Sensory Quality Evaluation of Superheated Steam-Treated Chicken Leg and Breast Meats with a Combination of Marination and Hot Smoking

As the sensory qualities of meat processed using methods such as superheated steam, marination, and hot smoking have not been examined, this study analyzed the sensory quality of chicken meats (leg, breast) and its chemical correlation by determining optimal processing conditions (superheated steam treatment, marination, and hot smoking). Chicken meats were defrosted using room temperature, running tap water, or high-frequency defroster. Marinated meats with herbal extract solution were treated with superheated steam and then hot smoked with wood sawdust; sensory evaluations were performed at each processing step. The products were analyzed for fatty acids and nutrients, along with storage tests under different conditions. High-frequency defrosting showed the lowest drip loss and thawing time compared to other methods. Bay leaves and oak wood were selected as the best sub-materials for higher sensory scores. Optimal superheated steam conditions showed higher overall acceptance (8.86, 8.71) and were set as follows; leg meat (225 °C; 12 min 20 s), breast meat (223 °C; 8 min 40 s). The final meat products possessed good nutritional composition and no severe sensory spoilages were detected during storage despite microbial and chemical degradations. Thus, regular sensory evaluations at each processing step and storage condition were effective for developing superior chicken meat products.