If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s both flavorful and lighter than the traditional pork sausage, this Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe is a total winner. Filled with warm spices like fennel, sage, and thyme, plus the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, these patties bring a perfect balance of savory and sweet to your morning plate. They’re quick to whip up, boast a tender texture, and make an excellent protein-packed start to your day that feels just as comforting as your favorite breakfast classics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity — just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that signature breakfast sausage flavor and juicy texture. From fragrant spices to wholesome ground chicken, every element is essential and thoughtfully chosen to come together harmoniously.
- Fennel seeds (2 teaspoons): Adds a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor that’s a breakfast sausage staple.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the savory flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick that keeps things interesting.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Provides earthy and herbal notes that deepen the taste.
- Ground sage (¼ teaspoon): Essential for that classic sausage aroma and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (⅛ teaspoon, optional): For a faint touch of heat, if you like things a little spicy.
- Ground chicken (1 pound): The lean protein base that keeps the patties light yet flavorful.
- Pure maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Adds a natural sweetness to balance the spices.
- Oil (2 tablespoons, avocado or olive): For cooking, ensuring the patties get a delicious golden crust.
How to Make Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Breakfast Sausage Seasoning
Start by mixing all the dry seasoning ingredients — fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, thyme, sage, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them — in a small bowl. Whisking them together helps distribute those wonderful flavors evenly when combined with the ground chicken.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Patties
In a large bowl, add the ground chicken along with the maple syrup and the sausage seasoning mixture. Use a potato masher or just your hands to mash and blend everything thoroughly. Once the mixture is uniform, divide it into four equal parts. From each part, form about three patties that are roughly 2 to 2 ½ inches in diameter and about half an inch thick. Patties shaped like this cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage Patties in a Skillet
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat, enough to coat the bottom well. When the oil begins to sizzle, carefully place the patties in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Depending on your skillet size, you might need two batches. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on each side, until their edges turn golden brown and the inside is no longer pink. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re firm and delicious smelling.
How to Serve Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe
Garnishes
These patties are wonderful on their own, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper on top adds an inviting pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of creamy mustard on the side brings out the sweet and savory contrasts beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties with warm buttery biscuits or a stack of fluffy scrambled eggs for a classic breakfast spread. For a lighter touch, roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed spinach balance the meal with some vibrant color and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the patties and layering them in a breakfast sandwich with avocado and a fried egg for a satisfying handheld meal. They also work fabulously crumbled on top of a grain bowl or tossed with sautéed vegetables for a quick brunch that feels special yet effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some extra patties, no worries! Keep any cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks during busy mornings.
Freezing
Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time. Lay the cooked patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’re best used within 3 to 4 months for top-notch flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw frozen patties overnight in the fridge or warm them straight from frozen in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again. You can also use the microwave for convenience, though the skillet method keeps the outside perfectly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and offers a similar mild flavor and lean profile. Just be mindful of the cooking time as turkey can dry out more quickly than chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe uses no gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make the patties spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Can I bake the patties instead of cooking in a skillet?
Definitely. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties on a parchment-lined sheet for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and golden.
What sweeteners can I substitute for maple syrup?
Honey, agave nectar, or even a mild brown sugar can replace maple syrup here. Each will add a slightly different note of sweetness but keep the overall balance delightful.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe. It’s a simple, flavorful way to start your day with homemade goodness that’s both healthy and delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast staple that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat!
Print
Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sausage patties (serves 12)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional pork sausage, made with ground chicken and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick morning protein boost, they’re easy to shape, cook in a skillet, and serve immediately or store for later use.
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (can substitute honey or other sweetener)
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Breakfast Sausage Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, ground sage, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined to create the sausage seasoning blend.
- Shape Sausage Patties: Add the ground chicken and maple syrup to a large bowl with the seasoning mix. Mash everything together thoroughly by hand or with a potato masher until all ingredients are evenly combined. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into three patties, making each patty about 2 to 2 ½ inches wide and ½ inch thick.
- Optional – Shape Links: Alternatively, form the sausage mixture into links approximately 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches long instead of patties.
- Cook Sausage in Skillet: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium heat, coating the bottom evenly. Once the oil is sizzling, add the patties in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on each side or until they develop golden edges and the chicken is fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Serve or Store: Serve the sausage patties immediately for best flavor, or let them cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties for 3 to 4 months.
Notes
- Ground chicken is leaner than pork, so avoid overcooking to keep patties moist.
- Maple syrup balances the savory spices with a touch of sweetness but can be replaced with honey or another sweetener.
- The seasoning blend can be adjusted to taste—omit red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat.
- Cook patties in batches if your skillet can’t hold all without crowding.
- Allow patties to come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking results.
