What To Know
- Use a food processor or meat grinder to grind the chicken into a coarse texture.
- Slice the sausages and enjoy them as desired, such as on a bun, in a casserole, or with your favorite sides.
- Serve chicken sausages on buns, in sandwiches, with eggs, or as part of a main course with vegetables or pasta.
Homemade chicken sausages are a culinary delight, offering a burst of flavors and the satisfaction of creating your own gourmet treats. Embark on this step-by-step journey to discover the art of crafting delicious chicken sausages in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 pound pork fatback or salt pork
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chicken stock or water
Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or meat grinder
- Sausage stuffer
- Sausage casings (optional)
Preparing the Chicken and Fatback
1. Trim the chicken: Remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken.
2. Grind the chicken: Use a food processor or meat grinder to grind the chicken into a coarse texture.
3. Grind the fatback: Grind the pork fatback or salt pork into a fine texture.
Seasoning the Meat Mixture
1. Combine the seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, fatback, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, and thyme.
2. Add chicken stock: Gradually add the chicken stock or water while mixing until the mixture reaches a sticky consistency.
Stuffing the Sausages
1. Prepare the sausage casings: If using sausage casings, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to rehydrate them.
2. Attach the stuffing tube: Attach the sausage stuffing tube to the sausage stuffer.
3. Fill the casings: Feed the sausage mixture into the stuffing tube and fill the casings evenly, avoiding air pockets.
4. Twist the sausages: Twist the filled casings into links of desired length.
Cooking the Sausages
1. Preheat the oven or grill: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare a grill to medium heat.
2. Cook the sausages: Place the sausages on a baking sheet or grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finishing Touches
1. Rest the sausages: Let the sausages rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Slice and enjoy: Slice the sausages and enjoy them as desired, such as on a bun, in a casserole, or with your favorite sides.
Creating Flavorful Variations
- Add cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Incorporate herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano.
- Use spices: Experiment with different spices like paprika, cumin, or chili flakes to create unique flavor profiles.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your chicken and fatback will greatly impact the taste of your sausages.
- Grind the meat coarsely: A coarse grind will result in a juicier and more flavorful sausage.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to add plenty of seasonings to enhance the taste.
- Cook to the right temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages are cooked through without overcooking.
- Let the sausages rest: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender sausages.
Information You Need to Know
- Can I make chicken sausages without casings?
Yes, you can form the sausage mixture into patties or links without using casings.
- How long can I store homemade chicken sausages?
Cooked chicken sausages can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- What are some suggestions for serving chicken sausages?
Serve chicken sausages on buns, in sandwiches, with eggs, or as part of a main course with vegetables or pasta.
