Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious. Just be sure to cook to the same 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

Why are my chicken sausage patties falling apart?

This can happen if the mixture is too wet. If your ground chicken seems particularly moist, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. Also, be sure your pan is properly heated before adding the patties, as cold pans can cause sticking and breaking.

Can I make these sausage patties without maple syrup?

Yes, though the maple flavor is what makes these special. You could substitute honey for a different sweetness profile, or omit the sweetener entirely and increase the other spices slightly for a more savory sausage. Consider adding some dried herbs like sage or thyme if going the savory route.

How do I know when the chicken sausage is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Visually, the patties should be golden brown on both sides and the meat should be opaque all the way through with no pink remaining.

Homemade Maple Chicken Sausage Recipe

Description

Homemade Maple Chicken Sausage combines lean ground chicken with fragrant spices and a hint of maple sweetness to create juicy, flavorful sausage patties perfect for breakfast or brunch. Simple to prepare and pan-cooked in minutes, these healthier sausage patties are gluten-free and lower in fat than traditional pork sausage.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sausage Patties

1 lb. lean ground chicken (96/4)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. maple syrup or sugar-free syrup (31g)

For Cooking

1 Tbsp. olive oil

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Instructions

Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and maple syrup. Using your hands, mash and mix thoroughly until well combined and spice is evenly distributed throughout the ground chicken.
Heat the Pan: Place a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to become hot before adding the sausage patties. This helps achieve a perfect sear.
Shape the Patties: Using a 1.5 Tbsp. cookie scoop, portion out the sausage mixture. Pat each portion gently into a round patty using your hands. Avoid overworking the mixture to prevent tough sausage.
Cook the Sausage Patties: Add the patties to the hot oil in the skillet. Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety. Remove from pan and serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and any substitutions.
Gently form patties to avoid tough sausages—handle as little as possible.
Ensure the oil is hot before adding patties to achieve a perfect sear and proper cooking.
Sugar-free maple syrup can be used for lower sugar content.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 patty
Calories: 57
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 265mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1.5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8.5g
Cholesterol: 23mg