Description
Create your own nutritious and delicious homemade chicken jerky with this simple recipe. Perfect for hiking trips, lunchboxes, and healthy snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional for deeper flavor)
Instructions
- Start with partially frozen chicken breasts and slice against the grain into ¼-inch thick strips. Remove any visible fat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
- Place chicken strips in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange strips in a single layer on dehydrator trays, air fryer basket, or oven racks.
- Dehydrate at 165°F for 3-4 hours in dehydrator, at lowest oven temperature with door slightly ajar for 3-4 hours, or at 160°F for 2-3 hours in air fryer until dry but still pliable.
Notes
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, refrigerated for 3-4 weeks, or frozen for up to 6 months. For pet-safe version, omit onions and garlic.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Dehydrating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg