This easy homemade chicken deli sandwich recipe uses just four ingredients and is a perfect solution for families who want a flavourful, nutritious option without preservatives and high price tag.
A Flavourful and Tender Delight: Describing the Chicken Deli Recipe
This homemade chicken deli recipe is all about simplicity and bold flavour. The chicken breast, seasoned with smoked salt and Montreal steak spice, delivers a rich, savoury aroma with a hint of smokiness, perfectly balanced by the robust blend of spices.
As you slice through the tender chicken, you’ll notice its juicy, firm texture, thanks to the gentle coating of cornstarch that locks in moisture and ensures each slice is thin yet satisfying. Every bite offers a delightful contrast between the subtle, smoky essence and the mild natural flavour of the chicken, making it versatile enough for a variety of meals.
The recipe results in moist, flavourful slices that hold up well in sandwiches, wraps, or salads, and it’s easy to adjust the seasoning to add extra spice or sweetness. It’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance between boldness and simplicity, offering an elegant yet practical deli meat option for everyday meals.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Families
This homemade chicken deli recipe is an excellent option for families for several reasons:
Healthier Choice: Unlike store-bought deli meats, which are often packed with preservatives, sodium, and artificial flavors, this recipe gives you full control over the ingredients. You’re providing your family with a cleaner, more nutritious source of protein that’s free of unnecessary additives.
Budget-Friendly: Feeding a family can get expensive, especially when buying pre-packaged deli meats. Making your own chicken deli at home is a fraction of the cost and can easily be scaled to fit your family's needs. Plus, you can batch-cook and freeze portions for future use.
Customizable for Picky Eaters: If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe allows you to customize flavors to suit individual tastes. Some family members might prefer a milder seasoning, while others could enjoy a bit more spice or sweetness. With this recipe, you can cater to everyone’s preferences without much extra effort.
Great for Meal Prep: For busy families, meal prep is a lifesaver. This homemade chicken deli can be made ahead of time and used in a variety of dishes throughout the week. Whether you're packing school lunches or looking for quick dinner options, this recipe keeps meal planning easy and efficient.
By making this simple deli chicken at home, you're offering your family a healthier, more economical, and flexible meal option that everyone will love.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Store-bought deli meats are often packed with additives and preservatives, not to mention the hefty price tag that comes with healthier options. By making your own chicken deli at home, you control exactly what goes into your food while keeping costs low. Plus, this recipe is so easy, it’s perfect for meal prepping during busy weeks. Whether you're making sandwiches for school lunches, wraps for on-the-go meals, or adding protein to a salad, this homemade chicken deli will become a staple in your kitchen.
The Simple Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Chicken Breast – I normally use chicken breast for my recipe. For extra crunch and texture, I add the chicken gizzard. I know not everyone eats chicken organs, but I am Chinese and we tend to believe not everything should go to waste.
- Smoked Salt – Adds a smoky depth to the chicken, mimicking the flavour of traditionally smoked deli meats. There are tons of smoked salt you can find on the market from hickory smoked salt to birch smoked salt. They are all very delicious and I recommend you try them all!
- Montreal Steak Spice Blend – A perfect mix of spices to add bold flavor to your chicken deli without any extra fuss. I buy mine at Costco, but you can also buy it on Amazon here.
- Cornstarch – Helps create a firm texture, making it easy to slice the chicken into thin deli-style pieces.
How to Make Your Own Chicken Deli Meat
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, combine smoked salt, Montreal steak spice, and a tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Food Processor
Put the chicken in the food processor with the dry ingredients. Mix and blend everything until a thick mixture comes together and you don't see chunks of meat.
Step 3: Cook and Slice
Place a plastic bag inside a glass or steel container (avoid using plastic containers). Ensure the container’s diameter matches the lid opening so the meat can be easily removed later. Fill the container with the meat mixture, pressing it gently to remove any air bubbles. Since the meat will expand during cooking, I add ceramic pie weights on top before sealing the lid. Submerge the container in a pot of hot water and cook for 90 minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight. Slice and enjoy!
Customize Your Deli Chicken
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile and easy to adapt. While the smoked salt and Montreal steak spice provide a delicious base flavour, you can get creative by adding other herbs and spices.
Try a garlic and herb rub, paprika for a smoky kick, or even a touch of honey and mustard for a sweeter variation. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.
Food Ideas with Homemade Chicken Deli
Once you’ve made your chicken deli, the options are endless! Here are a few simple ways to incorporate it into your meals:
- Classic Chicken Sandwich: Layer slices of chicken deli on whole grain bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or mustard.
- Chicken Wraps: Use the deli meat in a wrap with hummus, fresh spinach, and avocado for a quick, healthy lunch.
- Protein-packed Salads: Top your favourite salad with thin slices of chicken deli, adding a protein boost to your greens.
- Chicken and Cheese Panini: Combine slices of chicken deli with your favourite cheese and grill it between slices of sourdough for a crispy, melty panini.
- Snack Plate: Pair your homemade chicken deli with crackers, cheese, and veggies for a simple, satisfying snack or appetizer.
- Noodle Soup: Make your typical noodle soup or you can try our Chinese Fish Noodle Soup with Verduloga Noodle soup and add thinly sliced chicken deli on top!
Noodle Soup Chinese Fish Noodle Soup with Verduloga
Final Thoughts
Making homemade chicken deli is an easy and rewarding way to ensure your family enjoys a healthy, tasty alternative to store-bought lunch meats. With just four ingredients, this simple recipe saves you money and allows you to enjoy fresh deli sandwiches anytime. Try this recipe today and feel free to add your own twist to make it a personal favorite.
4 Ingredients Chicken Deli
Equipment
- 1 glass jar
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breast
- 1 tsp smoked salt
- 2 tsp Montreal Steak Spice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients:Place the cubed chicken breasts, cornstarch, smoked salt, and Montreal steak spice in a food processor.Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Make sure all the ingredients are well-combined.
- Prepare the Jar:Transfer the blended chicken mixture into a clean, heatproof glass jar (like a Mason jar).Pack the mixture tightly, pressing it down to remove any air pockets. Leave about 2 inch of space at the top of the jar.
- Add the Weight:To ensure the chicken stays compact while cooking, place something heavy on top of the chicken mixture inside the jar.You can use ceramic pie weights, or put cleaned, small stones inside a sealed plastic bag and place it on top of the chicken mixture. This will help keep the mixture pressed down during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken:Screw the lid on loosely, or cover the jar with foil if using a lid is not an option.Place the jar in a pot with enough water to reach about halfway up the sides of the jar.Bring the water to a gentle simmer over low heat, making sure it does not boil vigorously. Keep the fire at the lowest setting to maintain a low simmer. Cook for 40 minutes, occasionally checking that the water remains at a gentle simmer.
- Cool, Chill, and Slice:Carefully remove the jar from the pot and let it cool to room temperature.Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to allow the chicken to firm up completely.Once chilled, remove the weighted object and carefully take the chicken loaf out of the jar.Slice thinly for deli-style chicken slices.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for sandwiches and wraps.
- Adds protein to salads or snack plates with cheese and crackers.
