How to Make Delicious Chicken Jerky at Home

If you’re a lover of healthy snacks, then chicken jerky may be right up your alley. It’s a great source of protein, low in fat, and has fewer calories than traditional beef jerky. The good news is making your own delicious chicken jerky at home is an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy this healthy snack whenever you want it.

Before we get started, you’ll need to get yourself some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You should also have access to a good knife and a dehydrator. If you don’t have one, you could use the oven as an alternative. Now let’s dive in and show you how to make chicken jerky that’s sure to get your mouth watering and your taste buds singing.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Jerky

Are you tired of store-bought chicken jerky that’s loaded with artificial preservatives and additives? Why not try making your own homemade chicken jerky? It’s a healthy and delicious snack that’s high in protein and low in fat. In this article, we’ll show you the step-by-step process of making chicken jerky from scratch.

1. Choosing the Right Cuts of Chicken

To make chicken jerky, you’ll need to start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thigh meat is fattier than breast meat, which makes it more flavorful, but it will also take longer to dry. Opt for organic, free-range chicken, as it’s less likely to contain harmful chemicals.

2. Preparing the Marinade

The secret to making flavorful chicken jerky is in the marinade. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and paprika. Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

3. Slicing the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin, even strips with a sharp knife or a meat slicer. The thickness of the slices will determine how long it takes for the jerky to dry. Thicker slices will take longer to dry, while thinner slices will dry faster.

4. Marinating the Chicken

Place the chicken strips in the bowl of marinade and make sure they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

5. Preparing the Dehydrator

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use an oven set to low heat. But for best results, use a dehydrator. Line the dehydrator trays with parchment paper or silicone sheets to prevent the chicken from sticking.

6. Drying the Chicken

Lay the chicken strips out in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, leaving some space between each strip to allow for air circulation. Set the dehydrator to 165°F and let the chicken dry for 4-8 hours until it’s dry and leathery.

7. Testing for Doneness

To test if the chicken jerky is ready, remove a strip from the dehydrator and let it cool for a few minutes. Bend the strip, and if it snaps instead of bending, it’s ready. If it bends, it needs more drying time.

8. Storing the Jerky

Let the chicken jerky cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for a week or two, but for longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer.

9. Flavors and Variations

You can make your chicken jerky more interesting by adding different flavors and spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also experiment with different marinades, such as teriyaki, BBQ, or honey mustard.

10. Enjoying Your Homemade Chicken Jerky

Now that you know how to make homemade chicken jerky, you can enjoy this healthy and delicious snack anytime. Eat it as a standalone snack, or add it to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for an extra protein boost. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought chicken jerky again.

10 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Chicken Jerky at Home

Are you tired of buying pricey and unhealthy chicken jerky from the store? If yes, then it’s time to try making it at home. Not only is homemade chicken jerky healthier, but it’s also budget-friendly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken jerky from the comfort of your own kitchen:

Step 1: Choose Your Cut of Chicken

There are a few options when it comes to choosing the perfect cut of chicken for jerky. You can opt for chicken breast, for a leaner jerky, or chicken thighs, for a richer flavor and moist texture. It’s important to choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

The marinade is the secret to flavorful chicken jerky. You can experiment with your favorite ingredients and spices to create the perfect marinade. A basic marinade consists of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.

Step 3: Slice the Chicken

Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. Make sure all the strips are of the same thickness so that they cook evenly.

Step 4: Marinade the Chicken

Add the chicken strips to the marinade and massage it well so that each strip is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°F. This low temperature helps to slowly dehydrate the chicken strips without cooking them.

Step 6: Prepare the Roasting Rack

Line a roasting rack with parchment paper. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the rack and makes cleanup easier.

Step 7: Arrange the Chicken Strips

Take the chicken strips out of the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel. Arrange them on the roasting rack, leaving a little space between each strip for even cooking.

Step 8: Bake the Chicken Strips

Place the roasting rack in the preheated oven and bake the chicken strips for 2-3 hours, depending on their thickness. Flip the strips over halfway through the cooking time for even dehydration.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

Once the chicken strips are cooked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Check for doneness by cutting a strip in half. It should be dry and slightly chewy, but not so dry that it crumbles.

Step 10: Store Your Chicken Jerky

Store the chicken jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy your homemade chicken jerky as a snack or add it to your favorite salad or pasta dish for a protein boost.

That’s it! With these easy steps, you can make delicious chicken jerky at home and impress your family and friends. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

How to Prepare Chicken for Jerky

Before making chicken jerky, you need to prepare the chicken adequately ensuring that it is free from any bacteria that might cause food poisoning. In this section, we will discuss the preparation process of chicken for jerky making.

Choose the Right Chicken

The first step to making delicious chicken jerky is to choose the right chicken. Dark meat chicken is ideal for jerky making as it contains less moisture than white meat. You also want to buy chicken that is fresh and of high quality. Look for clear, firm chicken flesh with no signs of discoloration or spoilage.

Clean and Cut

Before preparing the chicken, clean your cutting board, knife, and hands to ensure they are free from bacteria. Then, cut the chicken into thin slices – about 1/8 inches thick – against the grain. This helps to break down the protein fibers, making the chicken easier to chew and digest.

Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is essential for adding flavor and tenderizing the meat. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and garlic. Place the chicken in a bowl and cover it with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.

Dry the Chicken

After marinating the chicken, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. You can use a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer to dry the chicken strips. If using an oven, preheat it to 165°F and place the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry the chicken for 2-4 hours, flipping the chicken halfway through the drying process.

Store the Chicken Jerky

Once the chicken jerky is fully dried, remove it from the oven, dehydrator, or air fryer and let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store your chicken jerky in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for several months.

Come back and make some more!

We hope that you found these chicken jerky recipe instructions easy to follow and that the end result is a delicious and healthy snack you can enjoy anytime. Making chicken jerky isn’t rocket science, but it does take some time and concentration to get the perfect texture and flavor. But don’t worry, with practice, you will become a pro in no time. Ensure to try different seasonings and spices to create a variety of chicken jerky flavors that you will love. Thanks for stopping by and reading our article, and we hope to see you soon, happy cooking!