Jar Storage: Chicken Portions For Pints

Canning chicken is a great way to preserve the meat for future use and ensure it doesn't go to waste. The amount of chicken that can fit into a pint jar varies depending on whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in, and whether it is raw or cooked. For boneless chicken, a pint jar can typically hold around one pound of meat, while for bone-in chicken, the amount may vary due to the extra space taken up by the bones. Some people suggest using wide-mouth jars for easier packing and removal of the chicken. The processing time for canning chicken also differs depending on the type of chicken and canning method, with boneless chicken generally requiring a longer processing time.

Canning chicken: preparation and methods

Canning chicken is a great way to clear up freezer space and make shelf-stable pantry items. It is also a convenient way to have ready-to-eat food on hand. The preparation and methods for canning chicken are outlined below.

Preparation:

Firstly, decide whether you want to can boneless or bone-in chicken. If you are using whole birds, part them into whatever pieces you desire and save the carcasses for making broth. You can roast the carcasses and make a chicken broth for canning. Alternatively, start with prepared chicken broth and pre-cut chicken pieces. Chicken may be canned with or without skin, and in large pieces or small chunks, based on your preference. However, it is recommended to remove the skin as it will become soft and soggy after canning.

Next, prepare your pressure canner by adding about 2-3 inches of water to the bottom and bringing it to a gentle simmer. You should also prepare your jars, lids, and rings. If you are using a canning rack, you can place it in the bottom of the canner.

Methods:

There are two main methods for canning chicken: the hot pack method and the raw pack method. The hot pack method involves lightly cooking the chicken before packing it into the jars, while the raw pack method requires zero cooking ahead of time. Both methods can be used for boneless or bone-in chicken.

For the hot pack method, lightly cook the chicken by boiling, baking, steaming, or browning it in a bit of oil until it is about 2/3 done. Fill the jars with the meat pieces, leaving a 1 1/4 inch headspace. Add salt if desired, usually about 1/2 teaspoon per pint jar and 1 teaspoon per quart jar. Top off the jars with hot broth or water, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top.

For the raw pack method, fill your jars loosely with raw meat pieces, leaving a 1 1/4 inch headspace. Add salt if desired, using the same amounts as for the hot pack method. Do not add liquid.

Regardless of the method used, it is important to remove any air bubbles from the jars using a canning utensil or a knife. Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any residue, adjust the lids/rings, and process in a pressure canner. The processing times will vary depending on the type of chicken and the size of the jars. For pint jars, the processing time is typically around 75 minutes, while for quart jars, it is around 90 minutes.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use wide-mouth pint jars for canning chicken, as they are the perfect amount for a quick chicken salad or tacos for a family of four.
• If you have a larger family, you may want to use quart-sized jars, which hold approximately two pounds of chicken per jar.
• Canning lids from ForJars are highly recommended, and you can get a 10% discount with the coupon code "Modern10".
• Adding salt to your jars is optional, but it can help improve the flavor and texture of the meat.
• When using the hot pack method, you can use either hot chicken broth or water to fill the jars.
• If you are canning bone-in chicken, separate the meat at the joints and make sure the pieces fit into the jars.
• If you are using the raw pack method, cut up the chicken into about one-inch cubes to ensure they fit into the jars properly.

How much chicken fits in a pint jar?

The amount of chicken that can fit in a pint jar depends on several factors, including the cut of the meat, whether it is boneless or not, and the method of canning.

For boneless chicken breasts, one large breast can fit into a pint jar without slicing. However, if sliced and packed tightly, you can fit almost twice as much chicken in a pint jar, or about 1.5 to 2 pounds. This is a popular choice for those who want to use the chicken for tacos or chicken salad, as it provides a good amount of meat for a family of four.

For chicken tenders, about three tenders fit into a pint jar, which equates to just over 0.75 pounds per jar.

If you are canning chicken with bones, the process is a bit different. You will need to cut the chicken into pieces to fit into the jars, and there may be more wasted space due to the bones. In this case, you can plan on 0.75 pounds of raw chicken per pint jar, as more space is taken up by the required headspace.

It's important to note that the canning method can also affect the amount of chicken that fits in a pint jar. The raw pack method involves placing raw chicken directly into the jar, while the hot pack method involves partially cooking the chicken before adding it to the jar. The hot pack method may result in the chicken cooking down more, leading to slightly less meat in each jar.

Additionally, the processing time for canning chicken varies depending on whether the jars contain bones or not. For boneless chicken, process pint jars for 75 minutes, while for chicken with bones, process for 65 minutes.

Some people also choose to add salt to their canned chicken to improve flavour and texture. The recommended amount is half a teaspoon per pint.

Chicken weight and jar size

Chicken can be canned in jars of various sizes, with pint and quart jars being the most commonly used. The amount of chicken that can fit into a jar depends on several factors, including the size and type of chicken pieces, the canning method, and the presence or absence of bones.

For boneless chicken breasts, a good rule of thumb is to allow for about one pound of chicken per pint jar. This means that a 10-pound bag of boneless chicken breasts would yield enough meat to fill approximately 10 pint jars. If you are slicing and packing the chicken tightly, you may be able to fit almost twice as much chicken in each jar.

When canning chicken with bones, the amount of meat that will fit in a pint jar can vary. Some sources suggest that a pint jar can hold about 3/4 lb of raw chicken with bones, while others suggest that you can fit one whole chicken leg and thigh or two boneless breasts per pint jar. It is important to ensure that the chicken pieces fit comfortably in the jar, leaving about 1 1/4 inches of headspace for the broth or water.

The processing time for canning chicken varies depending on the jar size and the presence of bones. For boneless chicken, process pint jars for 75 minutes and quarts for 90 minutes. For chicken with bones, the processing time is shorter, with pint jars requiring 65 minutes and quarts requiring 75 minutes.

It is worth noting that the weight of chicken required per jar may also depend on the specific canning recipe and the desired level of packing. Some recipes may call for a looser pack, while others may require a tighter pack, affecting the overall weight of chicken needed. Additionally, the type of chicken pieces used can impact the weight, as breasts tend to be the biggest portion of meat, while other parts like thighs and drumsticks may have a lower yield.

Chicken portions and packing

If you are using the hot pack method, you will need to cook the chicken until it is about two-thirds of the way cooked. Then, cover the chicken with hot broth or water to finish the cooking process in the pressure canner. For boneless chicken, process jars at pressure for 75 minutes for pints and 90 minutes for quarts. For bone-in chicken, process jars for 65 minutes for pints and 75 minutes for quarts.

If you are using the raw pack method, you are putting uncooked chicken into your jars, and it will fully cook during the processing time. The raw pack method is best for those who want to minimise hands-on work. For boneless chicken, process jars at pressure for 75 minutes for pints and 90 minutes for quarts. For bone-in chicken, process jars for 65 minutes for pints and 75 minutes for quarts.

The amount of chicken you can fit into a pint jar will depend on whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in, and how it is cut and packed. For boneless chicken, you can fit approximately one pound of chicken per pint jar. For bone-in chicken, you can fit about 3/4 pounds of chicken per pint jar. If you are slicing and lightly packing the chicken, you may be able to fit almost twice as much chicken in a pint jar.

Some people choose to cut chicken into small pieces before canning, while others prefer to can whole legs and thighs. You can also debone the chicken and then pack it into jars. If you are canning chicken with bones, you will need to cut the chicken into pieces to ensure they fit into the jars.

Storing and preserving chicken

Canning Chicken

Canning chicken is a popular method for storing and preserving chicken. It involves placing chicken in jars and sealing them for long-term storage. There are two main methods of canning chicken: raw packing and hot packing.

• Raw packing involves placing raw chicken in a jar and pressure canning it. This method is simple and results in moist and flavorful chicken. The juices from the chicken will cover it at least halfway, and you can also add broth made from bones or tomato juice to cover the chicken completely.
• Hot packing involves cooking the chicken before placing it in the jars. This method yields approximately 1 pound of chicken per pint and just under 2 pounds per quart.

When canning chicken, it is recommended to use wide-mouth jars for easier removal of the chicken after processing. You can pack whole legs and thighs, bone-in, for added flavor, or cut the chicken into small pieces to fit more in each jar.

Freezing Chicken

Freezing is another effective method for storing and preserving chicken. It is especially useful if you have overbought chicken or want to store cooked chicken for later use. Here are some tips for freezing chicken:

• Vacuum seal the chicken before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze chicken in flat packets for quicker thawing.
• Collect and freeze bones, skin, and scraps to make chicken stock later.
• Make and preserve chicken stock in large batches during cooler months to avoid heating up the kitchen.

In summary, storing and preserving chicken can be done through canning or freezing. Canning involves raw or hot packing chicken in jars, while freezing involves vacuum sealing and storing chicken in a freezer. By using these methods, you can effectively store and preserve chicken for long-term use.

Frequently asked questions