Canned Chicken Fajitas (Raw Pack Method) 🌮🫙
A Complete Meal in a Jar – Simple, Flavorful & Ready Anytime
Canning chicken fajitas is a great way to have a quick, ready-to-heat meal on your shelf. This method uses a raw pack technique, meaning everything goes straight into the jar uncooked, then is safely preserved using pressure canning.
⚠️ Important: This recipe requires a pressure canner. Do NOT use water bath or oven canning for meat.
Ingredients (Per Quart Jar)
- 1 to 1½ lbs raw chicken breast or thighs, sliced into strips
- ½ onion, sliced
- ½ bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic (optional)
- Fresh lime juice (optional, 1 tablespoon)
Simple Fajita Seasoning (Optional Homemade)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of oregano
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Jars
- Wash and sterilize quart jars
- Keep jars warm until ready to use
- Prepare lids and rings according to manufacturer instructions
2. Prep the Ingredients
- Slice chicken into thin strips
- Cut onions and peppers into strips
- Mix seasoning if making your own
3. Pack the Jars (Raw Pack)
- Add seasoning, salt, and garlic to the bottom of each jar
- Layer in onions and peppers
- Pack raw chicken strips on top (leave 1 inch headspace)
- Add lime juice if desired
❗ Do NOT add water — the chicken will create its own juices during processing.
4. Remove Air Bubbles
- Use a utensil to gently release trapped air
- Wipe jar rims clean
- Add lids and tighten bands fingertip-tight
5. Pressure Canning Process
- Place jars in pressure canner
- Process at:
- 10 PSI (dial gauge may vary by altitude)
- 75 minutes for quart jars (65 minutes for pints)
Always adjust pressure based on your altitude.
6. Cool and Store
- Let pressure return to zero naturally
- Remove jars and allow them to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours
- Check seals (lids should not flex)
- Store in a cool, dark place
How to Use Your Canned Chicken Fajitas
When you’re ready to eat:
- Open the jar and heat contents in a skillet
- Serve with:
- Tortillas
- Rice
- Salad bowls
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Cheese
- Avocado
- Salsa
Why This Recipe Works
✔ Everything cooks inside the jar
✔ No pre-cooking required
✔ Creates its own flavorful juices
✔ Saves time on busy days
✔ Shelf-stable meal ready anytime
Storage Tips
- Store for up to 1 year for best quality
- Keep in a cool, dark pantry
- Refrigerate after opening and use within 2–3 days
Final Thoughts 🌮✨
Canning chicken fajitas is one of the easiest ways to prepare ready-to-go meals for busy days. With the raw pack method, you simply add everything to the jar and let the pressure canner do the work.
It’s convenient, delicious, and perfect for building a pantry full of homemade meals you can trust.
