Pressure canning is an essential skill for anyone looking to preserve their food, especially meats like chicken. This method not only allows you to store your chicken safely but also ensures that it retains its flavor and nutrients. In this article, we’ll dive into the steps, techniques, and some handy tips to successfully pressure can raw chicken. So, let’s get started!
Understanding Pressure Canning
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about what pressure canning is. Unlike water bath canning, pressure canning uses high pressure and temperature to kill bacteria and ensure food safety. This method is particularly necessary for low-acid foods, such as poultry, to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms like botulism.
Why Can Raw Chicken?
Canning raw chicken is a great way to:
- Extend shelf life: Properly canned chicken can last up to 3-5 years when stored in a cool, dark place.
- Convenience: Always have cooked chicken on hand for quick meals.
- Cost-effective: Preserve bulk purchases of chicken when it’s on sale.
What You'll Need
To get started on your pressure canning journey, gather the following tools and ingredients:
Equipment:
- Pressure canner: Ensure it’s certified and in good working order.
- Canning jars: Use pint or quart jars, ensuring they are specifically labeled for canning.
- Lids and rings: Always use new lids for sealing.
- Jar lifter: For easy handling of hot jars.
- Funnel: To avoid mess while filling jars.
- Bubble remover or spatula: To remove air bubbles from the jars.
Ingredients:
- Raw chicken (whole pieces, thighs, breasts, or cubed)
- Optional: salt (1 tsp per quart for flavor)
- Optional: spices or herbs (like garlic, thyme, or peppercorns)
Preparing Your Chicken for Canning
1. Choose Quality Chicken
Select fresh, high-quality chicken. Whether it’s organic or free-range, the flavor will carry through in your canned product.
2. Prepare Your Jars
- Wash and sterilize your jars: Place them in a hot water bath or dishwasher on a sanitize cycle to kill any lingering bacteria.
- Keep lids warm: Submerge the lids in hot (not boiling) water to soften the sealing compound.
3. Cut Your Chicken
- Raw Chicken: You can can it whole or cut it into pieces. If you’re using boneless chicken, cube it for efficient packing.
4. Pack the Jars
- Layer Your Chicken: Pack the raw chicken tightly into the jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
- Optional Salt/Spices: If desired, add salt or spices. This is a great way to infuse flavor right from the start.
The Canning Process
5. Remove Air Bubbles
Use a bubble remover or spatula to slide around the edges of the jar to release trapped air. This step is crucial for a proper seal!
6. Wipe the Jar Rims
Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe the rims of the jars to remove any food residue that could prevent sealing.
7. Apply Lids and Rings
Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings until fingertip tight—don’t over-tighten!
8. Pressure Can Your Chicken
- Load your jars into the pressure canner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on loading and securing the jars.
- Add water: Pour the recommended amount of water into your canner; usually, this is 2-3 inches.
- Heat it up: Secure the lid of the canner and bring it to pressure. Maintain pressure (usually 10-15 pounds) for the recommended time:
- Pints: 75 minutes
- Quarts: 90 minutes
9. Cooling Down
Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the canner to cool down naturally. Do not rush this process! Wait for the pressure gauge to return to zero.
10. Remove Jars and Check Seals
Carefully remove jars using a jar lifter and let them cool on a clean towel or cooling rack. After 24 hours, check the seals by pressing down the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed!
Enjoying Your Canned Chicken
Once you’ve successfully pressure canned your raw chicken, you can utilize it in various dishes, from soups and stews to quick chicken salad sandwiches. Here are some creative serving suggestions:
- Chicken Tacos: Quickly reheat and shred canned chicken for taco night.
- Curry: Add to a simmering pot of coconut milk, spices, and vegetables for a speedy curry.
- Soup Base: Use as a foundation for chicken noodle or vegetable soup.
Final Thoughts
Pressure canning raw chicken is not just a preservation technique; it’s a way to create convenience and versatility in your kitchen. With the right tools, ingredients, and methods, you can enjoy home-canned chicken that is both safe and delicious.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the practice of canning dates back to the early 1800s? It was developed as a means to preserve food for military forces during wartime!
Now that you have the know-how, it’s time to dive into the world of pressure canning. Enjoy the satisfaction of preserving your food and experiment with flavors and spices to make your meals unique. Happy canning!
