Canning chicken and noodles might seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and careful execution, you can enjoy this comforting meal year-round. This guide will walk you through the process, addressing common concerns and ensuring your canned goods are safe and delicious. This method focuses on canning chicken separately and then combining it with noodles later, as canning noodles directly presents challenges with texture and preservation.
What You'll Need:
- Pressure Canner: Absolutely essential for safely canning chicken due to the risk of botulism. A properly functioning pressure canner is paramount.
- Jars & Lids: Use new canning jars and lids, following the manufacturer's instructions for preparing them. Wide-mouth jars are generally preferred for ease of packing.
- Chicken: Use cooked chicken, preferably boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Avoid using pre-cooked, processed chicken from the grocery store.
- Broth: Homemade chicken broth is ideal, but low-sodium store-bought broth can also be used.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, herbs, and spices to your liking.
- Noodles: Choose a sturdy noodle that holds its shape well, like egg noodles or dried pasta.
- Ladle and Jar Lifter: For safe handling of hot jars.
- Canning Utensils: Including a jar funnel and bubble remover.
- Large Pot: For cooking the chicken if you're starting with raw chicken.
Preparing the Chicken:
How to cook chicken for canning? If starting with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can boil, bake, or pressure cook the chicken. Shred or cube the chicken after it's cooled slightly. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the chicken dry and tough in the canned product.
Can you can already cooked chicken? Yes! This is the preferred method as it reduces the canning time and ensures the chicken is already safe for consumption.
What kind of chicken is best for canning? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best. Dark meat tends to be more flavorful when canned.
Canning the Chicken:
- Pack the Jars: Place the shredded or cubed chicken into clean canning jars, leaving about an inch of headspace.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour hot chicken broth over the chicken, leaving that one-inch headspace. Add your desired seasonings.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Use a non-metallic utensil to remove air bubbles and ensure the chicken is fully submerged in broth.
- Wipe the Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth.
- Apply Lids and Rings: Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening the rings fingertip-tight.
- Process in Pressure Canner: Follow the recommended processing time for your pressure canner and altitude. This typically involves bringing the canner to pressure, maintaining pressure for a specific time, and then slowly releasing the pressure. Consult a reputable canning guide for precise processing times based on your altitude and jar size.
Combining with Noodles:
How do you can chicken and noodles together? We strongly advise against canning noodles directly with the chicken. Noodles tend to absorb liquid and become mushy during the canning process, and this combination presents higher risk of spoilage.
Instead, can the chicken separately as described above. When ready to eat, simply cook your noodles according to package directions and combine them with the canned chicken and its broth. You can heat the mixture gently on the stovetop. Adding additional seasonings or vegetables at this stage is perfectly acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does canned chicken last?
Canned chicken, properly processed, can last for 12-18 months in a cool, dark, and dry place. Always check the jars for any signs of spoilage (bulging lids, leaking, unusual odors) before consuming.
Can I freeze canned chicken?
While you can freeze canned chicken, it's generally not necessary as properly canned chicken will last for a considerable time on the shelf. Freezing could alter the texture slightly.
Can I reuse canning jars?
While you can reuse canning jars, it is highly recommended to use new lids each time. Old lids might not create an effective seal.
What happens if I don't use a pressure canner?
Not using a pressure canner for canning chicken is extremely dangerous and can lead to botulism, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Always use a pressure canner for low-acid foods like chicken.
Can I can chicken noodle soup?
While you can can a simplified chicken noodle soup (with minimal vegetables), we still recommend canning the chicken separately for best results and to simplify the process.
By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of home-canned chicken and noodles. Remember to always consult a reputable canning guide specific to your altitude for accurate processing times. Safe canning practices are crucial to avoid foodborne illness.
