Yeah, the only reason I partially precook the chicken is to make it easier to cut up. You should taste my stuffed jalapeños! I split them and remove the seeds, then stuff them with string cheese and chorizo sausage. Wrap with bacon and smoke 'til the bacon is done. NEVER any leftovers!
Cut up to put in the jars or cut up after canning? I find it easier to cut the raw chicken with my crazy sharp Pampered Chef knife than I do cutting it partially or fully cooked. But each to their own.
Please post that recipe for the stuffed jalapenos! That sounds delicious and I'm sure many of us would love to try it.