Trader Joe’s chicken breakfast sausage is a fan favorite for good reason – it’s delicious, easy to cook, and versatile enough to enjoy in a variety of dishes. If you’re new to cooking this pre-cooked breakfast staple have no fear! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through foolproof methods for cooking Trader Joe’s chicken sausage to perfection every time.
An Overview of Trader Joe’s Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Before we dive into cooking techniques. let’s learn a bit more about what makes this product so special
- Made with a blend of chicken and turkey, not pork like traditional breakfast sausage
- Lower in fat and calories compared to pork sausage
- Packed with herbs and spices like sage, thyme, garlic, and red pepper flakes
- Sold fully cooked so it just needs to be heated through
- Comes pre-portioned into links, patties, or ground sausage
The beauty of Trader Joe’s breakfast sausage is that it’s already cooked when you buy it. We don’t have to worry about raw meat safety. We just need to gently reheat it to serve. This makes it an incredibly convenient, protein-packed addition to any morning meal.
Tips for Prepping the Sausage Before Cooking
To ensure the sausage cooks up perfectly, follow these tips before turning on the stove:
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Remove packaging – Take sausages out of original plastic wrap or casings. Patties can be kept stacked.
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Pat dry – Use paper towels to absorb any excess moisture on the surface. This helps browning.
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Poke holes – Use a fork to prick holes all over the sausages. This prevents bursting while cooking.
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Separate links – If cooking links, slice between each one so they cook evenly.
Now the sausage is prepped and ready for cooking!
Skillet Stovetop Method
One of the quickest and easiest ways to cook Trader Joe’s chicken breakfast sausage is right in a skillet on the stovetop. Here’s how:
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil or cooking spray.
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Add the sausage links or patties in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
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Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating occasionally, until browned and heated through.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Serve the sausage links whole or sliced on plates, sandwiches, bowls and more!
Pan-frying yields a sizzling hot, deliciously browned sausage in just 10 minutes.
Oven Baked Method
For a hands-off approach, baking Trader Joe’s chicken sausage in the oven is foolproof:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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Arrange sausage links or patties on sheet without overcrowding.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until heated through and starting to brown.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F.
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Serve the baked sausage on breakfast tacos, in omelets or however you desire!
The oven does all the work for evenly cooked sausage.
Griddle or Grill Method
Looking for extra flavor? Try cooking the sausage on a griddle or grill:
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Heat a griddle or grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface.
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Add the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating every 2 minutes.
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Grill marks will form and the sausage will get a nice char.
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Check the internal temperature to guarantee it reaches 165°F.
The charred exterior from grilling or griddling adds incredible depth of flavor.
Microwave Method
For a super quick breakfast, you can even microwave Trader Joe’s pre-cooked chicken sausage:
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Place sausage patties or links on a microwave-safe plate, leaving space in between.
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Microwave on HIGH in 30 second increments until heated through, about 60-90 seconds total.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F.
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Let sausage rest for a minute before serving.
While not ideal for getting a crispy texture, the microwave is great for fast reheating.
How to Tell When the Sausage is Fully Cooked
It’s important to ensure Trader Joe’s chicken breakfast sausage reaches a safe internal temperature. Follow these tips to guarantee doneness:
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Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temp hits 165°F.
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The sausage will firm up and feel hot to the touch when done.
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Cut into one to check the interior is opaque throughout, not pink.
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Look for browned exterior and grill marks, if applicable.
Following proper cooking guidelines keeps this delicious sausage safe to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
The possibilities are endless when it comes to how to serve up Trader Joe’s chicken breakfast sausage. Here are just a few delicious ideas to inspiration your morning meals:
- Chopped in breakfast burritos or tacos
- Added to egg scrambles or omelets
- On top of avocado toast
- In biscuit sandwiches with egg and cheese
- Baked into casseroles or strata
- On top of waffles or pancakes
- Crumbled into hash browns or home fries
- In creamy sausage gravy over biscuits
- On breakfast pizza with veggie toppings
- Rolled up in crepes or blintzes
- On top of a grain bowl with veggies
With so many options for easy and delicious recipes, Trader Joe’s chicken breakfast sausage is sure to become a morning staple!
Cooking Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage for Any Meal
While breakfast is an obvious choice, Trader Joe’s convenient pre-cooked chicken sausage can be enjoyed morning, noon or night. Try cooking it up in some savory dinner recipes:
- Slice and add to pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo
- Grill or pan fry then chop onto salads
- Bake into stuffed peppers or zucchini boats
- Chop and mix into fried rice or stir fries
- Layer onto pizzas before baking
- Skewer for chicken sausage kabobs
- Mix into tomato sauce for pasta or ziti bakes
- Add to soups, stews, and chilis
The possibilities are endless! Trader Joe’s chicken sausage is tasty enough to become a staple in all your cooking.
Time Saving Tip: Cook Once, Enjoy All Week
Since Trader Joe’s chicken breakfast sausage is fully cooked, it lends itself perfectly to meal prepping. Follow these tips:
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Choose your preferred cooking method and make a big batch.
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Let the cooked sausage cool completely then store in airtight containers.
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Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Quickly reheat sausage in the microwave or skillet anytime you need a protein boost!
With a batch of cooked sausage ready in the fridge or freezer, you’ve got easy protein for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners all week long.
Mastering the Art of Cooking Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage
As you can see, cooking up Trader Joe’s beloved chicken sausage is easy and versatile. Whether you pan fry, bake, grill, or microwave, you’ll end up with tender, flavorful sausage ready to be enjoyed anyway you like. Follow proper safety and cooking guidelines to ensure delicious results every time.
So next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, be sure to grab a package of their chicken breakfast sausage. With this handy guide, you’ll be ready to cook it to perfection and enjoy in all types of meals for mornings, afternoons, and evenings ahead!
Preparing the Sausage
Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the sausages properly to ensure even cooking and maximize flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Take the sausages out of the box and use a paper towel to dry them off. This will help them brown well.
- You can use a fork to make a few small holes in the sausages if you want to. This will prevent them from bursting while cooking.
Trader Joe’s chicken sausage can be cooked using various methods, depending on your preference. Here are a few popular options:
- Grilling: Fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Place the sausages directly on the grill grates and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they reach 165°F on the inside.
- To sauté, put a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a pan and heat it over medium-low heat. After you add the sausages, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them over once in a while, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Put the sausages on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them over once, until they are done.
Now that your Trader Joe’s chicken sausages are cooked to perfection, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
- On top of the sausages, put caramelized onions and your favorite toppings. This is a tasty take on a traditional hot dog.
- For an easy and quick meal, cut the sausages up and mix them with pasta, vegetables, and any sauce you like.
- Cooked chicken sausage slices can be added to homemade pizza or flatbread to make it taste even better.
- To get a protein-rich start to the day, add diced chicken sausage to omelets, frittatas, or breakfast burritos.
Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating Trader Joe’s chicken sausage into your meals. Use your imagination, try out new recipes, and most of all, enjoy the tasty flavors that these sausages bring to the table!
When you go to Trader Joe’s next, don’t forget to pick up a pack of their delicious chicken sausages. With our tips and tricks, cooking them perfectly will be second nature, and you and your family will have a wonderful meal.
More Delicious Recipes Featuring Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage
Now that the reader knows how to cook Trader Joe’s chicken sausage, they can try any of the many delicious recipes that use this versatile ingredient. Chicken Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells are one of the dishes that you should try. They are filled with creamy cheese and leafy greens and come in pasta shells. For a dish with a little more kick, the Spicy Chicken Sausage Jambalaya stands out thanks to its strong flavors and hearty texture. The Chicken Sausage and Mushroom Risotto, on the other hand, is creamy and savory, making it perfect for anyone who loves risotto. These recipes not only broaden the culinary repertoire but also enhance everyday dining with simple yet delicious options. Want to share your tips and tricks for preparing Trader Joe’s chicken sausage? Join the discussion in the.
Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties – Trader Joe’s Product Review
FAQ
Do you have to cook Trader Joe’s chicken sausage?
Are Trader Joe’s chicken breakfast sausage precooked?
How to cook frozen chicken breakfast sausage?
How to cook Trader Joe’s breakfast sausage in an air fryer?
Can you cook chicken sausage at Trader Joe’s?
If you’re making any one of these Trader Joe’s chicken sausage recipes with sauteed vegetables, you’ll want to be sure you add the chicken sausage in when your veggies are more or less cooked through. Potatoes will take far longer to cook than chicken sausage. Can you air fry trader joe’s chicken sausage? Absolutely!
How do you cook Trader Joe’s sausage?
The most popular way to heat Trader Joe’s pre-cooked sausages is in a pan on the stove top. Simply heat your sausages over medium heat with a little bit of oil or butter until the outside of the sausages is browned to your liking on all sides. Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages can also be added to soups, pasta dishes, casseroles, and more.
How long does Trader Joe’s chicken sausage take to cook?
The cooking time for Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage may vary depending on the method. Generally, it is advisable to cook the sausages for about 8-10 minutes on medium heat on the stovetop or to follow the instructions provided on the packaging. Can I grill Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage? Yes, Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage can be grilled.
Does Trader Joe’s chicken sausage need to be refrigerated?
It is recommended to store Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage in the refrigerator. Ensure that the packaging is properly sealed to maintain freshness. Can I cook Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage in the microwave? It is not recommended to cook Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage in the microwave, as this may result in an unevenly cooked sausage.