Homemade Chicken Pastrami

Discover the ultimate homemade chicken pastrami recipe! Ideal for those avoiding store-bought sausages, this recipe yields pastrami that's effortlessly sliceable, tender, and 100% natural. Originally tested with chicken breast, it's equally feasible with turkey breast or pork loin. This chicken breast version is particularly recommended for its simplicity and foolproof results. Just remember, patience is key for the perfect marinade infusion.

Ingredients
Chicken breast
2 pieces
Salt
2 tbsp
Laurel leaves
2 pieces
Sugar
2 tbsp
Water
3 cups
Whole allspice
1 tsp
or whole black pepper
Honey
2 tbsp
optional
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Soy sauce
1 tbsp
optional
Paprika
1 tbsp
Pepper
1 tsp
ground black pepper
Step by step
Step 1

First Marinade: Combine sugar, salt, bay leaves, and allspice in a bowl.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 1
Step 2

Add water and stir until salt and sugar dissolve.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 2
Step 3

Wash chicken breasts thoroughly, place in a container, cover with marinade, seal, and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 3
Step 4

After marinating, rinse the chicken, and pat dry with a towel.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 4
Step 5

Second Marinade/Glaze: Mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 5
Step 6

Coat the chicken breasts with the glaze mixture; refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours, ideally 24 hours.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 6
Step 7

Wrap each breast tightly with cotton thread.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 7
Step 8

Place on aluminum foil in a baking tray; bake at 180°C (356°F) for 60-70 minutes.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 8
Step 9

Midway through baking, baste the chicken with its juices, then continue baking until browned.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 9
Step 10

Remove from the oven, let cool for at least 10 minutes.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 10
Step 11

Untie the thread and slice the pastrami as desired.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 11
Step 12

Serve hot with pan-roasted vegetables.

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 12
Step 13

Also excellent as a cold appetizer.

This homemade chicken pastrami recipe promises to convert you into a lifelong fan from the first taste. It's a healthier, natural alternative to processed meats, perfect for any meal.

Bon appétit!

Homemade Chicken Pastrami - Step 13
Quantity: 4 pcs (4 halves of chicken breast)
Prep time:
60 min
Difficulty: intermediate
Ready in: 30 min