We came across several homemade chicken breast pastrami recipes online and decided to try making our own version. We aim to avoid buying overly processed foods as much as possible, steering clear of store-bought deli meats. Not that we don’t enjoy them—who doesn’t? But we all know they’re not the healthiest option. That’s what inspired us to create a healthier homemade alternative using fresh, wholesome ingredients.
To be honest, we didn’t expect our homemade chicken pastrami to turn out this good! It’s miles ahead of anything you’d find in stores. Sure, it takes a bit of effort, but don’t let that discourage you—it’s absolutely worth it.
Let’s dive into the recipe and show you how it’s done!
Homemade Chicken Breast Pastrami
We stumbled upon various recipes for homemade chicken breast pastrami online and decided to give it a try. Our goal was to steer clear of processed foods and opt for a healthier alternative to store-bought deli meats. Little did we know, our homemade version exceeded all expectations, surpassing anything available in stores. Although it requires some effort, trust us, the end result is truly worth it. Without further ado, let's delve into the recipe and demonstrate how it's done!
Medium
Equipment
1 large bowl
1 tray deep enough for the marinade
1 kitchen knife
1 spoon
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts- 1 tbsp honey
- 10 black peppercorns
- 10 allspice berries
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika powder
- 2-3 sprigs green thyme
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2-3 tbsp sunflower oil
- 2 tsp coarse salt
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Day 1)
- Wash the chicken breasts thoroughly and slice each breast lengthwise into two pieces. Place them in a deep mixing bowl.
- Add the coarse salt, black peppercorns, allspice berries, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs.
- Pour enough water into the bowl to fully submerge the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Step 2: Add Flavor (Day 2)
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, rinse it under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken back into the bowl and add the sweet paprika, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and quartered garlic cloves.
- Massage the chicken thoroughly to ensure it’s evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 24 hours.
Step 3: Roast the Pastrami (Day 3)
- Preheat your oven to 190 °C (374 °F).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and, if desired, tie two pieces together using kitchen twine for a more traditional pastrami look.
- Place the chicken in a deep baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over it. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake the chicken for 45–60 minutes, then remove the foil. Lower the oven temperature to 160 °C (320 °F).
- Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with the juices from the pan to keep it moist and flavorful. Continue roasting until the chicken is golden brown and caramelized.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and give it a final basting with the pan juices for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- You can serve this chicken breast pastrami immediately with creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp salad or tangy pickles. Alternatively, let it cool, refrigerate, and use it as a delicious filling for sandwiches, paired with cheese, mayo, or ketchup.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and no preservatives.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Flavorful: Infused with aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness.
We’d Love Your Feedback!
Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Your feedback not only helps us improve but also inspires others to try this homemade chicken breast pastrami. 🤗❤️🤗Nutrition
Calories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 13gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 911mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 471IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
