How Do You Know When Chicken Sausage Is Done?

Chicken sausage is a tasty and versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from breakfast sandwiches to hearty dinner entrees. However properly cooking chicken sausage can be tricky since poultry needs to reach a safe internal temperature to avoid any foodborne illnesses. So how do you know when chicken sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat?

There are a few easy ways to determine doneness for chicken sausage

Use a Meat Thermometer

The most foolproof way to check chicken sausage doneness is by taking its internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer Chicken sausage should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) throughout to be considered safe to eat.

To make sure, put the probe of the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage and make sure it doesn’t touch any bones. Wait 10-15 seconds for an accurate reading. If it hits 165°F, the sausage is fully cooked. If it doesn’t, keep cooking it until it reaches the right temperature inside.

Investing in a good digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness for chicken, turkey, and other poultry products. It provides peace of mind that your food is properly cooked.

Check the Color

When chicken sausage is fully cooked, it will be white and opaque all the way through with no traces of pink. Undercooked chicken sausage that still contains pink flesh can potentially harbor harmful bacteria.

Once the sausage links are done, carefully cut one in half down the middle to check out the inside. It should be all white, with no pink spots that look rough. Darker brown or gray spots are fine because they mean the outside is browning in a tasty way. But avoid eating any sausage with pink interiors.

The juices should also run clear rather than red when pricking sausages with a fork. If you notice any reddish juices, continue cooking them further.

Do a Cut Test

You can perform a simple cut test by nicking one of the sausages with a sharp knife post-cooking. Properly cooked sausages will have firmed up and have a bounce back when pressed. Undercooked sausages will still have a soft, mushy texture.

Check for Firmness

Fully cooked chicken sausage should feel firm and springy to the touch. Undercooked sausage that still contains raw chicken will have a soft, squishy texture.

After cooking, gently press along the length of a few sausages to see if they are done. They shouldn’t indent much or feel spongy. When light pressure makes sausage firm, it’s ready to eat.

Pay Attention to Cook Times

If following a recipe, keep track of the stated cooking times as a doneness guideline. Chicken sausage generally takes 10-15 minutes to fully cook through on the stovetop or grill at medium-high heat. It may take 12-18 minutes in a 400°F oven.

These cook times are based on average size sausage links. Larger, thicker sausages require more time to cook through. Smaller breakfast-size links may be done sooner.

So, even if the estimated cooking time has passed, always use one of the other methods above to make sure the food is done. The times can change depending on your stove’s power and the thickness of the sausages.

Check for Shrinkage

Properly cooked chicken sausage will shrink up slightly compared to its raw size. This happens as the proteins tighten from exposure to heat.

Undercooked sausages may still appear plump and rounded since the interior proteins haven’t fully coagulated yet. If your sausages don’t shrink much during cooking, cut into one and double check they are opaque throughout.

Is Browned Skin Always a Sign of Doneness?

While browned and crisped skin can indicate properly cooked chicken sausage, it doesn’t guarantee the interior has reached a safe temperature. Sausage skins brown faster than the inside cooks through.

So it’s possible for sausages to take on tempting golden color before being fully cooked. This is why checking the internal temperature and color is so important.

Can You Eat Slightly Pink Chicken Sausage?

According to USDA guidelines, chicken sausage is only considered safe to eat once it reaches 165°F throughout, even if it retains a hint of pink. Any visible pink indicates the presence of undercooked poultry, which can harbor bacteria. Play it safe by cooking sausage to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.

What Happens If You Eat Undercooked Chicken Sausage?

Consuming raw or undercooked chicken sausage puts you at risk for foodborne illness. Chicken can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter that are destroyed through thorough cooking.

Eating undercooked sausage may cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever if harmful pathogens are present. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Children, pregnant women, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

So always ensure chicken sausage is cooked to a safe internal temperature to avoid getting sick. Take the extra minutes to check for doneness instead of eating partially raw sausage.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Sausage

• Always use a meat thermometer for foolproof doneness. Cook to 165°F.

• Cut into sausages to check for opaque, white interiors with no pink.

• Look for firm, springy texture without mushiness or indentations.

• Note any shrinkage during cooking as a sign of proper doneness.

• Follow recipe cook times but still verify temperature.

• Avoid any sausage that appears undercooked or slimy inside.

• Cook frozen sausage even longer to account for frozen middle.

• Cook larger, thicker sausages for a few extra minutes.

Common Chicken Sausage Cooking Methods

There are several easy ways to cook chicken sausage depending on your preferences:

• Pan-fry: Cook sausage in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until browned. Takes about 12-15 minutes.

• Grill: Place sausage on a hot grill. Cook covered on medium heat, flipping halfway through, until done. Takes 10-15 minutes.

• Bake: Arrange sausage on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

• Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and 165°F.

• Poach: Gently simmer sausage for 8-10 minutes in broth, sauce or water until opaque. Then brown afterward.

• Microwave: Microwave on high 2-3 minutes per batch. Check temperature before serving.

No matter which cooking method you use, always verify chicken sausage doneness with a thermometer or by cutting into it. Check for white, firm interiors without any raw pink areas. Following these doneness tips will ensure your chicken sausage is cooked safely every time.