Have you ever heard someone mention “ugly chicken” and wondered what in the world they were talking about? I certainly did when I first came across this term! Turns out, there are actually TWO completely different meanings for “ugly chicken” in the food world – and both are fascinating for different reasons.
In this article, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about ugly chicken – from the pressure canned variety that’s a prepper’s dream to the unconventionally attractive chicken breeds that might make you do a double-take. Let’s dive right in!
The Two Faces of Ugly Chicken
When people talk about “ugly chicken,” they’re usually referring to one of these two things:
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Pressure canned chicken – A shelf-stable preservation method where raw chicken is packed into jars and pressure canned, resulting in a not-so-pretty but incredibly practical food storage solution
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Unconventionally attractive chicken breeds – Certain chicken breeds with unusual physical characteristics that some might consider “ugly” but others find fascinating or beautiful
Let’s explore both in detail!
Pressure Canned Ugly Chicken: Practical Food Preservation
The most common reference to “ugly chicken” in prepping and homesteading circles refers to pressure canned chicken. This method of food preservation has gained popularity for several good reasons.
What Makes Canned Chicken “Ugly”?
When chicken is pressure canned using the raw pack method, it doesn’t win any beauty contests. The chicken pieces get compressed, the meat changes color, and liquid forms in the jar. The end result is… well, not Instagram-worthy! But the practicality more than makes up for its appearance.
As Leisa Sutton from Suttons Daze says, “any meats commercially canned would be equally ugly if we purchased them in jars instead of tin cans.” The ugliness is just more visible because we’re using clear glass jars instead of opaque tin cans.
Why Pressure Can Chicken?
Despite its unattractive appearance, pressure canned chicken offers numerous benefits:
- Long shelf life – Properly canned chicken lasts at least 18 months, but in reality, it can last for years
- No freezer required – Unlike frozen chicken, it won’t go bad during power outages
- Ready to eat – It’s fully cooked and ready to use straight from the jar
- Versatile – Can be used in countless recipes from soups to casseroles
- Space-efficient storage – Takes up less space than frozen meat
How to Pressure Can Ugly Chicken
If you’re interested in trying this preservation method yourself, here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
- Prepare chicken breasts – Cut boneless, skinless chicken breast into approximately 1-inch pieces
- Fill jars – Pack the chicken pieces firmly into canning jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace
- Wipe rims – Clean the jar rims with water or vinegar
- Add lids and rings – Place new canning lids on each jar and tighten rings “finger-tight”
- Prepare canner – Fill pressure canner with 3 inches of cool water
- Process jars – Process pint jars for 75 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes at 11 pounds of pressure (adjust for your altitude)
No additional liquid or seasoning is needed – the chicken creates its own juice during processing!
Ways to Use Pressure Canned Chicken
Once you’ve got jars of ugly chicken on your shelf, what can you do with them? Plenty! Here are some popular uses:
- Chicken salad
- Casseroles
- Soups and stews
- Quick protein for pasta dishes
- Enchiladas and tacos
- Rice bowls
- Quick sandwich fillings
The plain, unseasoned nature of the chicken makes it incredibly versatile – you can season it however you want when you open the jar.
Unconventionally Attractive Chicken Breeds
The other meaning of “ugly chicken” refers to chicken breeds with unusual physical features that some might consider less than beautiful. But as with anything, beauty is subjective!
What Makes a Chicken “Ugly”?
Some characteristics that might earn a chicken the “ugly” label include:
- Disproportionate body parts (oversized feet, legs, combs, or wattles)
- Lack of feathers or bare necks
- Frizzled, unkempt feathers
- Dark black coloration of skin, bones, and organs
- Unusual head shapes or facial features
- Missing or abnormally short tails
10 Chicken Breeds Often Considered “Ugly”
- Dong Tao – Vietnamese breed with enormously large legs and feet, nicknamed “dragon chicken”
- Ayam Cemani – Indonesian breed with hyperpigmentation making it entirely black (even bones and organs!)
- Serama – Malaysian breed with disproportionate appearance and upright stance
- Modern Game – Long, skinny legs and petite body creating an unusually lanky look
- Featherless – Genetically modified chickens lacking feathers
- Naked Neck – Partial bare necks resembling a cross between chicken and turkey
- Polish – Vaulted skull supporting an oversized crest of feathers
- Rumpless Game – Lacking a tail, appearing as if its rear was cut off
- Frizzle – Curved, unkempt feathers that stick out rather than lying flat
- La Fleche – French breed with unusual upright, pointed horns on its comb
Why Raise “Ugly” Chicken Breeds?
Despite their unconventional looks, these chicken breeds are valued for many reasons:
- Unique appearance – They add character and become conversation starters
- Meat quality – Some breeds like Dong Tao are prized for superior meat
- Rarity – Many unusual-looking breeds are scarce, increasing their value to collectors
- Ornamental qualities – Some are kept primarily for exhibition purposes
- Heat tolerance – Breeds like Naked Necks handle hot weather better
- Friendly personalities – Many make excellent pets regardless of appearance
The Beauty of Ugly Chicken
Whether we’re talking about practical pressure canned chicken or uniquely featured chicken breeds, “ugly chicken” has much more to offer than meets the eye.
For preppers and homesteaders, ugly canned chicken represents food security and practical preservation. For chicken enthusiasts, unconventionally attractive breeds showcase the amazing diversity within the chicken world.
I personally think there’s something beautiful about both! The canned chicken sitting on my pantry shelf represents security and preparation, while the diverse world of chicken breeds reminds us that beauty standards are arbitrary and often miss the true value of things.
FAQs About Ugly Chicken
About Pressure Canned Chicken
Q: How long does pressure canned chicken last?
A: If properly canned, at least 18 months, but in reality, it can last for years.
Q: Do I need to add water when canning chicken?
A: No, the chicken creates its own juice during processing.
Q: Can I can chicken with bones?
A: Yes, but boneless chicken is more commonly used for convenience.
Q: Is it safe to can chicken at home?
A: Yes, when proper pressure canning methods are followed exactly. Chicken must always be pressure canned, never water bath canned.
Q: How do I know if my canned chicken is still good?
A: Check that the seal is intact, there’s no unusual discoloration, and there’s no odd smell when opened.
About Unconventionally Attractive Chicken Breeds
Q: Are “ugly” chicken breeds good egg layers?
A: It varies by breed. Some lay well, while others are kept more for ornamental purposes.
Q: Do unusual-looking chickens taste different?
A: Some breeds like the Ayam Cemani and Dong Tao are specifically prized for their meat quality.
Q: Are these unusual chicken breeds expensive?
A: Many rare or unusual breeds command higher prices due to their scarcity.
Q: Are there health concerns with these unusual breeds?
A: Some breeds with extreme features may have specific health considerations, but most are hardy when properly cared for.
Conclusion
Ugly chicken – whether it’s in a jar or strutting around a backyard – reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. What matters most is usefulness, practicality, and the joy something brings.
For me, those jars of pressure canned chicken aren’t ugly at all – they’re beautiful insurance against uncertain times. And those chickens with their unusual features? They’re fascinating examples of diversity that deserve appreciation for their unique qualities.
So next time someone mentions “ugly chicken,” you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about – and maybe even have some jars of your own on the shelf!
Have you tried pressure canning chicken or raised any unusual chicken breeds? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Step 3: Wipe rims
Once your jars are all filled wipe the rims with water or vinegar.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For ugly chicken, we use boneless skinless chicken breast. Cut it into pieces around one inch and place them into the jar. You can use pints or quarts. We tend to use pints because as the old rhyme goes “A pint’s a pound, the world around.” and for most meals, we only need a pound of meat.
