How many calories are in 2 fried chicken sausages?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Based on brand, size, and cooking method, the calorie count for two fried chicken sausages can range significantly, but a general estimate puts it between 150 and 250 calories. The simple act of frying, rather than grilling or boiling, adds a considerable amount of extra fat and energy, a key factor for those managing their daily intake.

Quick Summary

The caloric content of two fried chicken sausages is not a fixed number, depending on size, brand, and the amount and type of oil used for frying. A realistic estimate places the count between 150 and 250 calories, impacting nutritional comparisons with other cooking methods.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: Two fried chicken sausages typically contain between 150 and 250 calories, but this can change significantly based on brand, size, and recipe.
Frying Adds Calories: Cooking in oil increases the total fat and calorie content compared to healthier methods like grilling, boiling, or air-frying.
Check Nutrition Labels: For the most accurate calorie count, always refer to the specific nutrition label on the sausage packaging, as composition differs between brands.
Cooking Method Matters: Grilling or baking chicken sausages can result in a significantly lower calorie meal than pan-frying them in oil.
Consider Sodium Content: Beyond calories, sausages are often high in sodium, a factor that should be considered for overall health and diet planning.
Lean vs. Fatty Sausages: Leaner chicken sausages, sometimes labeled as 'light,' will have fewer calories and less fat than those with a higher fat content.
Protein Boost: Despite the added calories from frying, chicken sausages remain a solid source of protein, an important macronutrient for muscle health and satiety.

The question of how many calories are in 2 fried chicken sausages has no single answer, as the nutritional content is influenced by multiple variables. Unlike raw chicken, which has a relatively fixed nutritional profile, a processed sausage's composition depends heavily on the manufacturer. The cooking method, specifically frying, also plays a crucial role by adding extra fat from the cooking oil. A typical two-sausage serving can contain anywhere from under 100 calories for certain leaner, pre-cooked breakfast links to over 250 calories for larger, fattier varieties cooked in ample oil.

Factors Affecting the Calorie Count

Several key elements contribute to the final calorie total of your fried chicken sausages. Understanding these can help you make more informed dietary choices.

Brand and Recipe: Different manufacturers use varying ratios of lean chicken meat to chicken skin, fat, and fillers. For example, a gourmet sausage with a higher fat content will naturally have more calories than a 'light' or 'lean' version. Some brands also add ingredients like cheese or fruit, further altering the final count. Always check the specific nutrition label on the package for the most accurate data.
Sausage Size: The size and weight of the sausages directly correlate with the calorie count. Two small, breakfast-style links will contain fewer calories than two large, dinner-style sausages. For instance, some breakfast links weigh only 34g each, while a larger chicken sausage might be 95g per link.
Cooking Oil: The process of frying involves the sausage absorbing a portion of the cooking oil, increasing the overall fat and calorie content. The type of oil used also matters; a tablespoon of canola oil adds around 124 calories, while a tablespoon of coconut oil is about 120 calories. How much oil you use and how long you fry the sausages for will significantly impact the final caloric value.
Additives and Fillers: Some commercially produced sausages contain fillers like breadcrumbs or starches, which add to the carbohydrate count and overall calories. Homemade versions or those from a local butcher often have a simpler, leaner ingredient list. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council provides useful resources on ingredients.

Caloric Breakdown: What Makes Up the Calories?

The calories in a fried chicken sausage come from three main macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Frying, in particular, affects the fat component.

Protein Content

Chicken sausages are an excellent source of protein, which is vital for building muscle, repairing tissues, and creating enzymes and hormones. A typical two-sausage serving can provide a significant portion of your daily protein needs. The protein content helps with satiety, making you feel full for longer.

Fat Content

This is where the most significant caloric variation occurs. Fat is calorie-dense, and both the fat already present in the sausage and the fat absorbed during frying contribute to the total. A fried sausage will always have more calories and fat than a grilled or boiled one. Saturated fat, often high in processed meats, should also be monitored as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates and Sodium

While chicken sausage is generally low in carbs, fillers can increase this amount. For instance, some varieties use breadcrumbs as a binding agent. Sodium is another important nutritional factor to consider, as many sausages are high in salt to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. High sodium intake can contribute to various health issues.

Comparison Table: Fried Chicken vs. Other Sausages

This table illustrates how the calorie count can differ based on the type of sausage and cooking method. Data is based on general estimates for an average-sized serving of two sausages.


Sausage Type	Cooking Method	Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Source
Chicken Sausage	Fried (in oil)	150-250 kcal	Added fat from oil, fat in sausage
Chicken Sausage	Grilled or Boiled	90-190 kcal	Fat and protein in sausage
Pork Sausage	Fried (in oil)	250-350 kcal	Higher fat content, added fat from oil
Pork Sausage	Grilled or Boiled	200-300 kcal	Higher fat content than chicken
Beef Sausage	Fried (in oil)	280-380 kcal	Higher fat content than chicken, added fat
Veggie Sausage	Fried (in oil)	120-180 kcal	Varies greatly, added fat from oil

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

To accurately determine how many calories are in 2 fried chicken sausages, you must consider the specific product and preparation. Reading the nutrition label is essential, as the difference between brands can be significant. Opting for leaner chicken sausages and minimizing the amount of oil used during frying (or choosing an alternative cooking method like air frying or grilling) can help reduce the calorie and fat content. Understanding these factors allows you to enjoy chicken sausages as part of a balanced diet while staying within your nutritional goals. For example, swapping from a pan-fried to a grilled version can shave off dozens of calories with each meal. Ultimately, awareness of these details is key to making a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the calories in fried chicken sausages, you need to find the base calorie count per serving on the product's nutrition label. Then, you must estimate the additional calories absorbed from the cooking oil during frying. For example, adding two tablespoons of oil could add over 200 calories to the meal.

Yes, grilled chicken sausages are generally healthier than fried ones. Grilling does not require added oil, which eliminates a significant source of extra fat and calories, resulting in a leaner final product.

Yes, the size and weight of the sausage directly affect its calorie count. Two small breakfast-style links will have fewer calories than two large dinner-style links, so it's essential to consider the serving size.

Besides calories, you should consider the fat content (especially saturated fat), sodium levels, and protein content. Sausages can be high in sodium, and the fat content varies widely, while they are also a good source of protein.

Yes, you can reduce the calories by minimizing the amount of oil used for frying, using a non-stick pan, or choosing a cooking method that doesn't require oil, like boiling, air frying, or grilling.

Lower-calorie alternatives include leaner, low-fat chicken sausages cooked without oil, or choosing other protein sources like plain grilled chicken breast or turkey sausage, which typically have less fat.

The calorie count varies between brands because manufacturers use different recipes, including varying proportions of lean meat, chicken skin, fat, and fillers. For accurate information, always check the specific product's nutrition label.