
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:
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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.
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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.
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High Sodium Levels: Processed deli meats are notoriously high in sodium, which can contribute to hypertension and other health issues if consumed regularly.
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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.
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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:
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Full Control Over Ingredients: You decide what goes into your deli meat, avoiding harmful additives and fillers.
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Customizable Flavors: Add spices like paprika, oregano, or black pepper to suit your taste.
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Reduced Sodium: Control the amount of salt to create a heart-healthy option.
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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.
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Kid-Friendly: A healthy, homemade option for children’s lunches or snacks.
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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:
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High-Quality Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.
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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.
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No Additives: Skip the nitrites, phosphates, and artificial flavors that can accumulate in your diet.
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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.
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)
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1 kg (2.2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
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1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for moisture)
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Optional: 1/2 teaspoon turmeric or rosemary for added flavor and antioxidants
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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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).
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Important: Never wash raw chicken, as this can spread bacteria. Process it immediately and disinfect all surfaces, knives, and utensils afterward.
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Season the Mixture:
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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.
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Taste a small pinch of the mixture (before cooking) to adjust seasoning if needed.
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Shape the Deli Meat:
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Line a loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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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.
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Cook the Deli Meat:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
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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.
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Optionally, you can steam the mixture for a softer texture or cook it in a sous-vide setup for precise results.
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Cool and Slice:
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Let the deli meat cool completely in the pan or wrapping (about 1 hour). This helps it firm up for easier slicing.
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Slice thinly with a sharp knife or deli slicer for sandwich-ready portions.
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Store:
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
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To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
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Easy to prepare and store, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
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Sandwiches: Layer slices with whole-grain bread, avocado, lettuce, and mustard.
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Salads: Add chopped deli meat to a green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
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Wraps: Wrap in lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, spinach, and a tahini or yogurt-based sauce.
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Kids’ Snacks: Serve with veggie sticks for a protein-packed lunchbox addition.
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Heated Dishes: Warm slices and pair with a mushroom sauce or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
Food Safety Tips
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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.
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Avoid Cross-Contamination: Store raw chicken separately and never reuse utensils or surfaces without cleaning.
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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 casero
Prepara en casa tu propio fiambre de pollo casero, evita los ultraprocesados. Solo necesitas pollo, especias y huevos para aglutinar.
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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Cristina
Eres genial, me encantan todas tus recetas.l La haré en breve seguro. Para cuando un libro?
missblasco
Hola Cristina, muchas gracias por tu comentario, de verdad. Me alegro muchísimo de que te gusten las recetas. Esta en concreto es muy práctica, porque dura varios días y te ayuda a organizarte y planificar. Lo del libro sería estupendo, pero creo que todavía me falta bastante para llegar ahí. Un abrazo! 😉
Cortadora de Fiambre - Expomaquinaria
Últimamente me estoy esforzando por reducir mi consumo de productos ultra procesados.
Mis hijos comen casi a diario fiambres en el bocadillo de la merienda, así que esta alternativa me parece mucho más saludable.
Probare a hacerlo este fin de semana ¡Muchas gracias!
missblasco
Hola! Lo que comentas nos pasa a todos, por eso este tipo de recetas ayudan. Es cierto que requieren cierto esfuerzo, pero merece la pena saber qué se come. Espero que te guste y muchas gracias por tu comentario. Saludos! 😉
Cortadora de Fiambre - Expomaquinaria
¡Estoy totalmente de acuerdo! Ya hice el fiambre de pollo y a mis hijos les encanto.
missblasco
¡Bravo! ¡Cuánto me alegro! Gracias por contármelo, me haces muy feliz. Un abrazo 😉
Mercedes
Porque contiene tanto sodio si supuestamente tiene una cucharadita de sal?
missblasco
Hola Mercedes, lo he revisado y parece que había un fallo en el cálculo, ya está corregido. Gracias por tu comentario. Saludos!
Myrian
Hola, yo hago la pechuga hervida, le pongo al agua laurel, ajos machacados y sal, las hiervo 20 min y automaticamente al congelador. La noche antes de utilizar la subo a la nevera y la voy cortando en lonchas para meterla en el sandwich de la merienda de mi hijo. No se si esta bien el tiempo de cocción?
missblasco
Hola Myrian, me parece que está muy bien la técnica que utilizas. Es todavía más sencillo. En cuanto al tiempo de cocción creo que 20 minutos es suficiente para una pechuga de pollo mediana (300-350g), si es más grande yo le daría entre 5 y 10 minutos más. Asegúrate siempre de que el centro quede bien cocido.
Saludos! Y gracias por tu comentario.
😉
SILVIA
Nos ha encantado y no puede ser más fácil y rápido!!!!! Gracias por tan buenas ideas.
missblasco
Muchísimas gracias Sílvia, échale un ojo a mi última entrada, es otro fiambre casero, todavía más fácil de preparar. Muchas gracias por tu comentario! 😉
Maribel
Hola. Quería hacer una pregunta. A mi madre le han prohibido los lácteos y el huevo ¿Hay alguna manera de sustituir el huevo en esta receta? Porque me encantaría poder hacérsela. Gracias
missblasco
Hola Maribel, esta receta la puedes hacer sin huevo, pero te recomiendo que lo hagas más pequeño, en forma de rollo por ejemplo, o en un molde más pequeño, la razón es que al cortarlo cuando esté frío será más fácil que no se desmorone. Te dejo aquí también el enlace a otro fiambre casero que suelo hacer, es también muy fácil y lo puedes adaptar al gusto de tu madre, y tampoco lleva huevo. https://www.missblasco.com/fiambre-casero/
Un saludo y ¡muchas gracias por leerme! 😉