Canning chickens you raise yourself is a good way to store the meat without a freezer.
Canning chicken allows you to take advantage of sales at grocery stores, or store chicken you raise yourself without needing a freezer. Canned chicken works well in casseroles, stews, and other dishes where the chicken is cut up beforehand. When considering the type of chicken to can, a large, roaster will be more flavorful overall than a small fryer. Freshly killed chickens are also better for preserving since their shelf life is longer. The procedure for canning chicken breasts is the same as that for canning all chicken meat. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Chill chicken between six and 12 hours before canning.
2. Cut chicken into pieces that will fit into your canning jars. Remove any fat, bones or other pieces you don't want in the jars.
3. Rinse the chicken well.
4. Bake, steam or boil the chicken until it is almost done through. It will continue cooking in the pressure canner.
5. Wash your jars, rings and lids while the chicken is cooking. Since they will be processed in the pressure canner, you don't have to sterilize them first. However, they should be completely cleaned in very hot water and examined for nicks or cracks.
6. Pack the meat and broth in the canning jars, leaving 1 1/4 inch of space at the top. Add 1 tsp. of salt per quart to the jar.
7. Place the lids on the jars and secure with the rings, but don't over tighten. Wipe the jars clean.
8. Lower the jars into the pressure canner.
9. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filling it with water. Place the lid on and let it vent. Each pressure canner is different, so it's important to follow the instructions precisely.
10. Let the pressure build inside the canner. Most elevations require the chicken to be cooked at 10 pounds pressure for 90 minutes in quarts and 75 minutes in pints.
11. Remove the jars from the canner after the pressure has dropped naturally and let them cool overnight.
12. Store the jars in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use the chicken.
Tags: pressure canner, canning chicken, canning jars, raise yourself