Homemade Honey-Marinated Chicken Deli Meat Recipe
This Easy Homemade Sandwich Deli Meat recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, flavorful deli-style slices perfect for sandwiches. Marinated with honey and a blend of spices, then slow-roasted at a low temperature, the chicken develops a moist texture and rich taste without any added preservatives. Ideal for meal prep or easy lunches, this homemade deli meat is healthier and free from unwanted additives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 48-72 hours marination and soaking time)
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 days (including marination and soaking)
- Yield: Approximately 6-8 sandwich servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich Filling
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb or 450 g total)
Marinade and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dried herbs, optional
- Additional spices, optional
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine honey, sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder thoroughly. Coat both chicken breasts evenly with the honey marinade. Place the coated chicken breasts in a zip-top bag, press out excess air, seal, and refrigerate for 48 to 72 hours to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Soak the chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the bag and rinse them well with cool water to remove excess marinade. Then, place the chicken into a dish filled with cold water, ensuring the chicken is completely submerged. Soak for 30 minutes for every 24 hours it was marinated (e.g., 1.5–2 hours soaking for 3 days marination). This step helps remove excess salt and balances flavors.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 250°F (125°C) to prepare for slow roasting.
- Prepare for roasting: Take the chicken out of the soaking water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken breasts on it. If desired, press black pepper or dried herbs into the surface of the chicken for added flavor.
- Roast the chicken: Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safely cooked yet remains juicy.
- Cool and chill: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then place it in the refrigerator until completely chilled before slicing.
- Slice and store: Slice the chilled chicken breasts at an angle to your preferred thickness. Store the sliced deli meat in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or snacks.
Notes
- Soaking the chicken after marinating helps reduce excess saltiness from the marinade.
- Ensure the chicken is fully chilled before slicing to achieve clean, thin slices similar to deli meat.
- You can customize flavors by adding your favorite dried herbs and spices during the peppering step before roasting.
- This homemade deli meat is free from preservatives and additives common in store-bought versions.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking and dryness.
Keywords: homemade deli meat, chicken sandwich meat, roasted chicken breast, healthy deli meat, easy sandwich filling, slow roasted chicken, marinated chicken breast
