In this post, I’ll show you how you can prepare your own chicken in a jar with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Whether on its own on fresh bread or rolls, finely shredded as a rillette or as a juicy meat component in various dishes – this chicken is a real treat.
In my recipe, the chicken is cooked in its own juices. It is quite normal for the meat not to be completely covered in liquid once it has cooled. If this bothers you, you can add some aspic stock after filling – I have included this step in the recipe.
You can vary the spices to suit your taste. For inspiration, I have put together three different spice variations to help you find your perfect chicken.
I also like to prepare this recipe with pork – just take a look at my canning pork recipe.
Here you can find the complete chicken in a jar recipe as a video or to read through.
Have fun and good luck making it!
Table of Contents
Chicken in a jar – What do you need to make it?
The perfect ingredients and a little patience are all you need to prepare this tasty treat in no time at all.
Ingredients per 1 kg
- 100% boneless chicken thighs with skin (1000g)
Ingredients Base per kg
Spice variant #1:
Spice variant #2:
Spice variant #3:
Optional aspic stock to infuse:
- 300ml water
- 3.5 g salt
- 2.5 g Cure #1
- Aspic powder Bloom 240 depending on the desired strength 30 – 40g /1 liter
The equipment to make Chicken in a jar
Jars
You need jars to preserve your chicken. I mostly use the Weck company here.
Chicken in a jar – Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Chicken in a jar to perfection.
1. Add the spices to the chicken thighs.
2. Mix the ingredients together. Make sure that all the spices are well distributed on the meat. Then leave to stand for 15 minutes. This allows the spices to soak into the meat.
3. Fill the chicken thighs into jars. It is important here that there is little air in the gaps and that the jar is not filled to the brim.
4. Sometimes the meat is not covered with its own juices after cooking. If this bothers you, you can infuse the meat with an aspic broth in this step. To do this, prepare the aspic broth according to the package instructions.
Book recommendation: The Full Guide On Making Sausages Easily At Home – Step-by-step instructions & 37 delicious recipes
5. Seal the jars.
6. Cook your chicken thighs at 100 °C (212.0°F) for 2 hours.
7. Your chicken in in a jar is ready. Enjoy the taste.😄
Frequently asked questions
What is the shelf life of the chicken in a jar?
Your chicken will keep for approx. 4 – 5 days in the fridge if left open. When cooked in jars, it will keep for several months. As always: see – smell – taste!
Do I need to fry the chicken beforehand?
No, that is not necessary. The chicken is gently cooked during the preserving process and remains wonderfully juicy. This saves work and preserves the flavor.
Why is there not so much liquid left in the jar after canning?
This is completely normal. As it cools, the contents contract, which means that the meat juices don’t always reach the top. If you like the look or shelf life, you can add some aspic or stock after filling.
Which cuts of meat are best?
Chicken thighs, drumsticks or boneless chicken pieces with skin are best – they give off a lot of flavor and enough juice. Breast meat also works, but is a little drier.
Can I omit or substitute spices?
Yes, the recipe is flexible. You can adjust the spices to taste or just use salt. However, be careful not to season too much, as the flavor intensifies during cooking.