Ever stood in the grocery store wondering where the heck to find chicken sausage? I’ve been there too! As someone who’s constantly looking for healthier protein options, chicken sausage has become my go-to for quick weeknight meals. But finding good quality chicken sausage isn’t always straightforward.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly where to buy chicken sausage, popular brands, pricing, and even some tasty ways to use this versatile protein in your meals.
Top Retailers Selling Chicken Sausage
Walmart
Walmart offers a solid selection of chicken sausage options both in-store and online. Their chicken sausage section includes popular brands and even their own store options
- Aidells Chicken & Apple Smoked Chicken Sausage Links – A best-seller priced at $5.54 for a 12 oz package (4 count)
- Marketside Chipotle and Monterey Jack Cheese Chicken Sausage – $5.54 for 12 oz
- Marketside Fully Cooked, Gluten-Free Chicken Apple Sausage – $5.54 for 12 oz (4 count)
- Al Fresco Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage – $5.23 for 11 oz (4 count)
- Al Fresco Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage – $5.23 for 11 oz (4 count)
- bettergoods Gluten Free options – Including Apple and Sage Chicken Sausage Links and Maple Chicken Sausage Patties at $3.87 for 7 oz
What I love about Walmart is they offer both pickup and delivery options for most chicken sausage products, making it super convenient when I’m too busy to shop.
Target
Target also carries a variety of chicken sausage products in their meat and seafood section. While specific pricing wasn’t visible in the content, Target emphasizes they have multiple options:
- Multiple chicken sausage varieties
- Options for dietary preferences (gluten-free, non-GMO, all-natural, sugar-free)
- Popular brands including Aidells chicken apple sausage (listed in trending searches)
Target’s website indicates they group chicken sausage with other sausage varieties like Bockwurst, Weisswurst, Chorizo, Italian, and garlic sausages.
Popular Chicken Sausage Brands
From examining both retailers, these brands appear most frequently:
- Aidells – Known for their Chicken & Apple Smoked Chicken Sausage
- Al Fresco – Offers varieties like Smoked Andouille and Sweet Apple
- Marketside (Walmart’s brand) – Has options like Chipotle and Monterey Jack, and Apple flavors
- bettergoods – Makes gluten-free varieties including Apple and Sage and Maple
Chicken Sausage Varieties to Look For
When shopping for chicken sausage, you’ll typically find these popular varieties:
- Chicken & Apple – Sweet and savory combo that’s great for breakfast
- Andouille – Cajun-style with a bit of spice, perfect for jambalaya
- Chipotle – Smoky with a kick of heat
- Italian-style – Seasoned with Italian herbs
- Breakfast varieties – Often seasoned with sage and maple
Price Comparison
Based on Walmart’s pricing (which was visible in the content), chicken sausage typically costs:
- Name brands (Aidells, Al Fresco): $5.23-$5.54 for 11-12 oz packages
- Store brands or smaller packages: $3.87-$5.54 depending on size
This puts chicken sausage in the moderate price range for proteins – more expensive than regular chicken but comparable to specialty meats.
Why Choose Chicken Sausage?
Chicken sausage offers several advantages over traditional pork sausage:
- Lower in fat – Typically contains 50-60% less fat than pork sausage
- Fewer calories – Great for those watching their calorie intake
- Variety of flavors – Available in numerous flavor combinations
- Fully cooked options – Many varieties come pre-cooked for quick meals
How to Use Chicken Sausage in Meals
Chicken sausage is super versatile! Here are some of my fave ways to use it:
- Slice and add to pasta dishes with veggies
- Chop and add to breakfast scrambles
- Grill whole links and serve on buns with toppings
- Slice and add to sheet pan meals with vegetables
- Use in soups and stews for added protein and flavor
- Add to pizza as a topping
- Slice into coins and make kebabs with vegetables
Storage and Shelf Life
When you buy chicken sausage, keep these storage tips in mind:
- Refrigeration: Most chicken sausage will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant quality loss
- Pre-cooked advantage: Many varieties are pre-cooked, extending shelf life
Online Shopping Options
Both Walmart and Target offer convenient online shopping for chicken sausage:
Walmart Online Options
- Pickup available same day for most chicken sausage products
- Delivery available same day for many products
- SNAP eligible for food assistance programs
- Subscription options available for regular purchases
Target Online Options
- Pickup and delivery options (though specific timing wasn’t mentioned)
- Target Circle™ benefits may apply
- Regular search trends show chicken sausage is a popular item
Beyond the Grocery Store
While major retailers like Walmart and Target are convenient options, don’t overlook these other places to find chicken sausage:
- Butcher shops – Often have house-made varieties with unique flavors
- Farmers markets – Local producers may offer specialty chicken sausage
- Health food stores – Good for finding organic or specialty diet options
- Ethnic markets – May carry unique varieties not found in major chains
Special Dietary Considerations
The content from Target specifically mentioned chicken sausage options for various dietary needs:
- Gluten-free options – For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
- Non-GMO varieties – For shoppers concerned about genetically modified ingredients
- All-natural options – Minimal processing and ingredients
- Sugar-free varieties – For low-carb or diabetic diets
What to Look for on Labels
When shopping for chicken sausage, I always check the label for:
- Meat percentage – Higher percentages of actual chicken meat are better
- Additives – Fewer additives and preservatives is preferable
- Sodium content – Can be high in some varieties
- Fillers – Some brands use more fillers than others
- Cooking requirements – Pre-cooked vs. raw determines preparation needs
My Personal Experience
I’ve tried tons of chicken sausage brands over the years, and honestly, Aidells Chicken & Apple remains my favorite for everyday meals. It’s widely available at both Walmart and Target, and the flavor is consistently good. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grab Al Fresco’s Andouille for a spicy kick in jambalaya.
For budget-friendly options, I’ve found Walmart’s Marketside brand offers good quality at a slightly lower price point than the premium brands.
Finding chicken sausage doesn’t have to be a wild goose chase! With major retailers like Walmart and Target carrying multiple brands and varieties, you’ve got plenty of options. Whether you prefer apple-infused links, spicy andouille, or breakfast patties, there’s a chicken sausage out there for every taste and dietary need.
The next time you’re wondering “where can I buy chicken sausage?”, just head to your nearest Walmart or Target, or order online for even more convenience. Your quick, healthy meals are just a shopping trip away!
FAQ: Chicken Sausage Shopping
Q: Is chicken sausage healthier than pork sausage?
A: Generally yes! Chicken sausage typically has less fat and fewer calories than traditional pork sausage, making it a good choice for health-conscious shoppers.
Q: Do I need to cook chicken sausage before eating?
A: It depends on the brand. Many varieties sold at Walmart and Target are fully cooked and just need heating, while others require thorough cooking. Always check the package instructions.
Q: How long does chicken sausage last in the refrigerator?
A: Typically 3-5 days after opening, but check the package for specific guidelines.
Q: Can vegetarians eat chicken sausage?
A: No, traditional chicken sausage contains real chicken meat and is not vegetarian. However, both Walmart and Target carry plant-based sausage alternatives in their vegetarian sections.
Q: Is chicken sausage gluten-free?
A: Some varieties are gluten-free (like bettergoods and some Marketside options), but not all. Always check packaging for gluten-free certification if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Happy shopping and enjoy your chicken sausage creations!
Applegate Chicken and Apple Sausage
This Applegate Farms product was the only chicken sausage in my test that included fruit for flavor. These organic sausages are made with dried apples and seasoned with vinegar, garlic, and apple juice concentrate for added moisture and sweetness. The 12-ounce package cost me $6.64 at Whole Foods Market.
The look: The Applegate sausages were orange-brown and heavily flecked with seasonings. They seared up nicely and had a thin casing that sealed in moisture and helped the sausages hold their shape when sliced.
The taste: These sausages have more sodium and sugar than any other product I tested, and it’s evident in the flavor. The flavor of these sausages is bordering on breakfast sausage sweetness. Their intense flavor profile makes them hard to pair with other dishes or sauces.
Whole Foods Organic Italian Chicken Sausage
Whole Foods makes a line of chicken sausages with various flavor profiles. The mild Italian sausage is made with organic red and green bell peppers and basil, plus fennel, paprika, vinegar, garlic, chile pepper, black pepper, and sunflower oil. A 12-ounce package of the retailer’s store-brand sausages cost me $7.29
The look: The Whole Foods sausages are thicker than some of the others in this test. They’re heavily seasoned with lots of visible basil throughout, and the exterior became shiny, golden, and crispy when seared.
The taste: These sausages felt more substantial and have a more natural, not rubbery, texture than others. They were deeply flavorful and well seasoned with a strong basil flavor that would be delicious on a pizza.