How to Bake Chicken Sausages in the Oven: A Foolproof Method for Juicy Results

Hey, foodies! Today I’m going to tell you my favorite way to cook chicken sausages: I bake them in the oven! This method is super easy, you don’t have to do anything, and the sausages are always perfectly cooked. You’ll never stand over a hot stove again after you try this method.

I’ve been cooking chicken sausages for years, and the oven method has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I need something reliable and delicious without much fuss. Let’s dive right in!

Why Bake Chicken Sausages in the Oven?

Let’s talk about why the oven is great for cooking chicken sausages before I show you my step-by-step method.

• Even cooking – The consistent heat in your oven ensures the sausages cook evenly throughout
• Hands-off cooking – No need to constantly flip and monitor like with stovetop methods
• Less mess – No oil splatters all over your stove to clean up
• Great for meal prep – You can cook a big batch at once
• Healthier option – Requires minimal oil compared to pan-frying
• Perfect browning – Gives sausages a nice golden color without burning

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our supplies before we start:

• Chicken sausages (raw or pre-cooked)
• Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional but makes cleanup easier)
• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended for food safety)
• Tongs for flipping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Chicken Sausages

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for chicken sausages – hot enough to get good browning but not so hot that they’ll burn before cooking through

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper if you want super easy cleanup Then give it a light spray with cooking oil or a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking

Step 3: Arrange the Sausages

Place your chicken sausages on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. This allows the hot air to circulate around each sausage for even cooking and browning.

Step 4: Bake the Sausages

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake! The exact cooking time depends on a few factors:

• Raw chicken sausages: 15-20 minutes
• Pre-cooked chicken sausages: 10-12 minutes
• Frozen chicken sausages: 25-30 minutes (no need to thaw first!)

While the sausages are still cooking, you can flip them over halfway through if you want both sides to brown evenly.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The most important step! Chicken sausages need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. You can check this with a meat thermometer if you have one.

If you don’t have a thermometer, cut the sausage in half and check that the inside isn’t pink and the juices run clear.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your sausages rest for about 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the sausage, making them juicier and more flavorful.

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Chicken Sausages

I’ve made chicken sausages in the oven literally hundreds of times, and I’ve picked up some handy tricks along the way:

• Don’t pierce the sausages before cooking – this lets all those flavorful juices escape!
• For extra flavor, brush with a little olive oil or butter before baking
• Want crispy sausages? Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking
• Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or potatoes to the same pan for an easy one-pan meal
• Season the sausages with your favorite herbs and spices before baking
• Use foil to reduce clean up, especially important when cooking fatty sausages
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – leave space between sausages for even browning

Variations to Try

One of the best things about baking chicken sausages is how versatile they are! Here are some tasty variations to try:

Italian-Style Chicken Sausages

Add Italian seasoning, sliced bell peppers, onions, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the baking sheet before cooking.

BBQ Chicken Sausages

Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sticky-sweet glaze.

Breakfast Chicken Sausages

Bake alongside diced potatoes and serve with eggs for a hearty breakfast.

Honey Mustard Chicken Sausages

Mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard, brush over sausages halfway through cooking.

Common Questions About Baking Chicken Sausages

Should I remove the casing before baking?

Nope! The casing on chicken sausages is designed to stay on during cooking. It helps the sausage retain its shape and juiciness.

Can I bake frozen chicken sausages?

Absolutely! You don’t even need to thaw them first. Just add about 10 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when chicken sausages are done?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer – chicken sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one sausage to make sure there’s no pink inside.

Should I boil chicken sausages before baking?

There’s really no need to boil chicken sausages before baking. Baking them directly achieves great results without the extra step.

Do I need to flip the sausages while baking?

You can flip them halfway through cooking for more even browning, but it’s not strictly necessary. The oven’s heat will cook them through either way.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got perfectly baked chicken sausages, what should you serve them with? Here are some delicious ideas:

• Classic comfort: Mashed potatoes and steamed green beans
• Light and fresh: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Sandwich style: Tucked into a toasted roll with sautéed peppers and onions
• Pasta night: Sliced and tossed with pasta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto
• Breakfast for dinner: Alongside scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes
• Low-carb option: With roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Sausages

If you’re meal prepping or just have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your baked chicken sausages:

Refrigerator Storage

Store cooked chicken sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezer Storage

You can freeze cooked chicken sausages for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating Methods

• Microwave: The quickest method. Heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
• Skillet: Slice the sausages and reheat in a skillet for 3-4 minutes.

Why I Love This Method

I’ve tried all the methods for cooking chicken sausages – stovetop, grilling, air fryer – but oven baking remains my favorite for several reasons:

First, it’s so convenient. I can pop them in the oven and focus on preparing the rest of the meal without having to constantly monitor and flip them.

Second, the results are always consistent. I get perfectly cooked, juicy sausages every time without any guesswork.

And finally, I love that I can cook a whole package at once, making it perfect for meal prep or when feeding a family.

Final Thoughts

Baking chicken sausages in the oven is seriously one of the easiest cooking methods out there. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, and it delivers delicious results with minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking dinner on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this method will save you time and give you perfectly cooked chicken sausages every single time.

So there you have it – my foolproof method for baking chicken sausages in the oven. Happy cooking!

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Simple Recipe Card

Oven-Baked Chicken Sausages
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 package (about 12 oz) chicken sausages
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil
3. Arrange sausages on sheet, not touching
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
5. Optional: flip halfway through cooking
6. Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving

Enjoy!