Perfect Chicken Sausage in the Oven: Timing, Temps & Tasty Tips

Ever stared at a package of chicken sausage wondering exactly how long to cook it in the oven? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too, wondering if my sausages would turn out juicy and golden or dry and overcooked. After testing countless batches (and a few fails along the way), I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about perfect oven-baked chicken sausage.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want an easy dinner option, oven-baked chicken sausage is a versatile protein that deserves a spot in your cooking rotation. Let’s get into the details so you can make perfectly cooked chicken sausage every single time!

The Quick Answer: How Long to Cook Chicken Sausage in the Oven

For those who need just the basic info

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C) to 400°F (204°C)
• Time for pre-cooked sausages: 20-25 minutes
• Time for raw sausages: 25-30 minutes
• Target internal temperature: 165°F (74°C)

Why Choose the Oven Method?

Before we dive into cooking times let’s talk about why the oven is a great choice for cooking chicken sausage

• Hands-off cooking – pop them in and walk away!
• Even cooking – consistent heat means evenly cooked sausages
• Less mess – no oil splatters like you get with pan-frying
• Great for meal prep – cook a big batch at once
• Perfect browning – gets that nice golden color all around

Prepping Your Chicken Sausage for the Oven

First things first, let’s get those sausages ready:

1. Take the sausages out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking (this helps them cook more evenly)
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this temperature works great for most chicken sausages
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup
4. Optional: Prick the sausages a few times with a fork to prevent them from bursting (I usually skip this with chicken sausage since they rarely burst anyway)

How Long to Cook Different Types of Chicken Sausage

Not all chicken sausages are created equal! Here’s how to adjust cooking times based on what you’re working with

Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausage

Most store-bought chicken sausages (like those from Adelle’s, Trader Joe’s, or Applegate) are already pre-cooked, so you’re really just heating them through and browning the outside.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Flip halfway through for even browning
• How to tell they’re done: They’ll be hot throughout and have a nice golden color

Raw Chicken Sausage

If you’re working with raw chicken sausage (always check the package to be sure!), you’ll need to cook them longer.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Flip halfway through
• How to tell they’re done: Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)

Frozen Chicken Sausage

Forgot to defrost? No problem! You can cook frozen chicken sausage in the oven too.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Cooking time: Add 15-20 minutes to the normal cooking time
• Tip: For best results, thaw them first if possible

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Sausage

Let me walk you through the whole process from start to finish:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil
3. Arrange the sausages on the sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other
4. Optional: Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra browning
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then flip the sausages
6. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until golden and fully cooked
7. Check temperature with a meat thermometer – should be 165°F (74°C)
8. Rest for 3-5 minutes before serving (this helps keep them juicy!)

Making a Complete Meal: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage & Veggies

Why not turn your chicken sausage into a complete meal? This is my favorite way to do it!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken sausage (pre-cooked)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 8 oz broccoli florets
• 1 lb potatoes, cut into 3/4″ chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C)
2. In a bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper
3. Spread veggies on a large sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes
4. Add the chicken sausages to the pan and bake for 10 more minutes
5. Flip sausages and stir vegetables
6. Bake 10-15 minutes more until sausages are browned and veggies are tender

This is such a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Everything cooks on one pan, and you’ve got protein and veggies ready all at once.

Common Questions About Cooking Chicken Sausage in the Oven

Is it better to bake chicken sausage at a higher temperature?

You can bake at 400°F (204°C) to get more browning, but watch them carefully! They cook faster at higher temperatures and can dry out if left too long.

Do I need to prick chicken sausages before baking?

Unlike pork sausages, chicken sausages rarely burst in the oven. But if you’re worried, a few small pricks with a fork won’t hurt.

Can I tell if chicken sausage is done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is most reliable, properly cooked chicken sausage should be firm to the touch, have clear juices when pricked, and show no pinkness inside. When in doubt, check the temp!

Can I add seasonings to my chicken sausage?

Most chicken sausages come pre-seasoned, but you can definitely add extra flavor! Try brushing with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before baking.

How do I store leftover cooked chicken sausage?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They’re great for meal prep!

4 Different Ways to Cook Chicken Sausage

While this article focuses on oven baking, there are other methods worth mentioning:

1. Pan frying: 6-8 minutes over medium-high heat, turning every 2 minutes
2. Air frying: 10-15 minutes at 400°F, no preheating required!
3. Grilling: 3-4 minutes per side on a preheated grill
4. Oven baking: 20-30 minutes at 350°F-400°F (our favorite method!)

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Sausage

After cooking lots of chicken sausage over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – leave space between sausages for even cooking
• Use a meat thermometer for foolproof results
• Let them rest a few minutes before serving
• Slice on the diagonal for a prettier presentation
• If cooking with vegetables, make sure they’re cut to a size that will cook in the same time as the sausages

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Sausage

Wondering what to serve with your perfectly baked chicken sausage? Here are some ideas:

• Slice and add to pasta with marinara sauce
• Serve in a bun like a hot dog with your favorite toppings
• Chop and add to breakfast scrambles or frittatas
• Slice and use as a pizza topping
• Add to soups or rice dishes for extra protein

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken sausage in the oven is honestly one of the easiest and most reliable methods. It gives you that perfect balance of juicy inside and golden outside, with minimal effort. The key things to remember are:

• Cook pre-cooked sausages for 20-25 minutes at 375°F
• Cook raw sausages for 25-30 minutes at 375°F
• Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F
• Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet

Once you’ve mastered this basic technique, you can get creative with seasonings, add vegetables for a complete meal, or use your perfectly cooked chicken sausage in countless recipes!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy chicken sausage? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas!