How Long to Grill Chicken Sausage: The Ultimate Guide for Juicy Results Every Time

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of your grill, package of chicken sausages in hand, wondering exactly how long to cook them? Trust me, I’ve been there too many times! After years of trial and error (and yes, some pretty dried-out sausages along the way), I’ve finally mastered the art of grilling these healthier alternatives to traditional pork sausages.

In this guide, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about how long to grill chicken sausage properly We’ll cover cooking times for different types of sausages, the best techniques, and some killer tips to ensure your sausages come out juicy and flavorful every single time

The Basics: How Long Should You Grill Chicken Sausage?

Let’s cut to the chase – most chicken sausages need about 12-15 minutes on the grill But there’s more to it than just setting a timer and walking away!

The exact time depends on several factors:

• Whether the sausage is pre-cooked or raw
• The thickness of the sausage
• Your grill temperature
• The type of grill you’re using
• Even weather conditions can affect cooking time!

For raw chicken sausages, you’ll want to grill them for about 15-20 minutes total turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

For pre-cooked chicken sausages, you can get away with a shorter cooking time – typically 10-15 minutes – since you’re essentially just heating them through and adding some nice grill marks.

Temperature Matters More Than Time

Here’s something I wish someone had told me years ago – the internal temperature is WAY more important than the cooking time! Chicken sausage needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.

I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer if you don’t already have one. It’s literally been a game-changer for my grilling game. No more cutting into sausages to check if they’re done (and losing all those precious juices in the process)!

Choosing the Right Chicken Sausage for Grilling

Before we dive deeper into grilling times, let’s talk about selecting the right sausage. I shop at Sprouts Farmers Market alot, and they have amazing chicken sausages with clean ingredients. But wherever you shop, here’s what to look for:

• Natural casings provide that satisfying “snap” when you bite into them
• Pre-cooked vs. raw – both work great, but cooking times differ
• Ingredient quality – look for recognizable ingredients without tons of fillers
• Flavor varieties – from spicy Italian to apple-gouda, there’s something for everyone!

Direct vs. Indirect Grilling Methods

The method you choose impacts how long your chicken sausages will take to cook properly:

Direct Grilling Method

This means placing sausages directly over the heat source. It works best for:

• Pre-cooked sausages
• Quick cooking
• Getting those beautiful grill marks

How to do it:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F)
2. Place sausages directly on grates
3. Grill for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally
4. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F

Indirect Grilling Method

This means cooking on an area of the grill that’s not directly over the heat. It’s perfect for:

• Raw chicken sausages
• Avoiding burning or charring
• More gentle, even cooking

How to do it:

1. Set up your grill with a two-zone fire (one side hot, one side cooler)
2. Preheat to medium heat (300°F to 350°F)
3. Place sausages on the cooler side
4. Close lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally
5. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F

I personally prefer the indirect method for most chicken sausages, especially if they’re raw. It gives me more control and helps prevent those dreaded burst casings!

Step-by-Step Guide: How Long to Grill Chicken Sausage

Let me walk you through my foolproof process:

1. Preparation (5 minutes)

• Bring sausages to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes)
• Lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking
• Note: Some people prick sausages before grilling, but I don’t recommend it. This can release those flavorful juices and lead to dry sausages.

2. Preheat the Grill (10 minutes)

• For gas grills: Medium heat (350°F-400°F)
• For charcoal grills: Wait until coals are covered with gray ash
• Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking

3. Cooking Process

For raw chicken sausages:

• Place on indirect heat first (15 minutes)
• Move to direct heat for final sear (2-3 minutes per side)
• Total cooking time: 15-20 minutes

For pre-cooked chicken sausages:

• Can be cooked with direct heat throughout
• Turn occasionally for even browning
• Total cooking time: 10-15 minutes

4. Temperature Check

• Insert meat thermometer into thickest part
• Look for 165°F internal temperature
• If not ready, continue cooking and check every 2 minutes

5. Rest Before Serving (5 minutes)

• Let sausages rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
• This helps juices redistribute for maximum flavor

My Favorite Chicken Sausage Recipe

I love making Grilled Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage & Peppers. It’s super easy and comes together in about 20 minutes total!

Ingredients:

• 6 Spicy Parmesan Chicken Sausages
• 2 Red Bell Peppers, seeded and cut into 6 wedges
• 2 Yellow Bell Peppers, seeded and cut into 6 wedges
• 1 Vidalia Onion, cut into 4-6 wedges
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp minced Garlic
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat grill to 400 degrees
2. Coat chicken sausages in 2 tbsp olive oil
3. Toss veggies with remaining oil and all herbs and spices
4. Place sausages on grill and cook about 5 minutes before flipping
5. Add veggies to grill (watch carefully so they don’t burn!)
6. Cook sausages about 6 more minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F
7. Serve sausages on top of grilled veggies

This recipe is seriously amazing and works great for weeknight dinners. We make it almost every week in the summer!

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

Problem: Sausages Burst on the Grill

Solution: Use lower heat and don’t prick the casings. High heat causes rapid expansion of moisture inside, leading to bursting.

Problem: Burnt Outside, Raw Inside

Solution: Use the indirect grilling method. Start sausages on the cooler side of the grill, then finish with a quick sear on the hot side.

Problem: Dry, Tough Sausages

Solution: Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F, then remove immediately. Also, let them rest before cutting.

Problem: Sticking to the Grill

Solution: Make sure grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking.

Factors That Affect Grilling Time

Several things can impact how long your chicken sausages take to cook:

1. Sausage thickness – Thicker sausages need more time
2. Starting temperature – Cold sausages straight from the fridge take longer
3. Grill temperature – Higher heat cooks faster but risks burning
4. Grill type – Gas grills heat more evenly than charcoal
5. Weather conditions – Wind or cold temps can extend cooking time

Serving Suggestions

Grilled chicken sausage is super versatile! Here are some of my fave ways to serve it:

• On a bun with sautéed onions and peppers
• Sliced into pasta dishes
• Alongside grilled vegetables
• In a breakfast hash with potatoes
• On a charcuterie board with cheeses and mustards

FAQs About Grilling Chicken Sausage

Q: Can I grill frozen chicken sausage?
A: While technically possible, it’s not recommended. Thawing first ensures more even cooking. If you must cook from frozen, use the indirect method and add about 50% more cooking time.

Q: How do I know if my chicken sausage is fully cooked without a thermometer?
A: You can cut into one to check – the meat should be opaque throughout with no pink areas, and juices should run clear. But honestly, a thermometer is your best bet!

Q: What’s the best type of grill for chicken sausage?
A: Both gas and charcoal work great! Gas gives more precise temperature control, while charcoal adds a smoky flavor.

Q: Can I grill chicken sausage indoors?
A: Absolutely! A grill pan works well. Use medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Q: How long does grilled chicken sausage last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, grilled chicken sausage will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Grilling chicken sausage isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of attention to detail. The magic zone is typically 12-15 minutes of cook time, but remember that temperature (165°F) is your true north for doneness.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy grilled chicken sausage? Drop me a comment below – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!

Happy grilling!