The world seems to have figured out how to make healthy sausages from every possible protein source, including plant-based and animal-based ones. Chicken sausages have been popular for decades because they tend to be healthier than traditional pork sausages.
While the lower fat content might be the reason to try chicken sausages, the meat has to deliver great taste and texture to keep you coming back.
That’s why I tested seven chicken sausages from the most popular grocery store brands, such as store-brand and high-end brands. I looked for Italian-flavored chicken sausages whenever possible, but when those weren’t available, I opted for the closest alternative. Every sausage I tested came fully cooked and either frozen or refrigerated. For the taste test, I seared each thawed sausage in a cast-iron skillet for a few minutes, then sliced it up and took a bite.
You can see how these seven popular chicken sausages ranked from my least favorite to my favorite overall.
Chicken sausage is a tasty and versatile protein that can be used in many dishes. But where can you really get good chicken sausage? I looked into it and found the best places to buy this tasty meat product.
Grocery Stores
The grocery store is the most obvious place to buy chicken sausage. In the packaged meat section of most grocery stores, like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons, you can find chicken sausage. Aidells, Al Fresco, Applegate, and Wellshire Farms are some of the well-known national brands that you can find.
Grocery stores carry fully-cooked, pre-packaged chicken sausages that just need to be heated up before eating. Common flavors include Italian apple sage sun-dried tomato, spinach feta, andouille, chorizo, bratwurst, smoked cheddar, and more. The chicken sausage sold at supermarkets is generally high quality with minimal additives.
Prices range from $3. 99 to $8. 99 for a 12 oz package depending on the brand. When you buy chicken sausage at the store, you can feel the packages to make sure you get the freshest links with the most recent “sell-by” date. Just remember to refrigerate as soon as possible after purchasing.
Butcher Shops
For even more variety, visit a local butcher shop or meat market. These specialty stores typically offer house-made chicken sausage in unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere. Depending on the butcher they may have intriguing options like chicken apple sausage, sun-dried tomato pesto cajun andouille, garlic parmesan, spicy chipotle, and more.
Butcher shops usually make their chicken sausage from high-quality chicken from nearby farms. You can talk to the butcher directly about the ingredients and how to prepare the meat. They change their stock of chicken sausage often, so call ahead to make sure they have it. Prices are comparable to the grocery store.
Farmers Markets
During spring and summer months, stop by your neighborhood farmers market to discover artisanal chicken sausages sold by local vendors. These small-batch sausages use fresh, all-natural chicken seasoned with creative herbs, spices, cheeses, and produce.
Farmers markets let you connect directly with the makers of the chicken sausage to learn about their sourcing and cooking techniques. The sausage typically costs a little more than the grocery store but the quality is superb. Try new flavors each week – grilled peach chili, bacon cheddar, basil parmesan – the variety is endless.
Online Stores
For quick home delivery, order chicken sausage online from e-commerce sites. Amazon Fresh has a wide selection including organic, uncured, reduced sodium, and gluten free options. Other sites like Walmart, Instacart, Fresh Direct and Peapod also carry major chicken sausage brands.
Check manufacturer websites as well. Companies like Aidells, Al Fresco, Applegate, Wellshire Farms, and Jones Dairy Farm offer online ordering. Delivery usually takes 1-3 days depending on your location. Online prices are similar to grocery stores. Just be sure to get express shipping if you need the sausage quickly.
Warehouse Stores
Buy chicken sausage in bulk at warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale. They sell large multi-packs of chicken sausage from brands like Kirkland, Wellsley Farms, Hormel and Hillshire Farm at discounted prices.
A 3-pack of one-pound links may cost $15-18 for the equivalent of $5-6 per pound. That’s significantly cheaper than the $8-9 per pound charged at regular supermarkets. Freeze any chicken sausage you don’t need right away so it stays fresh. Warehouse stores only carry the most popular flavors like Italian, apple sage and sun-dried tomato.
Tips for Buying Chicken Sausage
When purchasing chicken sausage, read the label closely to check the ingredients. Look for options with minimal additives and preservatives. The shorter the ingredient list, the better.
See if the chicken sausage contains any unwanted extras like MSG, corn syrup or food coloring. Opt for brands made from chicken and chicken fat rather than a chicken “meal”. Natural uncured chicken sausage is preferable to highly processed versions containing tons of sodium and nitrates.
Also note the protein percentage, with higher amounts indicating more real chicken. Finally, examine the nutrition facts. Lower fat and calorie chicken sausages are healthier than high-fat varieties. With so many options for where to buy chicken sausage, you’re sure to find delicious links to satisfy your recipe needs!
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.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
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.
It’s clear that these sausages have more sugar and sodium than any other product I tested because of how they taste. 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 have a lot of basil all over them and are heavily seasoned. When seared, the outside got shiny, golden, and crispy.
The taste: These sausages felt more substantial and have a more natural, not rubbery, texture than others. They were very flavorful and well-seasoned, with a strong basil taste that would go well on pizza.
ASMR Amylu breakfast chicken sausage
FAQ
Is chicken sausage actually healthy?
Yes, chicken sausage can be a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage, but it’s not inherently “healthy. ” It generally has less fat and sodium than pork sausage.
Who has the best chicken sausage?
I tried seven chicken sausages from the store. Applegate Chicken and Apple Sausage. Al Fresco Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage. Nature’s Promise Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage. Dietz & Watson Italian-Style Chicken Sausage.
Do Aldi sell chicken sausages?
Chicken Sausages 6 Pack | ALDI UK.
Can you get chicken sausage?
A lot of stores sell chicken sausage (links or ground) in the deli/meat section next to hot dogs and other sausages. Al Fresco chicken sausage is the easiest to find, though they sell links and not ground (store locator link).