Extending the Shelf Life of Ready-to-Eat Spiced Chicken Meat: Garlic Aqueous Extracts-Carboxymethyl Chitosan Ultrasonicated Coating Solution

Edible crude nano-coating solutions were prepared via ultrasonic treatment using carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and garlic aqueous extracts as raw materials, and these were used to extend the shelf life of ready-to-eat (RTE) spiced chicken meat. First, the chemical composition of garlic aqueous extracts and the properties of the ultrasonicated coating solutions (particle size, ZETA potential, bacteriostasis, and mechanical properties) were determined. The results showed that the main chemical component was diallyl disulfide, and the most suitable coating solution (solution A) was produced by the addition of the garlic aqueous extracts after ultrasonic treatment of the CMCS solution. Subsequently, solution A was applied to the preservation experiment of the RTE chicken meat. According to microbial index (total viable count, TVC) and physical and chemical indicators, including total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), water distribution, and sensory evaluation, it was determined that this method effectively inhibited the growth of microorganisms and could delay the rate of protein breakdown and lipid oxidation in the RTE chicken meat. Moreover, there were no side effects regarding the appearance or taste of the products. Therefore, the garlic aqueous extracts-CMCS ultrasonicated coating method could be used as a potential fresh-keeping method for RTE chicken meat.