Demystifying Chicken Bacon: A Close Look at What It’s Made Of

Bacon is a breakfast staple enjoyed by many. But traditional pork bacon is not for everyone due to dietary restrictions or health concerns That’s where chicken bacon comes in! This popular alternative swaps out pork for chicken But what exactly is chicken bacon made of?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the ingredients used to make chicken bacon and how the manufacturing process works. After reading, you’ll understand what sets chicken bacon apart and how it provides a lighter healthier option without sacrificing that signature smoky salty flavor.

Chicken Bacon Ingredients

Chicken bacon contains much simpler ingredients compared to pork bacon. Here are the main components:

• Chicken Meat – This forms the base of chicken bacon. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is most commonly used. Thigh meat may also be included.

• Water – Added to help bind and emulsify the ingredients. Prevents separation during cooking.

• Starch – Starch such as modified potato starch helps bind the ingredients together. Also adds texture.

• Salt – Essential for flavoring. Table salt, sea salt, or other natural salts are used.

• Sugars – Small amounts of sugar aid browning through the Maillard reaction. Also balance flavor.

• Spices – Onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and other spices customize flavor.

• Smoke Flavors – Natural or artificial smoke flavors replicate the taste of traditional smoked bacon.

• Preservatives – Help prevent spoilage and bacterial growth during storage.

• Curing Salt – Curing salt (sodium nitrite/nitrate) preserve color and kill bacteria.

As you can see, chicken bacon contains far fewer ingredients than whole pork belly bacon before it’s cured and smoked. The simplified list allows better control over fat, sodium, and preservatives.

How Chicken Bacon Is Made

The production process for chicken bacon is quite different from pork bacon. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Meat Selection and Preparation

• Fresh chicken breast or thighs are brought into the facility without skin, bones, or excess fat.

• The chicken goes through an initial rinse, cleaning, and trimming process.

Step 2: Meat Grinding

• The chicken meat is run through coarse grinders to produce a shredded, minced texture.

• Different grinder plate sizes create various textures from chunky to very fine.

Step 3: Blending and Mixing

• The ground chicken is blended with water, salt, sugars, curing agents, spices, and other ingredients in large mixing vats.

• Thorough blending distributes flavors and extracts myosin proteins to bind the mixture.

Step 4: Spreading onto Trays

• The chicken mixture is spread evenly onto metal trays to rest and set.

• The thickness is controlled based on the desired bacon shape and dimensions.

Step 5:Cooking and Smoking

• The chicken mixture trays enter large ovens reaching 185°F internally to fully cook through.

• The oven may impart natural smoke flavor or liquid smoke may be added to the blend.

• Cooking yields the signature bacon coloration, aroma, and caramelized flavor.

Step 6: Cooling and Slicing

• Once cooled, the solid chicken bacon slab is removed from the trays.

• It is sliced to the desired bacon strip thickness and shape.

• Slicing machines or water jets cut uniform, restaurants strips of chicken bacon.

Step 7: Packaging and Distribution

• The freshly sliced chicken bacon is packaged into retail boxes and bags or bulk packages.

• Full nutrition facts and safe handling instructions are added.

• The chicken bacon is shipped to stores, restaurants, and institutions to enjoy!

As you can see, chicken bacon leverages some very different processes from pork to achieve the taste and texture of regular bacon with more control over ingredients.

Key Differences Between Chicken and Pork Bacon

Now that you understand what chicken bacon contains and how it’s made, let’s summarize the major differences compared to traditional pork bacon:

• Leaner – Chicken has very little intramuscular fat versus pork belly which is very fatty by nature. So chicken bacon contains a fraction of the fat.

• Fewer Calories – Due to containing less fat, chicken bacon is significantly lower in calories per strip compared to pork bacon.

• Uses White Meat – Chicken breast or thigh is used rather than fatty pork cuts. So the nutrition profile skews healthier.

• Lower Sodium – Chicken requires less sodium during curing and flavoring to taste like bacon. This reduces the sodium levels substantially compared to pork curing.

• Formed and Chopped – Chicken is ground and formed into a solid slab rather than being an intact whole pork belly slice.

• Milder Flavor – The flavor ends up less smoky and porky. Many find it more mild compared to robust pork bacon.

• Different Texture – Chicken produces a dense, chewy texture versus the tender, fatty mouthfeel of sliced pork belly bacon before cooking.

Understanding what chicken bacon contains and how it differs from pork bacon helps you pick the right one for your needs. While it may lack some of the indulgence of real pork bacon, chicken bacon offers a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing that sweet, smoky bacon satisfaction.

How to Cook Chicken Bacon Like a Pro

Cooking chicken bacon has some nuances compared to pork bacon. Follow these pro tips:

• Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking. Cast iron or stainless steel work as well with a touch of oil.

• Cook over medium to medium-low heat. Chicken bacon can burn faster than pork since it’s leaner.

• Flip frequently and move strips around. This helps render fat and cook evenly.

• Bake on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet. Turn halfway through for even baking.

• Microwave in 30 second increments on a paper towel. Re-position strips as needed.

• Blot grease while cooking. Chicken bacon releases less grease than pork as it cooks.

• Cook until opaque and slightly firm but still pliable to prevent dryness.

With lower fat content, chicken bacon can dry out if overcooked. But using the right technique, you can achieve delicious results. Crispy and flavorful chicken bacon is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and more!