Chicken Longganisa Recipe Skinless Homemade (High-Protein Filipino Sausage)

Chicken Longganisa Recipe Skinless Homemade is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation once you make it the first time. Traditional longganisa, the beloved Filipino breakfast sausage, is typically made with pork and encased in natural casings that require sourcing and preparation most home cooks skip. This version strips that barrier away entirely, using lean ground chicken and no casing at all. The result is a high-protein sausage log that is genuinely accessible on a weekday morning. At 24 grams of protein per serving and only 198 calories, it sits in a nutritional category most store-bought sausages cannot touch. The fat content stays at 8 grams, and the carbohydrates come in at 7 grams, most of which carry flavour rather than empty filler. For anyone tracking macros, eating dairy-free, or trying to get more protein from whole food sources, this recipe does the work without compromising on that sweet and garlicky flavour that makes longganisa so recognisable at the Filipino breakfast table.
Lean ground chicken is the foundation here, and it earns its place for concrete reasons. Chicken is one of the leanest animal proteins available, delivering a strong amino acid profile while keeping saturated fat low. Six cloves of garlic go into this mix, and that quantity is not decorative. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it also provides the punchy aromatic base that defines longganisa's character. Reduced-sodium soy sauce contributes umami depth and saltiness while keeping sodium lower than standard soy sauce. Coconut sugar and raw honey together create the sweet note that balances the savoury, and coconut sugar has a lower glycaemic index than refined white sugar, meaning it raises blood glucose more gradually. Apple cider vinegar adds a mild acidity that brightens the overall flavour profile and helps tenderise the meat slightly during marination. Smoked paprika brings colour and a subtle smokiness that mimics the depth you would normally get from curing. Dried oregano, black pepper, and a restrained amount of sea salt round out the seasoning without overloading the sodium count.
When the mixture comes together, it looks like a rustic, spiced ground meat blend with flecks of garlic and paprika throughout. The smell when it hits the pan is immediate and warming, garlic caramelising in olive oil with sweet notes from the coconut sugar catching the heat. The sausages are formed by hand into small logs or ovals, which is part of what makes the skinless format so practical. You do not need any special tools. As they cook in a pan with a splash of water and olive oil, the water steams them gently at first, keeping the inside moist while the outside starts to colour. Once the water evaporates, the exterior begins to caramelise properly, forming a slightly sticky, bronzed crust that contrasts with the tender interior. The texture is firm but not dense, with a bite that feels satisfying without being heavy. The taste is sweet, garlicky, and faintly smoky with a mild vinegar tang that keeps it from feeling cloying. It is a layered flavour profile in a very compact sausage.
This recipe is built for people working toward specific health goals. The 24 grams of protein per serving supports muscle repair and satiety, making it a strong choice for anyone in a fat loss phase or building lean muscle. Because it uses lean chicken and olive oil rather than pork fat, the saturated fat load is significantly lower than traditional longganisa, which matters for cardiovascular health over time. The recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it fits anyone with lactose intolerance or a dairy-free dietary preference without any modification needed. The carbohydrate count is low enough to fit a moderate low-carb approach, and the sugar comes from natural sources with functional roles in the recipe rather than from refined additives. Families with children who are accustomed to the sweetness of traditional longganisa will find this version familiar enough to accept. Athletes eating a high-protein breakfast before training, meal preppers building a weekly protein source, and home cooks trying to bring Filipino flavours into a more balanced eating pattern all have genuine reasons to keep this recipe on hand.
Meal prep is where this recipe genuinely shines. You can mix the seasoned chicken by hand, form the sausage portions, and refrigerate them raw on a parchment-lined tray for up to 24 hours before cooking, which actually improves the flavour as the garlic and spices penetrate the meat more deeply. Cooked longganisa keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the raw formed sausages on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they keep for up to two months. Reheat cooked ones in a pan over medium heat with a small splash of water to restore moisture, or warm them in a 175 degree Celsius oven for about ten minutes. For variations, try adding a teaspoon of fish sauce in place of some of the soy sauce for a more savoury, traditional depth. A pinch of cayenne or chilli flakes works well if you prefer heat. You can also form smaller cocktail-sized pieces for a high-protein snack option. Find the full measurements and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.
Ingredients
- 500 g lean ground chicken (at least 93% lean for lower fat content)
- 6 cloves garlic (freshly minced, not garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar (replaces refined white sugar)
- 1 tsp raw honey (adds gentle sweetness and helps caramelise)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (adds brightness and helps tenderise)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for colour and subtle warmth)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano (optional but adds herbal depth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking, divided)
- 3 tbsp water (for the steaming stage when cooking)
Instructions
- 1
Place the lean ground chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, reduced-sodium soy sauce, coconut sugar, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, sea salt, and dried oregano if using. Mix everything together thoroughly using clean hands or a silicone spatula until all the seasonings are evenly distributed through the meat.
Do not overmix or the chicken can become dense. Mix just until everything is combined and uniform.
- 2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the seasoned mixture for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavours to meld together and the mixture to firm up slightly, making it much easier to shape.
If you have the time, leaving the mixture overnight in the fridge intensifies the garlic and soy flavours beautifully.
- 3
Lay a sheet of plastic wrap or beeswax paper flat on your work surface. Scoop approximately 2 heaped tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the wrap, positioning it near one edge. Fold the wrap over the mixture and roll it into a compact log shape roughly 8 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. Twist the ends tightly in opposite directions to secure the shape. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form about 12 sausage logs.
Wetting your hands slightly before handling the mixture helps prevent sticking.
- 4
Place all shaped longganisa onto a plate or tray and refrigerate for another 15 minutes if time allows, to help them firm up further before cooking.
At this point you can freeze any sausages you are not cooking right away. See the storage instructions below.
- 5
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add half a tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of water. Carefully unwrap the longganisa and place them in the pan in a single layer without crowding. Cover loosely with a lid and allow them to steam for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the water evaporates.
This steaming step ensures the inside of the chicken cooks fully before the outside caramelises.
- 6
Once the water has evaporated, add the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Continue cooking the sausages, turning every minute or so, for a further 5 to 7 minutes until all sides are golden brown and caramelised. The natural sugars in the coconut sugar and honey will create a lovely sticky glaze.
Keep a close eye during this stage as the honey and coconut sugar can catch and burn quickly if the heat is too high.
- 7
Remove the longganisa from the pan and rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve alongside garlic brown rice or cauliflower rice, a fried or scrambled egg, and sliced fresh tomatoes.
Squeezing a little calamansi or fresh lemon juice over the sausages just before serving adds a bright finishing touch.
Nutrition per serving
198kcal
Calories
24g
Protein
7g
Carbs
8g
Fat
0.5g
Fibre
5g
Sugar
390mg
Sodium
Pro Tips
- ✓
Always use freshly minced garlic rather than garlic powder. The flavour difference is significant and makes the longganisa taste far more authentic.
- ✓
Chilling the mixture before shaping and after shaping gives you much better results. Do not skip those resting steps.
- ✓
Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
- ✓
A kitchen scale helps you portion the sausages evenly so they all cook at the same rate.
- ✓
If the mixture feels too soft to shape easily, add a teaspoon of tapioca starch or arrowroot powder to help bind it.
- ✓
Cook the longganisa in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan creates steam instead of browning.
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Serving with sliced tomatoes is more than just traditional. The acidity genuinely balances the sweet and salty flavours of the sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations
- •
Spicy Chilli Chicken Longganisa
Add half a teaspoon of red chilli flakes and a small finely minced bird's eye chilli to the base mixture. This gives the sausages a warming heat that balances the sweetness really well.
- •
Lemon and Herb Chicken Longganisa
Add the zest of one lemon, a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, and a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley to the mixture for a brighter, more Mediterranean-inspired flavour profile.
- •
Low-Sugar Savoury Longganisa
Skip the coconut sugar and honey entirely and increase the garlic to 8 cloves, adding a teaspoon of onion powder and a little extra black pepper. This creates a deeply savoury version with minimal sugar content, great for anyone watching blood sugar levels.
- •
Cauliflower-Boosted Longganisa
Fold in 60g of very finely grated raw cauliflower to the mixture. It blends in seamlessly once cooked, adding fibre and bulk while keeping the calorie count even lower.
Substitutions
- •Reduced-sodium soy sauce → Tamari or coconut aminos (Coconut aminos is slightly sweeter and less salty, so you may want to reduce the coconut sugar very slightly when using it.)
- •Coconut sugar → Monk fruit sweetener or a small amount of medjool date paste (Monk fruit sweetener has zero glycaemic impact. Date paste adds fibre alongside sweetness but will slightly increase the calorie count.)
- •Raw honey → Pure maple syrup (Maple syrup works almost identically in this recipe and caramelises at a similar rate.)
- •Apple cider vinegar → Fresh calamansi juice or fresh lemon juice (Calamansi is the most traditional choice for Filipino longganisa and adds authentic citrus flavour.)
- •Smoked paprika → Annatto powder or sweet paprika (Annatto gives the more traditional deep orange-red colour. Sweet paprika keeps the colour but has a milder flavour.)
- •Ground chicken → Ground turkey or ground chicken thigh (Ground turkey is very similar in texture and fat content. Ground chicken thigh is slightly fattier but adds more moisture and flavour.)
🧊 Storage
Cooked chicken longganisa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a non-stick pan over low to medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or in a microwave for 60 to 90 seconds. Raw shaped sausages can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking. To freeze raw longganisa, place them on a baking tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-lock freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the steaming stage.
📅 Make Ahead
The seasoned chicken mixture can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours before shaping. Alternatively, shape the sausages fully, wrap them individually, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Batch cooking these on a Sunday and refrigerating them cooked makes for an incredibly fast and protein-rich weekday breakfast throughout the week.
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