, and toppings like sauerkraut and mustard.
• Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
• To prevent chicken sausages from drying out, consider parboiling them before grilling.
• Marinade options include olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon juice, teriyaki, barbecue, or honey mustard.
• Grill chicken sausages directly over medium heat, and avoid moving them too frequently to prevent sticking.
• Frozen chicken sausages can be grilled, but they will take longer, so increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

Chicken sausage recipes

Grilled Chicken Sausages and Vegetables

This recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious summer dinner. It includes chicken sausages, summer squash, and a variety of vegetables, grilled to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken sausages (or turkey)
• 1 summer squash, sliced
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other vegetables of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Cook the sausages on the grill until fully cooked or warmed through. For raw sausages, this will take about 6-8 minutes per side. For precooked sausages, cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Grill the vegetables for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Drizzle the vegetables with balsamic vinegar and toss with fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve the sausages and vegetables together.

Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

A quick and tasty one-skillet meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. This recipe uses chicken sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and crispy red potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 3 red potatoes, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 package (12-14 oz.) chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 bell peppers, diced (use any color)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the potatoes and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until crispy, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Turn the heat down to medium and cook the chicken sausage for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
• Add the bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent, and the peppers and zucchini are tender.
• Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
• Season with Italian seasoning and paprika, and stir in the potatoes. Continue cooking for another minute or two.
• Add more salt and pepper as desired.

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

A simple and easy-to-prep weeknight meal that's cooked on a single pan. This recipe includes chicken sausage, vegetables, and a variety of spices, roasted to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links (about 12 oz)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 1 head broccoli
• 1 sweet potato (about 1/2 lb.)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Slice the chicken sausage into medallions on a diagonal.
• Chop the bell pepper into 1-inch chunks.
• Slice the onion into 1/2-inch slices.
• Cut the broccoli into small florets.
• Wash, peel, and dice the sweet potato into 3/4-inch cubes.
• Add the sliced chicken sausage and chopped vegetables to a large bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Toss well to ensure even coating.
• Spread the sausage and vegetables onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, then stir the ingredients and roast for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sausage and veggies are browned on the edges.
• Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Other Chicken Sausage Recipes

• Chicken Sausage with Peppers: A fast and healthy dinner option. Try chicken sausage with sweet, crunchy bell peppers.
• Bavarian Apple-Sausage Hash: A hearty hash with German roots. Serve as a side or a brunch entrée.
• Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken Sausage: A simple and tasty dinner using pantry ingredients.
• Apple Sausage Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette: Toss cinnamon-raisin bread croutons with apple sausage and veggies.
• Honey Mustard Apple Chicken Sausage: A fantastic lunch option, great for using up leftover rice.
• Chicken Sausage Jambalaya: A spicy one-pot meal, perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Chicken Sausage with Polenta: A tasty dish that will have everyone arriving on time for dinner!

Chicken sausage side dishes

Grilled chicken sausages are a tasty treat, and there are plenty of side dishes to serve alongside them. Here are some ideas to elevate your barbecue and impress your guests!

Grilled Vegetables

A healthy option to accompany your chicken sausages is grilled vegetables. This could include in-season vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, artichokes, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, or summer squash. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them alongside the sausages. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, or cilantro for extra flavour.

Starchy Sides

If you want to add a starch to your meal, consider grilling some potatoes. Par-cook the potatoes in the microwave or boiling water, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before finishing them off on the grill. Other starchy options include couscous, quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice.

Salads

A simple salad can be a refreshing side dish to grilled chicken sausages. You can go for a classic Caesar salad or get creative with different ingredients. For example, an apple sausage salad with a cinnamon vinaigrette or a spinach salad with chicken sausage and a mustard dressing.

Stuffings

Chicken sausages can be a great addition to stuffings, especially around the holidays. You can use cornbread, bread, or cauliflower rice as a base and mix in ingredients like apples, cranberries, walnuts, fresh herbs, onions, celery, and chicken broth.

Other Ideas

• Baked butternut squash with Italian sausage stuffing
• Honey mustard apple chicken sausage
• Pineapple fried rice with chicken sausage
• Chicken sausage and pepper sandwich
• Chicken sausage with polenta
• Chicken sausage jambalaya

Frequently asked questions