Chicken breast is one of the most popular cuts of chicken. However, there are concerns about what chicken producers may be injecting into the chicken breast during processing. Let’s take a look at what they inject chicken breast with and why.
Brine Solutions
One of the most common things injected into chicken breast is a saltwater brine solution. The brine contains salt, water, and sometimes phosphates or broth. The purpose of injecting a brine solution is to make the chicken breast juicier and more tender when cooked. It also adds flavor and increases the weight. Typical brine solutions are about 8-12% of the raw weight of the chicken breast.
Why Use a Brine Solution?
There are a few reasons chicken processors use brine solutions:
- Increases moisture and makes chicken breast juicier
- Improves texture and tenderness
- Adds flavor from salt, broth, or spices
- Increases weight, which increases profits
Antimicrobials
Some chicken breasts may be injected with small amounts of antimicrobial solutions. This is done to reduce harmful bacteria like salmonella or campylobacter. Common antimicrobials used include:
- Cetylpyridinium chloride
- Peroxyacetic acid
- Trisodium phosphate
- Acidified sodium chlorite
Using these antimicrobials can reduce bacteria counts on chicken by up to 2 logs (99%). However, they don’t completely eliminate bacteria.
Why Use Antimicrobials?
Reasons for using antimicrobial sprays or injections include:
- Reduces foodborne illness from bacteria like salmonella
- Extends shelf life by reducing spoilage bacteria
- Improves food safety
Flavors
Some chicken breasts may be injected with flavor solutions to make them more tasty. Common flavors include:
- Chicken broth or stock
- Grill flavors like smoke or barbecue
- Herbs and spices
- Sea salt
- Citrus flavors
The flavors imparted vary widely between brands. They usually make up less than 5% of the total weight.
Why Use Flavor Solutions?
Reasons for injecting chicken breasts with flavors include:
- Adds and enhances flavor
- Provides convenience for consumers
- Extends shelf life in some cases
- May allow use of less desirable cuts
- Increases product differentiation
Binders and Extenders
Some additives help retain moisture and serve as binders and extenders. These may include:
- Seaweed extracts like carrageenan
- Whey protein concentrate
- Starches
- Gums like xanthan or guar
Using binders and extenders can help increase yields and profits for chicken processors. They may make up 1-5% of the injected solution.
Why Use Binders and Extenders?
Reasons chicken processors use these ingredients include:
- Bind moisture to improve juiciness
- Improve texture and mouthfeel
- Increase yields and profits
- Extend shelf life by retaining moisture
Preservatives
Some chicken breasts may contain very small amounts of preservatives in injected solutions. Typical preservatives include:
- Sodium or potassium lactate
- Sodium diacetate
- Sodium or potassium acetate
- Sodium citrate
The levels used are minute, usually less than 2% of the brine solution.
Why Use Preservatives?
Reasons for including preservatives in injected chicken include:
- Inhibit microbial growth to extend shelf life
- Retain moisture to keep chicken juicy
- Maintain quality over time
Labeling
In the U.S., injected chicken products must be labeled with a statement like “up to 10% retained water” or “up to 15% of weight is added ingredients.” This lets consumers know if solutions were added.
Chicken injected with a brine solution may be labeled as:
- Self-basted
- Enhanced
- Marinated
- Flavor added
Look for these terms to know if the chicken breast contains an injected solution.
Are Injected Solutions Safe?
The ingredients injected into chicken breasts are considered safe and approved by regulatory agencies. The amounts used are small. And the additions provide benefits like improved food safety, texture, moisture, and flavor.
However, those wanting to avoid added ingredients may prefer non-enhanced chicken labeled “100% natural” or “minimally processed.” Talk to your butcher to find chicken that hasn’t been injected if you wish to avoid it.
Conclusion
Chicken breast is commonly injected with safe, approved solutions during processing. Typical ingredients include brines, flavors, binders, antimicrobials, and preservatives. The main reasons for injecting chicken breast are to increase juiciness and flavor. Proper labeling allows consumers to know if solutions have been added. While injected chicken is safe and provides benefits, consumers can choose non-enhanced chicken if they wish to avoid additions.