Easy 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
Scale
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
