In the past few years, sweet Italian chicken sausage has become more and more popular. Many home cooks and restaurants use it all the time because it tastes great and can be used in many ways. So what exactly goes into making this tasty sausage? Let’s take a closer look at the flavors that make sweet Italian chicken sausage what it is.
The Main Ingredients
The primary ingredient in sweet Italian chicken sausage is, of course, chicken. Most brands use a mixture of dark and white chicken meat, which provides the right balance of fat and moisture content. Beyond the chicken, there are a few key seasonings that give this sausage its signature flavor profile:
-
Fennel seed: This ingredient gives the sausage a sweet, licorice-like smell and taste that is typical of Italian sausage. The fennel flavor goes well with the other herbs and spices.
-
Garlic—An Italian sausage isn’t complete without the strong taste of garlic. It adds a pungent kick and savory depth.
-
Paprika—Adding paprika gives the dish a rich, smoky flavor and a reddish-orange color. Paprika also amplifies the other spices.
-
Black pepper – A moderate amount of coarsely ground black pepper provides a bit of heat and enhances the overall flavor
-
Anise – Like fennel, anise adds a touch of sweetness with faint licorice notes. It complements the other warm, robust seasonings.
Additional Ingredients
Beyond the core ingredients listed above, sweet Italian chicken sausage may contain small amounts of additional seasonings such as:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Sage
- Cayenne pepper
- Nutmeg
- Sugar or honey
These extra spices are added to round out the flavor profile and create the perfect balance of sweet and savory that defines this sausage variety. Some brands may also include ingredients like vinegar, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.
The Casing
Traditionally, sweet Italian chicken sausage uses natural casings made from animal intestines. However, many modern versions utilize collagen or cellulose-based casings. Natural casings provide an authentic texture, while artificial casings offer more consistency and can be made vegetarian.
Preservatives
To extend shelf life and food safety, most commercial sweet Italian chicken sausages contain preservatives such as lactic acid and sodium nitrite. These controlled amounts preserve freshness and protect against bacterial growth without compromising quality.
Potential Allergens
Those with food allergies should note that sweet Italian chicken sausage may contain potential allergens, most commonly garlic, anise, and fennel. Always check the ingredients list for any individual sensitivities. The sausage itself does not contain any gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, or shellfish.
Flavor Variations
While traditional sweet Italian chicken sausage has a distinguishable spice blend, some brands offer alternative versions. These can include flavors like hot and spicy, sundried tomato, spinach, basil, and more. The overall ingredients remain similar, with added seasonings to create different taste profiles.
Where it comes from
Made with chicken raised on pasture and traditional Italian herbs, these sausages are a testament to quality and taste. The pork casing adds a satisfying snap with every bite.
Grill or pan-fry over medium heat until golden brown. This sausage pairs wonderfully with sautéed peppers and onions or as a topping for pizzas and pastas. Also great sliced into soups or stews.
Healthy animals living full lives create full-flavored. nutrient-dense food.
Rather than shipping products from hundreds or thousands of miles away, we source seasonally.
Our food is pure with no antibiotics, hormones, steroids, growth enhancers or animal by-products, ever.
Our animals come from low-stress environments where they’re allowed to roam (or swim) completely free.
Our farmers use regenerative practices that enrich soil, improve water retention, reduce carbon emissions and support biodiversity.
Our products are sourced exclusively from small, independent farms on the East Coast.
Starting At $199 / each
Sweet Italian chicken sausage is a leaner but still very tasty alternative to traditional pork sausage. It is made from Italian herbs and tender chicken raised on pasture. Perfect for grilling, sautéing, or as a protein topping for pasta, this sausage offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. 1lb 4 per pack. Ingredients: chicken trim, water, salt, black pepper, ground fennel, fennel seed, dried garlic, oregano. In a pork casing.
- Add-On
Member Favorite
Tried, true, and loved by members.
-
Grill -
Skillet
Sweet Italian Chicken Sausages
FAQ
What are the ingredients in sweet Italian chicken sausage?
Ingredients. BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN THIGH, SEASONING BLEND (DEXTROSE, SEA SALT, DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR, CULTURED DEXTROSE [TO PRESERVE], POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SPICES, MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL FLAVORS, PAPRIKA [COLOR], LACTIC ACID, SILICON DIOXIDE [ANTI-CAKING]). , PACKED IN A NATURAL PORK CASING.
What is sweet Italian sausage made of?
Ground pork, spices, and salt are mostly used to make sweet Italian sausage. Fennel is the main spice used, but garlic and paprika are also often added. It’s encased in a natural pork casing.
What is the difference between sweet Italian sausage and regular Italian sausage?
It’s common for mild seasonings like sugar or basil to be added to sweet Italian sausage to balance out the garlic and fennel. In contrast, hot versions use red pepper flakes or cayenne to mimic the boldness of Calabrian salsiccia.
What are the ingredients in Al Fresco sweet Italian chicken sausage?
Chicken, Red and Green Peppers, Water, Contains 2% or Less of Fennel, Black Pepper, Salt, Sugar, Natural Flavors, Made with Calcium Alginate Casings or Natural Pork Casings. Free from Cereals and Their Derivatives.