We’ve always been fans of the vibrant flavors in spinach and feta chicken sausage recipes—these dishes blend fresh greens with tangy cheese and lean protein for a wholesome twist. Drawing from Mediterranean roots, they offer a simple way to elevate everyday meals with bold tastes that feel both comforting and exciting.
In our kitchen, we’ve found these recipes ideal for busy nights, delivering nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a home cook or a flavor enthusiast, we’re confident you’ll love how easy they are to prepare.
Ingredients
To bring our vibrant Spinach and Feta Chicken Sausage recipes to life—capturing those fresh greens, tangy cheese, and lean protein we discussed earlier—here’s a curated list of essential ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with precise measurements and prep notes for effortless preparation.
Main Sausage Components
- 1 pound ground chicken: Use lean, fresh chicken for the base; ensure it’s chilled to maintain texture.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Chopped finely; we recommend washing and drying it thoroughly to enhance its vibrant green color and natural earthiness.
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 cup feta cheese: Crumbled; opt for high-quality, tangy feta to add that signature Mediterranean zest that pairs perfectly with the spinach.
- 1 medium onion: Diced; choose a yellow variety for its mild sweetness, which builds the foundational flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced; fresh garlic amplifies the aromatic depth, making our sausages irresistibly flavorful.
Seasonings and Binders
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Adds herbaceous notes; we suggest rubbing it between your fingers before adding for maximum release of oils.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Kosher preferred; season to taste for balanced enhancement without overwhelming the natural tastes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground; provides a subtle kick that complements the creamy feta.
- 1 large egg: Beaten; acts as a binder to hold everything together for juicy, well-formed sausages.
These ingredients combine to deliver the wholesome, exciting meals we’re passionate about—nutritious, quick, and full of bold flavors for any occasion.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into mixing our fresh spinach, tangy feta, and lean ground chicken, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand. These essentials make preparing spinach and feta chicken sausages straightforward and efficient, helping us achieve perfectly formed and flavorful results.
We recommend the following equipment to streamline the process:
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like our 2 cups of finely chopped fresh spinach and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This allows for even distribution and easy mixing without spills.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for precisely dicing the medium onion and mincing garlic, ensuring that our flavor enhancers integrate seamlessly into the mixture.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for prepping vegetables and herbs, keeping our workstation clean and safe while handling items like fresh spinach.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate measurements of seasonings such as dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, guaranteeing the recipe’s balance of flavors.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Perfect for cooking the sausages to a golden brown, allowing us to sear the lean ground chicken mixture evenly and lock in juices.
- Baking Sheet (with Parchment Paper): If we opt for oven-baking, this ensures the sausages cook uniformly without sticking, offering a healthier alternative to frying.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and forming the mixture with the beaten egg as a binder, helping us create juicy, well-shaped sausages.
With these tools, we’re set to transform our ingredients into delicious, nutritious spinach and feta chicken sausages effortlessly.
Instructions
Now that we have our fresh ingredients and tools lined up, let’s craft our flavorful Spinach and Feta Chicken Sausages with ease and precision. We promise these steps will deliver juicy, aromatic results that highlight the vibrant greens and tangy cheese in every bite.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, gather all our ingredients as listed earlier for a smooth process. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground chicken with 2 cups of finely chopped fresh spinach to infuse a burst of earthy greens into the mixture. Next, add 1 cup of high-quality crumbled feta cheese for that signature tangy kick, along with 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to build layers of aromatic flavor.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for balanced seasoning, ensuring the herbs and spices coat the mixture evenly. Crack and beat 1 large egg, then stir it in as a binder to keep our sausages moist and well-formed. Use a spatula to mix everything thoroughly until the blend is uniform and slightly sticky, releasing the fresh scent of spinach and garlic that promises a Mediterranean delight.
Cook the Sausage
Shape the prepared mixture into 8 equal patties or links, about 3 inches long each, for even cooking and a professional finish. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and once it shimmers, add the sausages in a single layer to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully with a spatula, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer—ensuring they are safely done while staying juicy inside. As they sizzle, you’ll notice the feta melting slightly and the spinach wilting, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen with savory, herbaceous notes.
Assemble the Dish
Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a serving platter and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to lock in juices and enhance flavors. Pair each sausage with complementary sides like a simple Greek salad or whole-grain pita for a complete, nutritious meal that showcases the Spinach and Feta Chicken Sausages’ vibrant taste.
| Number of Sausages | Suggested Servings | Estimated Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 people | 300 |
Make-Ahead Tips
As we explore the versatility of our spinach and feta chicken sausage recipes, preparing them ahead saves time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. These tips help maintain the vibrant, tangy taste of fresh spinach, creamy feta, and lean chicken, ensuring meals stay juicy and ready for busy days.
Preparing the Mixture in Advance
We recommend mixing the sausage ingredients up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking. Start by combining 1 pound of ground chicken, 2 cups of finely chopped spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta, diced onion, minced garlic, seasonings, and a beaten egg in a large bowl. Use your hands to blend until uniform, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld, enhancing the Mediterranean-inspired zest that makes these sausages irresistible.
Storing Uncooked Sausages
For longer make-ahead options, shape the mixture into patties or links right after preparing. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet without touching, then flash-freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method preserves the fresh, herbaceous notes of spinach and the tangy bite of feta for up to 3 months. Here’s a quick overview of storage guidelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Keep below 40°F; use within a day for optimal freshness and texture. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Label with date; thaw in fridge overnight to avoid moisture loss. |
Storing and Reheating Cooked Sausages
If you’ve cooked a batch, let the sausages cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, where they’ll retain their golden-brown crispness and savory aroma.
For reheating, we suggest the following steps to restore that just-cooked appeal:
- In a skillet: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add sausages and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until warmed through, allowing the feta’s creaminess and spinach’s earthiness to shine.
- In the oven: Preheat to 350°F, arrange sausages on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the exterior crispy while the interior stays moist.
- In the microwave: For quick meals, cover sausages with a damp paper towel and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, though we prefer oven or skillet methods to preserve the dish’s hearty texture.
By following these straightforward steps, we ensure your spinach and feta chicken sausage preparations remain convenient, flavorful, and full of wholesome appeal for any mealtime.
Conclusion
We’ve explored the joy of spinach and feta chicken sausages, and we’re thrilled with how they blend nutrition and taste effortlessly. These recipes let us create meals that feel fresh and exciting every time.
As we wrap up, trust us to say they’re a staple we’ll keep coming back to for their simplicity and flavor punch—give them a try and elevate your everyday dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinach and feta chicken sausage?
Spinach and feta chicken sausage is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish made with lean ground chicken, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese. It’s a wholesome alternative to traditional sausages, offering a balance of nutrition and taste, perfect for quick, healthy meals.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need 1 pound of lean ground chicken, 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, a diced medium onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a beaten egg as a binder. These simple, fresh ingredients create juicy, flavorful sausages.
What equipment is required to make these sausages?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a skillet or frying pan for cooking, and a baking sheet with parchment paper for oven use. A spatula helps with mixing and handling.
How do I make spinach and feta chicken sausages?
Mix 1 pound ground chicken, 2 cups chopped spinach, 1 cup feta, diced onion, minced garlic, seasonings, and a beaten egg in a bowl. Shape into patties or links, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fully cooked, about 10-15 minutes. Let rest before serving.
Can I prepare these sausages ahead of time?
Yes, mix the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate to enhance flavors. For longer storage, shape into patties and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to have a quick, nutritious meal ready for busy days.
How should I store and reheat the cooked sausages?
Store cooked sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through, preserving texture and flavor without drying them out.
Is this recipe healthy and nutritious?
Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and calcium from feta, making it a nutritious option at about 300 calories per serving. It’s ideal for balanced meals, supporting a healthy diet without sacrificing taste.