Description
Discover how to make incredibly tender and flavorful homemade lunch meat chicken. This recipe guarantees delicious, perfectly sliceable chicken, ideal for sandwiches or quick, healthy meals.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1/4 oz or 7g) unflavored gelatin
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and pat dry.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (5-7 mins). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Chicken & Season: Add chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to coat and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
- 4. Simmer & Dissolve Gelatin: Pour in chicken broth. Sprinkle gelatin powder over the top and stir quickly to dissolve. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).
- 5. Process: Transfer cooked chicken and aromatics to a food processor, reserving cooking liquid. Pulse until coarse. Add 2-3 tbsp reserved liquid, pulsing until sticky but not wet.
- 6. Chill: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap. Firmly press chicken mixture into the pan. Fold plastic wrap over top and chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight until firm.
- 7. Slice & Serve: Unmold the chilled chicken loaf, slice thinly, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins