Are you looking for an easy way to preserve your chicken? If so, canning chicken is a great option. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about canning chicken – from the supplies and tools needed, to instructions on how to do it properly. We’ll also cover topics such as why you should can chicken, jar sterilization, maintaining correct temperature during the canning process, using the water bath method for canning chicken, checking seals after removing from water bath, and storing canned goods properly for optimal safety. So let’s get started!
What Is Canning Chicken?
Canning chicken is a food preservation method that involves sealing cooked chicken in airtight jars or cans and then processing them at a high heat for a certain period of time. This helps prevent spoilage and increases shelf life by killing off any bacteria or organisms that might cause contamination. By doing so, it prevents spoilage and makes the meat safe to consume for extended periods of time.
Why Should You Can Chicken?
Canning chicken offers many benefits. For starters, it ensures that your chicken will stay fresh for much longer than if you simply refrigerated or froze it. It also allows you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals throughout the year without worrying about having to buy new ingredients every few weeks. Additionally, because the process of canning cooks the chicken prior to sealing it into the container, it helps eliminate potential harmful bacteria that could cause food poisoning if consumed raw. Lastly, canning saves money in the long run since it reduces waste due to spoilage.
Preparing Ingredients For Canning Chicken
Before beginning the process of canning chicken, make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready. Start by washing and trimming the chicken pieces and patting dry with paper towels. Then prepare the seasonings, marinades, and sauces you plan to use. Finally, select a pot large enough to fit your containers inside for processing.
Instructions On How To Can Chicken At Home
Once your ingredients are prepared, follow these simple steps for canning chicken at home:
1. Fill each container with chicken pieces, seasonings, marinades, and/or sauces.
2. Place lids securely onto containers and seal tightly.
3. Place filled containers into a pot filled with boiling water.
4. Boil contents in the pot for a specified amount of time (depending on type of poultry).
5. Remove sealed containers from hot water and place onto a cooling rack to cool down before handling.
6. Once cooled down, store containers in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight until ready to eat.
Choosing The Best Supplies For Canning Chicken
When selecting supplies for canning chicken, be sure to choose materials designed specifically for canning purposes. Investing in quality equipment is important when preserving food as it guarantees safer results overall. Choose jars made of thick glass material, preferably tempered glass with two-piece lids (lid has both flat lid and band) for easier opening later on. Also look for products with rubber gaskets which help create an airtight seal between lid and jar when heated up during processing.
Sterilizing Your Jars & Lids Before Canning
Sterilizing your jars and lids before canning is essential for food safety. Begin by washing each item thoroughly in hot, soapy water and rinse well with clean water. Next, fill a deep pot halfway full with water and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Submerge each jar and lid separately into the boiling water for 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a cooling rack or clean dish towel to cool down completely before filling with ingredients.
Maintaining Correct Temperature During The Canning Process
During the canning process, it’s very important to maintain correct temperatures while heating up the jars of food in order to achieve optimal results. For poultry, the recommended temperature range is between 185°F – 212°F (85°C – 100°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures closely while keeping a steady level of heat during processing. Make sure not to exceed the maximum limit of 212°F as this can lead to overcooking which could affect taste and texture negatively.
Using The Water Bath Method For Canning Chicken
The most popular method used for canning poultry is the water bath method. This method involves submerging jars filled with ingredients into boiling water for a specific amount of time (usually around 45 minutes) in order to ensure even heat distribution throughout the entire batch of jars. Be sure to add more boiling water as necessary to keep jars submerged under the surface at all times during processing.
Checking Seals After Removing From Water Bath
After completing the canning process, check each jar’s lid to make sure they are properly sealed. Push down on each lid firmly; if there is no give or movement then they have been successfully sealed shut. Any jars that appear unsealed must be re-processed again or discarded immediately as they may contain spoiled food particles which could cause illness if ingested.
Storing Canned Goods Properly For Optimal Safety
For best results, store canned goods in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight. Temperatures below 75°F (24°C) work best for prolonged shelf life as higher temperatures could cause premature spoilage or loss of flavor over time. When storing foods in bulk quantities like canned meats or vegetables, try organizing them into boxes or crates according to date so you always know what needs consuming first and rotate items regularly. Following these guidelines will help ensure optimal safety when consuming canned goods months or even years later!
Conclusion
Canning chicken is an excellent way to extend its shelf life while retaining flavor and texture. With proper preparation and maintenance of correct temperature levels during processing, anyone can safely can their own chicken right at home! However, it’s important to remember that although some people view canning as an old-fashioned practice, it’s still considered one of the safest methods for preserving food today!
I am an inspired, life-long homesteader with a heart for simple, sustainable living. Growing up surrounded by farmland in the rural Midwest, I developed a deep respect for nature and the rewards of cultivating your own land. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others become homesteaders, too. Through my website therootedhomestead.com, I share my DIY tips, share inspiring stories of other homesteaders, and provide resources for anyone who dreams of growing their own food or living off the land. I hope to open a door to a more joyful, meaningful and purposeful life for all.
