Homemade chicken breakfast sausage patties are easy to prepare with ground chicken, maple syrup, and a blend of savory herbs and spices.
Unlike traditional sausages, these patties require no casings or specialized equipment. You can shape them by hand and cook them in a skillet or air fryer for a convenient breakfast.
This recipe makes 12 small patties, with two patties per serving. Dried sage and thyme provide a familiar breakfast sausage flavor, while maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.
Garlic, onion, black pepper, and nutmeg round out the seasoning, creating juicy, flavorful patties that pair well with eggs, toast, pancakes, or roasted potatoes.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 12 small patties
- Cooking Methods: Stovetop or air fryer
- Internal Temperature: 165°F (74°C)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towel-lined plate
- Air fryer (optional)
How to Make Chicken Sausage Patties
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the maple syrup, salt, sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Mix thoroughly with clean hands or a sturdy spoon until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Avoid overworking the mixture, as excessive mixing can make the patties dense.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the seasoned chicken into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it into a small, round patty.
Keeping the patties approximately the same thickness helps them cook evenly. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly moisten your fingers with water.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm until it lightly coats the bottom of the pan. Prepare to cook the patties in batches so they have enough room to brown without steaming.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Arrange about six patties in the heated skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, then turn them over and continue cooking until browned and cooked through.
Cooking time will vary with patty thickness and the heat of the skillet, so use a meat thermometer to check the center of each patty.
Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining mixture, adding a little more oil if the pan becomes dry.
Step 5: Check for Doneness and Serve
Check that the thickest part of each patty reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once fully cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and serve while hot.
They are delicious alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, toast, or your favorite breakfast potatoes.
Air Fryer Instructions
The air fryer offers an alternative cooking method that requires little additional oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if your appliance requires preheating.
- Shape the chicken mixture into 12 patties and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each patty.
- Cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, turning the patties halfway through to promote even browning.
- Check the center of each patty with a meat thermometer. Continue cooking as needed until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the patties and serve immediately.
Cooking times may differ between air fryer models and depending on patty thickness. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in batches if necessary.
Flavor Variations
Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
For an Italian-inspired version suitable for pasta, pizza, and savory lunch dishes, leave out the maple syrup and replace the breakfast seasonings with 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano.
Mix the herbs into the ground chicken and shape the patties as directed.
Spicy Chicken Sausage
For a little extra heat, keep the original ingredients and add either 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly so the spice is distributed throughout the meat.
These patties work particularly well in breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches, and scrambled eggs.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Patties
- Choose suitable ground chicken: Ground chicken containing a little fat generally produces juicier patties than an especially lean mixture.
- Mix gently: Combine the ingredients until evenly distributed without compacting the meat too much.
- Keep the patties uniform: Similar sizes and thicknesses help prevent some patties from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches when necessary to maintain good contact with the hot skillet or allow adequate air circulation in the fryer.
- Use a thermometer: Color alone cannot confirm that ground chicken is safe to eat. Check the thickest part of each patty for 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the seasoning profile by cooking a small test portion before shaping the entire batch, then adjust the remaining mixture if needed.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade chicken sausage patties are versatile enough for both traditional breakfasts and quick weekday meals.
Serve them with fried or scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, or buttered toast. For a lighter plate, add fresh fruit or sautéed vegetables.
You can also crumble cooked patties into breakfast hash, tuck them into breakfast sandwiches, or slice them into a wrap with eggs and cheese. The Italian variation can be served with pasta, tomato sauce, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken sausage recipe makes it easy to prepare a flavorful breakfast with simple ingredients and everyday kitchen equipment.
The combination of maple syrup, sage, thyme, and warm spices creates a balanced sweet-and-savory taste, while the stovetop and air fryer methods offer flexibility for different cooking routines.
Make a batch for a weekend breakfast or prepare extra patties ahead of time for convenient meals throughout the week.
