We evaluated the effect of adding mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) (0, 10, 20, 30 or 50%) on quality characteristics of chicken sausage. Adding MDCM decreased the protein content of chicken sausage, but ash content increased significantly. Adding MDCM had no effect on pH and water holding capacity of sausage. Adding MDCM increased cooking loss, but did not affect the shear force value of the sausage. Adding MDCM decreased the L-(lightness) and b-(yellowness) values but increased the a-(redness) value of sausage. Adding MDCM decreased the hardness and cohesiveness values, but did not affect the springiness value of chicken sausage. Adding MDCM decreased the juiciness and hardness but increased the flavor and chewiness scores of chicken sausage. Regardless of the MDCM addition level, all chicken sausage contained low residual nitrite ion (