Homemade Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage: Your Easy & Healthy Morning Protein
Forget bland, store-bought breakfast sausages loaded with unidentifiable ingredients! Making your own truly delicious, healthy, and incredibly flavorful breakfast sausage at home is surprisingly simple. With just a pound of lean ground chicken and a carefully selected blend of warm, aromatic spices, you can create these irresistible Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage patties. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for your morning routine, offering a wholesome, protein-packed option that’s bursting with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
Whether you’re pairing them with a stack of fluffy pancakes, a side of scrambled eggs, tucking them into a homemade breakfast sandwich on a gluten-free English muffin, or crumbling them into a hearty breakfast casserole, these homemade chicken sausages are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying breakfast without compromising on taste or health goals.
For many years, our Italian Chicken Sausage recipe has been one of the most popular posts on Confessions of a Fit Foodie. Given its success, we’re absolutely thrilled to finally introduce a homemade **Chicken Breakfast Sausage** recipe to our collection, and we know you’ll fall in love with this one too! It has quickly become our go-to breakfast protein, perfectly complementing everything from our cozy coffee cake baked oats and fluffy gluten-free pancakes to robust Frittata Recipes, various breakfast casseroles, or even as the star of a quick and satisfying breakfast sandwich.
Why You Will Love These Breakfast Sausage Patties
There are countless reasons why these homemade maple chicken breakfast sausages will become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire. From their incredible flavor to their convenience, they truly hit all the marks:
- A Delicious & Lean Protein Source: Unlike many traditional breakfast sausages, these patties are made with lean ground chicken, providing a fantastic source of protein to kickstart your day without excessive saturated fats. They keep you feeling full and energized.
- Perfect for Easy Meal Prep: Life gets busy, and having healthy options ready to go is invaluable. These sausages are ideal for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare a batch on the weekend and enjoy quick, nutritious breakfasts throughout the week.
- Freezer-Friendly for Long-Term Storage: Don’t just make a single batch – double or triple it! These patties freeze beautifully, making them a smart choice for stocking your freezer. You’ll always have a homemade breakfast component on hand for those extra hectic mornings.
- Budget-Friendly with Simple Ingredients: Creating gourmet flavors doesn’t have to break the bank. This recipe utilizes common pantry spices and affordable ground chicken, proving that wholesome, flavorful food can be budget-conscious.
- Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy them in a multitude of ways! They’re fantastic on their own, served alongside a colorful fruit salad, or as a key component of a larger brunch spread. Their sweet and savory profile complements a wide range of breakfast dishes.
- Great as Patties or Crumbles: While perfect as patties for sandwiches or plates, you can also cook the mixture as crumbles. This makes them an excellent addition to your favorite egg cup recipe, skillet potatoes or hash, or folded into a fluffy egg omelette for extra flavor and protein.
Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Sausage
Crafting these flavorful chicken breakfast sausages requires a simple yet impactful list of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the signature sweet and savory profile:
- Ground Chicken: The foundation of our lean and healthy sausage. You can opt for store-bought ground chicken breast for the leanest option, or blend your own chicken breasts or thighs in a food processor for a custom grind and potentially more flavor (thighs add a bit more fat and moisture).
- Poultry Seasoning: A convenient blend that typically includes sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, providing a classic savory sausage base. Using a store-bought blend saves time, but you can also make your own homemade poultry seasoning for a personalized touch.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a beautiful depth of flavor and a subtle smoky undertone that elevates the sausage. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular sweet paprika works perfectly fine, lending a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Essential aromatics that provide a savory backbone to the sausage, ensuring a well-rounded and deeply satisfying taste without the crunch of fresh onion or garlic.
- Dried Rubbed Sage: This is a key ingredient for classic breakfast sausage flavor. Rubbed sage has a lighter, more delicate texture and flavor than ground sage, allowing it to distribute evenly and infuse the meat beautifully. If you only have dried ground sage, use slightly less as its flavor is more concentrated.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: These warming spices are what truly make these breakfast sausages special. Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly musky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with meat, while cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the maple syrup and adds a cozy, inviting aroma. Choose your favorite or use a hint of both!
- Kosher Salt or Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning. Salt brings out all the flavors, and freshly ground black pepper adds a pleasant pungency.
- Pure Maple Syrup: The star of the “maple” in our recipe! Pure maple syrup provides a natural, subtle sweetness and a distinct maple flavor that beautifully complements the savory spices. Avoid artificial syrups for the best results.
- Olive Oil and Olive Oil Spray: Used for cooking the patties and for ensuring the mixture doesn’t stick to your hands or spatula. Any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil can be substituted.
For the precise quantities of each ingredient, please refer to the complete recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations to Customize Your Sausage
One of the best aspects of making homemade breakfast sausage is how easily you can customize it to your personal preferences or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious ideas!
- Different Ground Meats: While ground chicken is fantastic for a lean option, you can easily swap it for other ground meats. Ground turkey (breast or thigh meat) is another lean alternative, offering a similar texture. For a richer, more traditional breakfast sausage, try using ground pork. Mixing ground chicken with ground pork can also give you the best of both worlds – a leaner sausage with added depth of flavor.
- Strictly Savory Sausage: If you prefer a breakfast sausage without any sweetness, simply omit the pure maple syrup and cinnamon. You might want to increase the black pepper or add a pinch of dried thyme to enhance the savory notes.
- Spicy Kick: Love a bit of heat in your breakfast? Add a quarter to a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the mixture. For a more intense heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can be incorporated. Adjust to your desired level of spice.
- Alternative Sweeteners: If pure maple syrup isn’t available, or you prefer a different kind of sweetness, brown sugar makes an excellent substitute. You could also experiment with a small amount of honey, though it will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
- Other Oils: Any neutral cooking oil will work well in place of olive oil for cooking the patties. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even a light vegetable oil are good choices.
- Fresh Herbs: For a vibrant, fresh flavor, swap dried rubbed sage for fresh sage. Chop about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves finely. Keep in mind that fresh herbs are generally milder than dried, so you might need to adjust the quantity. Fresh thyme or marjoram could also be added for complexity.
- Chicken Apple Sausage: For a delicious twist, fold in about ¼ to ½ cup of finely diced apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) into the meat mixture. This adds a wonderful natural sweetness and texture, reminiscent of popular chicken apple sausages.
- Herbs & Spices Boost: Feel free to experiment with other spices. A touch of ginger powder can add a unique warmth, or a pinch of allspice could complement the maple perfectly. A little extra black pepper always adds a nice bite!
Essential Equipment
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to make these delicious homemade breakfast sausages. Most of what you’ll need are standard kitchen tools you likely already own:
- Mixing Bowls and Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurately combining all your ingredients. A large mixing bowl will give you plenty of room to work the meat and spices together.
- A Nonstick Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet: Both are excellent for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust on your sausage patties. A nonstick skillet offers easier cleanup, while cast iron provides superior heat retention and a fantastic sear.
- A Flat Spatula: Essential for pressing the sausage balls into patties and flipping them during cooking. A solid, rather than slotted, spatula works best to ensure even pressure.
- Large Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Helpful for scooping out even portions of the meat mixture, ensuring your patties are uniform in size and cook evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Great for lining a plate or baking sheet to place your formed sausage balls on, preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Maple Chicken Sausage
This incredibly flavorful maple chicken breakfast sausage recipe comes together in just four straightforward steps. For exact measurements and a complete recipe card, please scroll down further. Follow these simple instructions for perfect results every time:
Expert Tips for the Best Breakfast Sausage
Achieving perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken breakfast sausage is simple with a few insider tips:
- Preheat Your Pan Properly: This is a crucial step! Always preheat your skillet thoroughly before adding the sausage patties. A hot pan ensures a beautiful sear and caramelization (that golden-brown crust), which translates directly to more flavor. Remember the culinary mantra: “Color equals flavor!”
- Prevent Sticking While Forming Patties: If your meat mixture feels a bit sticky when you’re forming the balls or pressing them into patties, a simple trick is to lightly spray your hands or your spatula with a little cooking oil. This will create a non-stick surface and make the process much smoother.
- Use the Right Spatula: When pressing down your sausage balls to form patties, opt for a solid, flat spatula without holes. This provides even pressure across the entire surface of the patty, ensuring a uniform shape and thickness for even cooking. A silicone spatula also works wonderfully for this.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the sausages in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature, steam the sausages instead of searing them, and prevent that desirable golden-brown crust from forming. Give each patty a little breathing room!
- Season to Taste: While the recipe provides specific measurements, always taste a small cooked piece (if safe to do so) or trust your instincts. Some people prefer more salt, more pepper, or a stronger sage flavor. Adjust the seasonings to suit your palate after trying a test patty.
- Mind the Internal Temperature: For food safety, especially with chicken, always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A digital meat thermometer is your best friend here.
Recipe FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions about making and enjoying these maple chicken breakfast sausages:
Generally, yes, chicken sausage tends to be a healthier option, especially when made at home. These homemade chicken sausage patties are crafted from lean ground chicken and real, wholesome ingredients, which typically means they contain lower levels of saturated fat and often fewer calories compared to many store-bought pork sausages. The exact nutritional profile will depend on the fat content of the ground chicken used and whether you opt for any variations (like adding diced apples or extra oil). Always check nutritional labels for store-bought options, as some can contain hidden ingredients or higher fat content.
Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend making a large batch and freezing these patties. They are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for quick, protein-rich breakfasts anytime you need them. To freeze, first allow your cooked chicken patties to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 30 minutes to an hour until firm. This prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or simply reheat them from frozen (see meal prep and storage section for reheating tips).
Yes, definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and works just as well as crumbles. If you prefer crumbles for dishes like an egg casserole, a hearty breakfast hash, or scrambled eggs, simply skip the step where you form the meat into balls and patties. Instead, add the seasoned ground meat mixture directly to a hot pan (with a little oil if needed) and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, just like you would with ground beef or turkey. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. This makes for a super quick and convenient addition to many breakfast dishes.
While we prefer pan-frying for the best caramelization and texture, these chicken breakfast patties can certainly be cooked in the oven or an air fryer. For the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the formed patties on it, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For the air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket (lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired), and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and nicely browned.
These versatile sausages pair wonderfully with a variety of breakfast items. Classic accompaniments include scrambled or fried eggs, fluffy pancakes or waffles, crispy hash browns, or a fresh fruit salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside baked oats, a breakfast frittata, or as the protein in a breakfast burrito or taco. Don’t forget a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you love that sweet kick!
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
These homemade maple chicken breakfast sausages are perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have a healthy and delicious protein source ready to go throughout your busy week.
- Refrigeration: Once cooked, allow the breakfast chicken sausages to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing for Long-Term: For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties. Arrange cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 30 minutes to prevent sticking. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty ziplock freezer bag. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from Refrigerator: Reheat refrigerated sausages in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, in a warm skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Reheating from Frozen: To reheat from frozen, you can microwave the patties to defrost first, then warm them through in a skillet or air fryer. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen in a warm skillet over medium-low heat (covering the pan can help them heat through evenly) or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until thoroughly heated.
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Enjoy
Looking for more delicious and wholesome ideas to round out your breakfast or brunch menu? These homemade chicken breakfast sausage patties would be absolutely delicious paired with one of these yummy breakfast recipes:
- Healthier Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- Healthy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
- Gluten Free Make Ahead Freezer Waffles
- Simple Fruit Salad
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Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage Recipe
It’s super easy to make your own delicious, healthy, and incredibly flavorful breakfast sausage at home with just lean ground chicken and a handful of aromatic spices. These Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage patties are the perfect protein to enjoy as a side to eggs or pancakes, in homemade breakfast sandwiches, or crumbled into your favorite breakfast casserole!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (lean ground chicken breast or thigh meat)
- 1 ½ tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried rubbed sage
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (or a pinch of both)
- ¾ tsp kosher salt (divided use)
- dash black pepper (or up to ¼ tsp if you like pepper)
- 2 ½ Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Olive oil or cooking oil spray (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ tsp of the kosher salt, poultry seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried rubbed sage, cinnamon/nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir in the maple syrup and 1 tsp olive oil to create a paste. Add the ground chicken to the bowl and gently incorporate it into the spice mixture, being careful not to overmix. If time allows, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. (This step is optional if you’re in a rush.)
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, portion out 12 even sausage balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined plate or baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops of these sausage balls with the remaining salt.
- Preheat a skillet (nonstick or cast iron) over medium-high heat. Lightly spray the pan with olive oil or cooking oil spray. Place 6 sausage balls into the hot pan, salt-side down. Using a solid, flat spatula, press each ball firmly to form a flat patty. If the spatula sticks, spray it lightly with cooking oil spray.
- Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the first side. Sprinkle the uncooked side of the patties with the remaining salt. Flip and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are cooked through with a beautiful golden crust. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture.
- Serve warm. You can refrigerate leftovers and use within 5 days, or freeze for future enjoyment.
- To use from frozen, defrost in the microwave or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Video
Notes
21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1/4 TSP, 2 sweetener TSP (per serving of 3 patties)
WW: 3 points (per serving of 3 patties)
Meal Prep + Storage:
Meal prep these breakfast chicken sausages up to 4 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freeze cooked patties in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat sausage in the microwave, air fryer, or in a warm skillet until heated through.
Nutrition
Serving: 3 patties
Calories: 178 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 24 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0.01 g
Cholesterol: 73 mg
Sodium: 715 mg
Potassium: 470 mg
Fiber: 0.3 g
Sugar: 8 g
Vitamin A: 178 IU
Vitamin C: 2 mg
Calcium: 29 mg
Iron: 1 mg
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