Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage Recipe

Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage Recipe

If you’ve ever picked up a pack of Costco chicken feta spinach sausage and thought, “I need to learn how to make this at home,” -this recipe is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

This homemade chicken feta spinach sausage recipe combines lean ground chicken with creamy, salty feta cheese and tender fresh spinach, seasoned to perfection with garlic and black pepper.

The result is a juicy, protein-packed sausage that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a first-time sausage maker or a seasoned home cook, this guide walks you through every step with confidence.

Table of Contents

What Does Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage Taste Like?

Chicken feta spinach sausage has a beautifully savory, well-rounded flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional pork sausages. The lean chicken base is mild and tender, while the crumbled feta brings a creamy, tangy saltiness that melts into every bite.

Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage

Fresh spinach adds a subtle earthiness without overpowering the other flavors. Garlic and black pepper round everything out with a gentle warmth.

The texture is firm yet juicy -with a satisfying snap from the natural casing. It’s lighter than most sausages but every bit as satisfying.

Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this chicken feta spinach sausage recipe from scratch at home.

For the Sausage

  • 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 150g (approx. 1 cup) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 100g (approx. 2 cups) fresh spinach, finely chopped and squeezed dry
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
  • ¼ cup ice-cold water

For the Casings

  • Sheep casings (natural, for an authentic snap)
  • Or collagen casings (easier to handle for beginners)

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

  • KitchenAid stand mixer with meat grinder attachment and sausage stuffer attachment (or a standalone meat grinder and sausage stuffer)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer (essential for food safety)
  • Baking sheet or tray (for chilling the meat)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Kitchen twine or sausage twister

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30–45 minutes chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8–10 sausage links (4–6 inches each)

How to Make Homemade Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage -Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep and Chill the Meat

Cut the chicken breasts and thighs into 1-inch cubes. Spread them out on a tray or baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30–45 minutes. This step is critical -chilled meat grinds cleanly without smearing, which gives your sausage a better texture and prevents the fat from breaking down. Do not skip this step.

Prep and Chill the Meat

Step 2: Grind the Chicken

Set up your KitchenAid mixer with the meat grinder attachment using a coarse or medium grinding disc. Feed the chilled chicken cubes through the hopper in small batches. Always use the stomper or pusher provided with your machine -never use your fingers to push meat into the hopper. Grind all the chicken and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix the Sausage Filling

Add the crumbled feta, finely chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, and garlic to the ground chicken. Pour in the ice-cold water. Knead the entire mixture by hand for 2–3 minutes until it becomes noticeably tacky and sticky. This protein activation is what holds the sausage together during cooking and ensures it doesn’t crumble or fall apart when you slice into it.

Mix the Sausage Filling

Step 4: Stuff the Casings

Switch your KitchenAid to the sausage stuffer attachment. If using sheep casings, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water and soak for 10–15 minutes to soften. Slide your chosen casing onto the stuffing tube, leaving a few inches hanging off the end. Feed the sausage mixture through slowly, using your non-dominant hand to gently guide and support the casing as it fills, controlling the thickness. Avoid overstuffing -a tightly packed casing will burst during cooking.

Step 5: Twist Into Links

Once all the mixture is stuffed, twist the long rope of sausage into 4–6 inch links by pinching and rotating every few inches, alternating the twist direction with each link. Tie off both ends with a knot or kitchen twine.

Twist Into Links

Step 6: Cook and Serve

How long to cook chicken feta spinach sausage depends on your cooking method, but the non-negotiable rule is reaching an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Pan-fry over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, turning regularly for even browning. On a grill, cook over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, turning every few minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness -chicken sausage should never be cooked by appearance alone.

Customization and Serving Ideas for Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage

This versatile chicken feta spinach sausage recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are seven delicious ways to customize and serve it.

1. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a Mediterranean Twist

Finely chop 2–3 tablespoons of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and fold them into the sausage mixture during the mixing step. They add a sweet, concentrated, umami richness that pairs brilliantly with the feta and spinach -making this feel even more like a gourmet Mediterranean sausage.

2. Serve It in a Sausage Sandwich

Slice a toasted hoagie roll, lay down a bed of sautéed peppers and onions, and nestle a grilled chicken feta spinach sausage right in the middle. Drizzle with a little tzatziki or garlic aioli for a deeply satisfying sandwich that works for lunch or dinner.

3. Slice and Toss With Pasta

Slice the cooked sausages into rounds and toss them into pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, a splash of olive oil, and fresh basil. The feta melts slightly into the warm pasta, creating a creamy sauce without any added dairy. It’s a 30-minute weeknight dinner that tastes like it took much longer.

4. Make It Spicy With Red Pepper Flakes

If you like heat, add ½–1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the spice blend. This addition complements the creaminess of the feta beautifully and gives the sausage a bold, spicy kick that works especially well on the grill.

5. Skip the Casings for Sausage Patties

No casings? No problem. Shape the mixture into round patties and pan-fry or grill them like burger patties. They work beautifully as a breakfast sausage patty served alongside eggs, or as a protein-packed addition to grain bowls and salads.

6. Pair It with Our Recipes

Try this Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage Recipe for a flavorful, protein-packed meal, and pair it with our olive garden italian salad recipe and Olive Garden Herbed Risotto Recipe for a fresh, balanced, and comforting dinner experience.

Enjoy this Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage

7. Crumble and Use as Pizza Topping

Shape some of the uncooked sausage mixture into loose crumbles and cook in a skillet, then use as a pizza topping with a white garlic sauce base, roasted red peppers, and extra feta. It’s an excellent way to use any leftover sausage mixture and an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage

Follow these expert tips to nail this homemade chicken feta spinach sausage recipe every single time.

1. Always Use a 50/50 Breast and Thigh Blend

Using only chicken breast produces a dry, dense sausage. Using only thighs can make it too fatty. The 50/50 blend of boneless skinless breast and thighs is the ideal ratio -you get the leanness of breast with the moisture and richness of thigh meat. This is the same balance used in quality commercial versions like the Costco chicken feta spinach sausage.

2. Squeeze Every Drop of Moisture From the Spinach

Fresh spinach holds a surprising amount of water. After chopping, grab a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels and squeeze the spinach firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. Excess moisture in the filling makes the sausage mixture loose, difficult to stuff, and prone to falling apart during cooking.

3. Keep Everything Ice-Cold Throughout

Temperature control isn’t just about chilling the meat before grinding. Keep your mixing bowl cold, keep the feta chilled, and use ice-cold water in the recipe. Warm fat smears and breaks down, which ruins the texture of homemade sausage. If the mixture warms up noticeably at any point during mixing, pop it back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before continuing.

4. Knead Until the Mixture Is Sticky and Tacky

Two to three minutes of hand-kneading is a minimum, not a suggestion. You’re activating the myosin proteins in the chicken, which act as the natural binder that holds everything together. Under-mixed sausage crumbles; properly mixed sausage holds its shape perfectly. The mixture should feel sticky and pull away from the bowl slightly when you lift your hand.

5. Don’t Overstuff the Casings

Overstuffed casings burst open during cooking, especially on the grill where heat is less controlled. Leave a little give in the casing -the sausage will expand slightly as it cooks. Gently poke any visible air bubbles with a fine needle or toothpick before twisting into links.

6. Rest the Sausages Before Cooking

After stuffing and linking, refrigerate the sausages uncovered for at least 1 hour (or overnight). This resting period allows the casing to dry slightly, which helps it brown beautifully during cooking. It also allows the flavors to meld and the binding to tighten up for a better texture overall.

Delicious Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage

7. Always Verify Doneness With a Meat Thermometer

This is non-negotiable with chicken. Unlike beef or pork, you simply cannot judge chicken doneness by color or feel alone. Use an instant-read meat thermometer and cook every sausage to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Insert the probe into the thickest part of the link, avoiding the casing. This ensures your chicken feta spinach sausage is safe, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooked sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Uncooked sausages can be frozen for up to 3 months -freeze flat in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Reheat cooked sausages in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions that people often ask

What is chicken feta spinach sausage?

Chicken feta spinach sausage is a fresh sausage made from ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and finely chopped spinach, seasoned with garlic, salt, and black pepper. It is lighter than traditional pork sausage and known for its savory, tangy, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

How long to cook chicken feta spinach sausage?

Pan-frying over medium heat takes about 12–15 minutes with regular turning. Grilling over medium heat takes 15–20 minutes. Regardless of method, always cook until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) as measured with a meat thermometer.

How to cook chicken feta spinach sausage on the stove?

Add a small drizzle of oil to a skillet over medium heat. Place the sausages in the pan without crowding and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes for even browning on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they’ve reached 165°F internally before serving.

Can I make chicken feta spinach sausage without casings?

Yes. Simply shape the mixture into patties or free-form links and cook them in a skillet or on a grill pan. They won’t have the classic sausage snap, but the flavor is identical and the preparation is significantly faster.

Is the Costco chicken feta spinach sausage already cooked?

The Costco chicken feta spinach sausage is a pre-cooked, fully-cooked product that simply needs to be heated through. However, this homemade chicken feta spinach sausage recipe produces a fresh, raw sausage that must be cooked to 165°F before eating.

Can I freeze homemade chicken feta spinach sausage?

Yes. Raw, uncooked sausages freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw it completely and squeeze out every drop of liquid before using. Frozen spinach contains significantly more moisture than fresh, and any excess water in the sausage mixture will negatively affect both texture and cooking performance.

What’s the best way to grind chicken at home without a meat grinder?

Cut the chilled chicken into small cubes and pulse in a food processor in small batches. Use the pulse function and check frequently -you want a coarse grind, not a paste. Over-processing creates a rubbery texture. Chill the food processor bowl beforehand for best results.

Yield: 4

Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage Recipe

Chicken Feta Spinach Sausage Recipe

If you’ve ever picked up a pack of Costco chicken feta spinach sausage and thought, “I need to learn how to make this at home,” -this recipe is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 150g (approx. 1 cup) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 100g (approx. 2 cups) fresh spinach, finely chopped and squeezed dry
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
  • ¼ cup ice-cold water
  • Sheep casings (natural, for an authentic snap)
  • Or collagen casings (easier to handle for beginners)

Instructions

    Step 1: Prep and Chill the Meat
    Cut the chicken breasts and thighs into 1-inch cubes. Spread them out on a tray or baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30–45 minutes. This step is critical -chilled meat grinds cleanly without smearing, which gives your sausage a better texture and prevents the fat from breaking down. Do not skip this step.
    Step 2: Grind the Chicken
    Set up your KitchenAid mixer with the meat grinder attachment using a coarse or medium grinding disc. Feed the chilled chicken cubes through the hopper in small batches. Always use the stomper or pusher provided with your machine -never use your fingers to push meat into the hopper. Grind all the chicken and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
    Step 3: Mix the Sausage Filling
    Add the crumbled feta, finely chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, and garlic to the ground chicken. Pour in the ice-cold water. Knead the entire mixture by hand for 2–3 minutes until it becomes noticeably tacky and sticky. This protein activation is what holds the sausage together during cooking and ensures it doesn’t crumble or fall apart when you slice into it.
    Step 4: Stuff the Casings
    Switch your KitchenAid to the sausage stuffer attachment. If using sheep casings, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water and soak for 10–15 minutes to soften. Slide your chosen casing onto the stuffing tube, leaving a few inches hanging off the end. Feed the sausage mixture through slowly, using your non-dominant hand to gently guide and support the casing as it fills, controlling the thickness. Avoid overstuffing -a tightly packed casing will burst during cooking.
    Step 5: Twist Into Links
    Once all the mixture is stuffed, twist the long rope of sausage into 4–6 inch links by pinching and rotating every few inches, alternating the twist direction with each link. Tie off both ends with a knot or kitchen twine.
    Step 6: Cook and Serve
    How long to cook chicken feta spinach sausage depends on your cooking method, but the non-negotiable rule is reaching an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Pan-fry over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, turning regularly for even browning. On a grill, cook over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, turning every few minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness -chicken sausage should never be cooked by appearance alone.

Notes

Store cooked sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Uncooked sausages can be frozen for up to 3 months -freeze flat in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Reheat cooked sausages in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 575
Making chicken feta spinach sausage at home is one of the most rewarding things a home cook can do. You control every ingredient, every flavor, and every bite. This homemade chicken feta spinach sausage recipe delivers all the juicy, tangy, garlicky goodness you love -whether you’re inspired by the popular Costco chicken feta spinach sausage or simply looking for a lighter, more flavorful alternative to store-bought options. Follow the steps, trust the process, and don’t skip the meat thermometer. Once you make these at home, you’ll find it very hard to go back to the packaged kind.

We’d love to know how this recipe works out for you! Give it a try and leave a comment below to share your experience, tips, or any tweaks you made. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and YouTube for more tasty recipes and kitchen inspiration. Your support and feedback truly mean everything to us!

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