Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into small cubes (around 1 cm in size) to ensure even cooking and marinating.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add 4-5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried garlic.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly, making sure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the sausage will be.
Step 2: Add Cheese to the Chicken
Cut the Cheese:
Dice the hard cheese into small cubes, about the same size as the chicken pieces, to ensure even distribution throughout the sausage.
Mix the Chicken and Cheese:
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and add the diced cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly spread throughout the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Sausage for Baking
Prepare the Roasting Sleeve:
Cut the roasting sleeve lengthwise to open it up. This will make it easier to fill and shape the sausage.
Form the Sausage:
Place the chicken and cheese mixture into the center of the roasting sleeve. Shape the mixture into a sausage-like form, making sure it is compact.
Once shaped, carefully roll the sleeve around the chicken mixture and twist or clip the ends to seal it tightly. Ensure there are no gaps for juices to escape during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Sausage
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the Chicken Sausage:
Place the wrapped sausage on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The sausage should be fully cooked, with the cheese melted and the chicken tender.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool the Sausage:
After baking, remove the sausage from the oven and let it cool completely in the sleeve. This helps the sausage retain its shape and allows the juices to redistribute.
Serve:
Once cooled, carefully remove the sausage from the roasting sleeve. Slice the sausage into rounds and serve as a cold appetizer or warm main dish. It pairs well with salads, vegetables, or a side of bread.
Cooking Tips:
Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer it marinates, the more intense and flavorful the dish will be.
Cheese Selection: Hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Swiss are ideal for this recipe as they melt well and add a creamy texture to the sausage.
Chicken Choice: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will give the sausage a richer, juicier flavor due to the higher fat content in thighs.
Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped olives, bell peppers, or herbs (such as oregano or thyme) to the mixture for added flavor and texture.
Roasting Sleeve: Make sure to seal the ends of the roasting sleeve well to prevent juices from escaping. This helps keep the sausage moist during baking.
Storage:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The sausage can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, slice the sausage and warm it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes or in a microwave.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):
Calories: 290
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use different seasonings?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other spices like curry powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor, but you can use sweet paprika if you prefer a milder taste.
2. What if I don’t have a roasting sleeve?
If you don’t have a roasting sleeve, you can use aluminum foil. Just wrap the chicken mixture tightly and seal the ends to keep the shape and juices inside.
3. Can I prepare the sausage in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and cheese mixture and form the sausage ahead of time, keeping it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option, but thighs will yield a juicier sausage due to their higher fat content.
5. Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion:
Baked Chicken Sausage with Cheese is an easy, delicious, and versatile recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers rich, flavorful results. The marinated chicken, paired with melted cheese and cooked to perfection in a roasting sleeve, creates a tender, juicy sausage that is perfect for serving as an appetizer, main course, or even for meal prep. It’s a dish that can be customized with different seasonings, add-ins, and cheeses to suit your taste preferences, making it a favorite for many. Whether served hot or cold, this sausage will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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