Homemade Chicken Salami: A Simple Recipe Without Additives

Creating your own chicken salami at home is not only satisfying but also allows you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring there are no unwanted additives or preservatives. This recipe is straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and delivers deliciously flavorful salami that can be enjoyed on sandwiches, with cheese, or as a part of a charcuterie board.

Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 1.5 kg of chicken salami.

• 1 kg 200 g of meat from chicken legs: Chicken legs provide flavor and the right amount of fat that keeps the salami moist.
• 15 g table salt: Essential for flavor and preservation.
• 70 g cold cream (30% fat): Helps bind the mixture and adds creaminess.
• 1 g dry garlic: For a subtle garlic flavor.
• 1 g ground black pepper: Adds warmth.
• 1 g allspice: Introduces a hint of sweetness and complexity.
• 1 g coriander: Enhances the overall flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Meat grinder or food processor: For grinding the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
• Sausage casing or parchment paper: If using casings, they can be natural or synthetic.
• String or twine: For tying off the salami.
• Food thermometer: To check doneness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken:

• Begin by cutting the chicken legs into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to grind.

1. Chill the Meat:

• Place the chicken pieces in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the meat grind more evenly and keeps it from warming up too much during the grinding process.

Step 2: Grind the Meat

3. Grind or Process:

• Use a meat grinder or food processor to grind the chicken legs into a fine texture. If using a food processor, do it in small batches for an even grind.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

4. Combine:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, table salt, cold cream, dry garlic, black pepper, allspice, and coriander.

4. Mix Thoroughly:

• Mix everything together until you have a uniform mixture. It’s best to use your hands for this process, ensuring an even distribution of seasonings.

Step 4: Stuff and Shape the Salami

6. Prepare the Casing:

• If using sausage casings, rinse them under cold water and soak them according to the package instructions. If not using casings, you can shape the mixture into logs covered in parchment paper.

6. Stuff the Salami:

• If using casings, carefully stuff them with the meat mixture, making sure there are no air pockets. When filled, tie off the ends securely with string. If shaping into logs, form the mixture tightly into cylindrical logs wrapped in parchment paper, twisting the ends to seal.

Step 5: Cook the Salami

8. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 80°C (175°F).

8. Bake:

• Place the salami on a baking sheet and bake in the oven. Use a food thermometer to check; the internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F), which usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 6: Cool and Store

10. Cool:
    • Once cooked, remove the salami from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you used casings, hang them in a cool place.
11. Refrigerate or Slice:
    • After cooling, refrigerate the salami. If you used parchment paper, unroll it and slice your salami as needed. For best flavor and texture, allow it to chill in the fridge before slicing.

Step 7: Enjoy!

12. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve your homemade chicken salami sliced thin as part of a charcuterie board, in sandwiches, or simply enjoy it on its own. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.

Additional Tips

• Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or seasonings, such as paprika, fennel seeds, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Alternate Meats: For variety, you can use turkey or even lean cuts of pork in place of the chicken.

---

Conclusion

Making your own chicken salami is an excellent way to ensure that you’re enjoying a delicious product free from preservatives and additives. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful salami that you can be proud to serve your family and guests. Enjoy your homemade creation in various dishes or simply as a tasty, healthy snack!

Share Your Experience

Have you tried making your own chicken salami? What variations did you add? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Happy cooking!