Description
Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausages are a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional pork sausage, made with lean ground chicken, savory spices, and a touch of pure maple syrup. These sausages offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory, perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or snacks.
Ingredients
1 pound (454g) ground chicken (92–94% lean)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (1/4 teaspoon if using ground pepper)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons (45ml) pure maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons (15–30ml) olive oil, for cooking
Optional garnish: fresh thyme & fresh sage
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use a large spoon or spatula to mix together all the ingredients, except for the olive oil. The mixture will be sticky, so it might be easier to use your hands to combine everything evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil to the pan. (If using a nonstick skillet, medium heat is typically best.)
- Scoop about 1.5–2 tablespoons (35–45g) of the sausage mixture and drop it into the hot pan. Flatten the mixture slightly with the back of a spoon or spatula to form a patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture, making around 8 patties, depending on the size of your skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the sausage patties for 5 minutes on the first side. Then flip them over and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the sausage patties to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Serve the sausages warm, optionally garnished with fresh thyme and sage.
Notes
- You can experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or marjoram for a slightly different flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter sausage, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar.
- Add finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the sausage mixture for extra texture and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
