Easy Homemade Deli-Style Chicken Sandwich Meat Recipe
Introduction
Making your own deli-style sandwich meat at home is easier than you might think. This simple recipe uses chicken breasts and a flavorful honey and spice rub to create tender, tasty slices perfect for sandwiches or salads.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: black pepper and dried herbs to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine honey, sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder until well mixed. Add optional black pepper and dried herbs if using.
- Step 2: Thoroughly coat the chicken breasts with the honey and spice mixture. Place them in a covered container and refrigerate for 48 to 72 hours.
- Step 3: After marinating, rinse the chicken breasts under cold water to remove excess salt and soak them in cold water for about 1 hour to desalinate.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the chicken breasts on a roasting pan and roast until fully cooked through, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Step 5: Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before slicing it thinly. Use immediately or store for later use.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the honey rub.
- If you prefer turkey, you can substitute chicken breasts with turkey breast using the same method.
- Slice the meat very thin for authentic deli-style sandwiches.
Storage
Store sliced deli meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave just until heated through, to avoid drying out the meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, turkey breast works well with this method. You can also try pork loin, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Why do I need to soak the chicken in water after marinating?
Soaking helps remove excess salt from the meat, ensuring the deli meat isn’t overly salty and has a balanced flavor.
PrintEasy Homemade Deli-Style Chicken Sandwich Meat Recipe
This Easy Homemade Sandwich Deli Meat recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into flavorful, tender deli-style slices perfect for sandwiches. Marinated with honey, sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder, the chicken is slowly roasted to retain moisture and then thinly sliced for an authentic deli experience at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 48-72 hours marinating time
- Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Total Time: 2 to 3 days including marinating and resting
- Yield: Approximately 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
For Rinsing
- Cold water (enough to soak the chicken for desalinating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey, sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and the optional black pepper and dried herbs. Mix thoroughly to create a consistent marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the marinade, ensuring full coverage. Place the chicken in a sealed container or zip-lock bag and refrigerate for 48 to 72 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Desalinate the Chicken: After marinating, rinse the chicken breasts under cold running water to remove excess salt. Then, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes, changing the water if necessary, to desalinate and balance the saltiness.
- Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a roasting rack. Roast slowly for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is cooked through but remains juicy.
- Cool the Meat: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Cooling helps the meat firm up, making it easier to slice thinly.
- Slice Thinly: Using a sharp knife or meat slicer, slice the cooled chicken breasts into thin deli-style slices. Use immediately for sandwiches or store properly in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 48 hours is key to developing deep flavor and tender texture.
- The desalinating step prevents the meat from becoming overly salty; do not skip soaking in cold water after rinsing.
- Roast at low temperature to keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Thin slicing improves the deli meat experience and makes it easier to layer in sandwiches.
- Store leftover sliced deli meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: homemade deli meat, chicken deli meat, roasted chicken sandwich meat, easy sandwich meat, homemade sandwich meat
