Skip to main content
sliced homemade chicken deli meat

Homemade Chicken Deli Meat

Prepara en casa tu propio fiambre de pollo casero, evita los ultraprocesados. Solo necesitas pollo, especias y huevos para aglutinar.

 

Homemade Chicken Deli Meat: A Healthy, Additive-Free Alternative
Ditch ultra-processed deli meats and discover how to make homemade chicken deli meat that’s nutritious, delicious, and free from harmful additives. Store-bought cold cuts often contain only 45–55% meat, with the rest being starches, sodium, nitrites, and other additives that don’t nourish your body. By preparing your own chicken deli meat at home, you control the ingredients, reduce sodium, and create a versatile, healthy option for sandwiches, salads, or snacks. In this post, we’ll explore the pitfalls of industrial deli meats, the benefits of homemade alternatives, and a simple recipe to make your own. Let’s take charge of your nutrition and enjoy real, wholesome food!
Why Avoid Ultra-Processed Deli Meats?
Store-bought deli meats, such as chicken or turkey cold cuts, are often marketed as healthy, low-fat options. However, they’re typically ultra-processed products that contain a surprising amount of non-meat ingredients. Here’s why you should reconsider relying on them:
  • Low Meat Content: Industrial chicken or turkey deli meats often contain only 45–55% actual meat, with the rest made up of water, starches, gelatins, and additives.
  • Unhealthy Additives: Additives like nitrites, phosphates, and artificial flavorings are used to enhance color, texture, and shelf life but offer no nutritional value and may pose health risks when consumed in excess.
  • High Sodium Levels: Processed deli meats are notoriously high in sodium, which can contribute to hypertension and other health issues if consumed regularly.
  • Hidden Fats: While some deli meats like mortadella contain high levels of unhealthy saturated fats, even “low-fat” options like cooked ham or turkey cold cuts rely on starches and additives to compensate for reduced fat content.
  • Economic Motives Over Quality: Some manufacturers add fillers to increase volume and reduce costs, compromising the product’s nutritional quality.
In contrast, making your own homemade chicken deli meat allows you to avoid these issues. You can select high-quality chicken, control the salt, and add your favorite spices for a personalized, nutrient-dense result.

Homemade chicken deli meat is a healthy, additive-free alternative to ultra-processed cold cuts with only 45–55% meat.

 

Benefits of Homemade Chicken Deli Meat
Preparing your own deli meat is not only healthier but also practical and versatile. Here are the key advantages:
  • Full Control Over Ingredients: You decide what goes into your deli meat, avoiding harmful additives and fillers.
  • Customizable Flavors: Add spices like paprika, oregano, or black pepper to suit your taste.
  • Reduced Sodium: Control the amount of salt to create a heart-healthy option.
  • Versatile and Convenient: Use it in sandwiches, salads, wraps, or as a protein-packed snack. It stores well in the fridge for 4–5 days and freezes beautifully.
  • Kid-Friendly: A healthy, homemade option for children’s lunches or snacks.
  • Cost-Effective: Making your own deli meat can save money compared to buying premium, high-quality cold cuts.
Nutritional Advantages of Homemade Deli Meat
Unlike industrial deli meats, which rely on fillers and sodium, homemade chicken deli meat is a nutrient-dense choice:
  • High-Quality Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Healthy Fats: By avoiding unhealthy fats found in some processed meats, you can pair your deli meat with nutrient-rich ingredients like avocado or olive oil-based sauces.
  • No Additives: Skip the nitrites, phosphates, and artificial flavors that can accumulate in your diet.
  • Customizable Nutrients: Add spices with antioxidant properties, like turmeric or rosemary, to boost the nutritional profile.
Compare this to high-quality options like Iberian ham, which contains beneficial monounsaturated fats (oleic acid) that support heart health by increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and reducing LDL (bad cholesterol). However, Iberian ham is expensive and less commonly consumed than ultra-processed alternatives like turkey cold cuts or mortadella, making homemade chicken deli meat a practical, healthy substitute.

 

homemade chicken deli meat

 

Control ingredients, sodium, and spices to create a nutrient-dense, versatile option for sandwiches, salads, or snacks.

Recipe: Homemade Chicken Deli Meat
This simple recipe yields delicious, additive-free chicken deli meat that’s perfect for meal prep, snacks, or creative dishes. Follow these steps to create a wholesome alternative to store-bought cold cuts.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for moisture)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon turmeric or rosemary for added flavor and antioxidants
Instructions
  • Prepare the Chicken:
    • Trim any excess fat from the chicken. For food safety, mince the chicken at home using a food processor or meat grinder, as butcher shops may not mince poultry due to cross-contamination risks (e.g., salmonella).
    • Important: Never wash raw chicken, as this can spread bacteria. Process it immediately and disinfect all surfaces, knives, and utensils afterward.
  • Season the Mixture:
    • In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken with sea salt, paprika, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil (if using). Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.
    • Taste a small pinch of the mixture (before cooking) to adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Shape the Deli Meat:
    • Line a loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
    • Press the chicken mixture firmly into the pan to ensure a compact, sliceable texture. Alternatively, shape it into a log and wrap tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil for a rounder shape.
  • Cook the Deli Meat:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
    • Bake the chicken mixture for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
    • Optionally, you can steam the mixture for a softer texture or cook it in a sous-vide setup for precise results.
  • Cool and Slice:
    • Let the deli meat cool completely in the pan or wrapping (about 1 hour). This helps it firm up for easier slicing.
    • Slice thinly with a sharp knife or deli slicer for sandwich-ready portions.
  • Store:
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
    • To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

 

homemade chicken deli meat recipe

 

Easy to prepare and store, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezes well for up to 3 months.

 

Serving Suggestions
  • Sandwiches: Layer slices with whole-grain bread, avocado, lettuce, and mustard.
  • Salads: Add chopped deli meat to a green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Wraps: Wrap in lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, spinach, and a tahini or yogurt-based sauce.
  • Kids’ Snacks: Serve with veggie sticks for a protein-packed lunchbox addition.
  • Heated Dishes: Warm slices and pair with a mushroom sauce or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
Food Safety Tips
  • Mince at Home: Due to the risk of salmonella, poultry should not be minced in shared butcher shop equipment. Use a clean food processor and disinfect thoroughly after use.
  • Avoid Cross-Contamination: Store raw chicken separately and never reuse utensils or surfaces without cleaning.
  • Cook Thoroughly: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any bacteria.
More Healthy Recipes
Making homemade chicken deli meat is a game-changer for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
By skipping ultra-processed cold cuts, you avoid harmful additives, excess sodium, and low-quality fillers while enjoying a protein-packed, customizable alternative.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, kids’ lunches, or creative dishes, and it stores well for busy weeks. Take control of your nutrition and try this simple, wholesome recipe today!

 

fiambre de pollo

Fiambre de pollo casero

Prepara en casa tu propio fiambre de pollo casero, evita los ultraprocesados. Solo necesitas pollo, especias y huevos para aglutinar.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Fiambre
Cuisine CASERA
Servings 8 raciones
Calories 119 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 600 gramos pechuga de pollo (4 pechugas)
  • 1/2 cucharadita pimentón dulce
  • 1 cucharadita sal marina
  • 1/2 cucharadita ajo en polvo
  • 3 huevos

Instructions
 

  • Precalienta el horno a 200ºC
  • Introduce el pollo en tu robot de cocina, tritura un poco.
  • Añade los condimentos y los huevos, sigue triturando hasta que esté todo bien mezclado.
  • Pon la masa resultante en un molde rectangular, yo he usado uno de vidrio apto para horno, forra el molde con papel de horno para evitar que se pegue.
  • Hornear durante 40-45 minutos a 180ºC.
  • Pasado ese tiempo deja enfriar a temperatura ambiente y después guárdalo en la nevera. Si quieres cortarlo fino es conveniente que esté frío, pero si quieres tomarlo caliente también está muy rico.

Notes

  • Esta vez he condimentado el fiambre de pollo con sal marina, ajo en polvo y pimentón, pero tú puedes condimentarlo con las especias que más te gusten. El orégano le da un toque muy rico y la pimienta recién molida también. Si quieres que les guste a los niños, elige una combinación de sabores suaves.
 

Nutrition Facts
Fiambre de pollo casero
Amount Per Serving (100 g)
Calories 119 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 132mg44%
Sodium 410mg18%
Potassium 309mg9%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 215IU4%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Los porcentajes de Valores Diarios están basados en una dieta de 2000 calorías.
Keyword low calories, low carb, pollo, sin azúcar, sin gluten, sin lactosa
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Compartir...

SIN AZÚCAR, SIN GLUTEN, SIN HARINA, SIN LACTOSA

Comments (14)

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Calificación de la Receta