BBQ Glaze Recipe: Complete Guide to Smoked Chicken Sausage
Chicken sausage links deserve better than a quick toss on the grill with no attention. This BBQ glaze recipe turns simple links into a genuinely craveable dish, with a sticky, caramelized coating that beats plain grilled sausage every time. This complete guide covers everything from sourcing to serving.
Why Chicken Sausage Takes to Glaze So Well
Chicken sausage is already seasoned inside the casing, so a BBQ glaze recipe applied to the outside adds a second layer of flavor rather than fighting with what's already there. The casing also holds glaze beautifully, giving you a glossy, snap-when-you-bite finish.
Choosing Your Glaze
The Red Hot Spread is a great match for chicken sausage, especially if the links already have some spice in the blend. The Jalapeño Apple Spread pairs beautifully with apple or chicken breakfast sausage varieties for a sweeter profile.
Step-by-Step BBQ Glaze Recipe for Sausage
- Choose fully cooked or raw links depending on your grill setup — both work, just adjust timing.
- Grill over medium heat, turning frequently to avoid the casing splitting.
- Cook raw links to 165°F internal, or warm fully cooked links until heated through, about 10–12 minutes total.
- Warm your BBQ glaze recipe base in a small saucepan until smooth.
- Brush glaze on in the final 3–4 minutes, turning to coat all sides evenly.
- Rest 2 minutes before slicing or serving whole in buns.
Serving Ideas
Serve glazed chicken sausage sliced over a bed of sauteed peppers and onions, or whole in a toasted bun with extra glaze drizzled on top. They also work well cut into rounds for a party appetizer with toothpicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this BBQ glaze recipe on other types of sausage?
Yes, it works just as well on pork, turkey, or plant-based sausage links using the same timing and technique.
How do I keep the casing from splitting on the grill?
Use medium, not high, heat and turn the links frequently rather than letting one side sit too long over direct flame.
What's the best way to reheat glazed sausage leftovers?
A covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water works better than the microwave, which can dry out the casing.
Find the glaze flavors in this recipe, including the THE Ultimate BBQ Boost 6 Pack Bundle, at Smoky Mountain Spread.