How many calories are in chicken sausage? A Nutrition Diet Guide

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count in chicken sausage can vary significantly, with some options containing as few as 50 calories per link, while others can exceed 150 calories. Understanding how many calories are in chicken sausage is the first step toward making informed decisions for a balanced nutrition diet and achieving health goals.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of chicken sausage is not fixed, varying widely depending on ingredients, brand, and serving size. Options can range from 50 to over 150 calories per link, making it essential to check nutrition labels. Factors like added cheese, fruit, and fat content heavily influence the final calorie count.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The number of calories in chicken sausage can differ significantly, with some brands offering low-calorie breakfast links (around 50 calories) while others have higher-calorie, gourmet varieties (over 170 calories).
Ingredient Impact: Added ingredients like cheese, apples, and different cuts of chicken significantly influence the final calorie and fat content.
Label Literacy: Always read the nutritional label to verify the serving size, calorie count, and total fat, as this varies considerably across brands and flavors.
Beyond Calories: For a healthier choice, consider other nutritional aspects like saturated fat, sodium, and protein levels, and opt for options with fewer fillers and more whole-food ingredients.
Balanced Integration: To fit chicken sausage into a healthy diet, focus on portion control, and serve it with a high volume of nutrient-rich vegetables and complex carbohydrates.
Preparation Matters: Opt for healthier cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of frying to avoid adding unnecessary calories and fats.

Understanding the Calorie Variability of Chicken Sausage

When adding chicken sausage to your meal plan, it's important to know that its caloric value is not standardized. Unlike a simple piece of grilled chicken, sausage is a processed product with a diverse range of recipes. The final calorie count is influenced by several factors, including the cut of chicken used, additional ingredients like cheese or fruit, and the specific manufacturing process employed by different brands. A link from one brand can be vastly different from a link from another, emphasizing the importance of label awareness.

Factors That Influence Chicken Sausage Calories

The nutritional profile of chicken sausage is a complex tapestry woven from various components. The most significant factors contributing to its calorie count are:

Added Ingredients: Manufacturers often include other ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. For example, some varieties include cheese, which can significantly increase both the fat and calorie content. Apple or maple-flavored sausages may contain added sugars, contributing to carbohydrates and overall calories.
Cut of Chicken: Sausages can be made from different parts of the chicken. A sausage made with lean chicken breast will be lower in fat and calories than one incorporating fatty cuts or skin. The fat content directly impacts the calorie density, as fat provides 9 calories per gram compared to protein and carbohydrates, which provide 4 calories per gram.
Brand Variations: As search results show, there is no single answer for how many calories are in chicken sausage. A single link can range from 50 calories for a breakfast-style link to 170 calories for a smoked, gourmet variety. Always check the packaging for accurate information.
Sodium and Additives: While not directly affecting calorie count, high sodium levels are often a concern in processed sausages. Some brands may add fillers or preservatives, which can also influence the overall nutritional makeup.

Calorie and Nutritional Comparison by Sausage Type

To make an informed decision, let's compare the nutritional facts of a few different types of chicken sausage based on available data. This table highlights how drastically calories and other macros can differ.


Sausage Type	Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Protein	Sodium
Al Fresco Country Style Breakfast	1 link (32g)	50	2g	0.5g	7g	210mg
Isernio's Italian Chicken Sausage	1 link (95g)	110	3.5g	1g	18g	700mg
Aidells Chicken & Apple	1 link (85g)	170	11g	2.5g	15g	460mg
Generic Chicken Sausage (100g)	100g	172	9.98g	2.56g	17.8g	722mg

Making a Healthy Choice: Beyond the Calorie Count

Focusing on calories alone can be misleading. For a balanced nutrition diet, it's essential to consider the full nutritional picture. Higher-calorie options sometimes offer more protein or use healthier, whole-food ingredients. Conversely, a lower-calorie sausage might contain more sodium or preservatives. Here’s what to look for when choosing chicken sausage:

Read the Label Carefully: Beyond just calories, check the serving size, total fat, and saturated fat content. Also, look at the sodium levels, as they can be high in many processed meats. The ingredients list provides insight into fillers and additives.
Consider the Recipe: A chicken sausage with spinach and feta may offer more nutrients than a basic version. For example, a spinach and feta option might have 110 calories per link, providing a richer nutrient profile for the same caloric intake as other options.
Look for Transparency: Choose brands that are transparent about their ingredients and sourcing. Opting for brands that use simple, recognizable ingredients can often mean a healthier product. Look for sausages made from chicken raised without antibiotics or hormones, if that is important to you.

Integrating Chicken Sausage into a Balanced Diet

Chicken sausage, when chosen wisely, can be a valuable part of a nutritious diet. Its high protein content makes it filling and satisfying. Here are some tips for incorporating it effectively:

Portion Control: Pay attention to the serving size listed on the package. If a link is 95g and you’re used to consuming a smaller portion, adjust your intake accordingly.
Pair with Vegetables: Serve chicken sausage alongside a large portion of non-starchy vegetables. This adds fiber and essential vitamins, making the meal more balanced and filling.
Use as a Protein Source: Use it as the protein component in a meal rather than as an add-on. For example, slice it and add it to a pasta dish with a tomato sauce and plenty of greens.
Cooking Method Matters: The cooking method also plays a role. While grilling or baking is healthier, frying in excess oil adds unnecessary calories. Consider grilling, air-frying, or pan-searing with minimal oil. The Verywell Fit website provides further insights into healthy cooking methods.
Build a Complete Meal: Combine chicken sausage with complex carbohydrates like quinoa or whole-grain pasta, and healthy fats from avocado or olive oil for a well-rounded and energizing meal.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in chicken sausage? The answer varies significantly by brand, type, and preparation. By carefully reviewing nutritional labels and understanding the ingredients, you can find options that fit within your diet plan. With calorie counts ranging from around 50 to over 170 per link, it's clear that not all chicken sausages are created equal. Focus on choosing lower-fat, lower-sodium versions and pairing them with nutrient-dense foods to create a delicious and balanced meal. This mindful approach ensures you can enjoy chicken sausage while staying on track with your nutrition goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes, chicken sausage tends to be lower in saturated fat and total fat than traditional pork sausage. However, this depends on the specific brand and recipe, as some chicken sausages can contain significant fat and sodium if cheese or skin is added.

The calorie count for a small chicken breakfast sausage link can be quite low. For example, some brands offer country-style breakfast links with as few as 50 calories per link.

The calorie count between mild and hot Italian chicken sausage is often minimal, as the primary difference is the type and amount of spices used, not the fundamental ingredients. For example, both mild and hot versions from one manufacturer can be 110 calories per 95g link.

Adding vegetables to chicken sausage does not reduce the sausage's calories. However, it increases the overall meal's volume and nutritional density without adding a significant number of calories, helping you feel fuller and more satisfied.

The cooking method can affect the final calorie count. Grilling or baking typically adds no extra calories, while pan-frying in oil will increase the total caloric content, depending on the amount and type of oil used.

Chicken and turkey sausages often have similar nutritional profiles, being leaner than pork sausages. Like chicken sausage, the final nutritional content of turkey sausage varies by brand, added ingredients, and processing.

Yes, sodium can be a significant concern in many processed sausages, including chicken sausage. It is important to check the nutritional label, as sodium levels can be high depending on the brand and variety.