Dehydrated and Chicken Jerky in the Oven

Dehydrated chicken jerky for dogs or humans is a healthy snack that is high in protein and great for camping or keto diets. If your pup loved our Boiled Chicken for Dogs they are going to enjoy this one too. Then this homemade, from scratch snack can be enjoyed by everyone in your house.

Chicken Jerky for Dogs

This is just one way of How to cook Chicken Tenderloins sliced thin. You can of course use breasts or even thighs this same way but the smaller and thinner the better.

Homemade chicken jerky for dogs is a simple and cost-effective way to provide your furry friend with a tasty and healthy treat. From scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensures that your baked or Air Fryer Dog Treats don’t have any added preservatives or artificial flavors. If you want to add extra flavor, you can marinate in dog-safe broth but that is optional.

Chicken Jerky for Humans

You may know How Long to Cook Thin Chicken Breast in Oven for dinner but this you actually want to dry out so it saves well for quite a while.

• 1.5 lbs skinless chicken breasts sliced very thin
  • if making for animals that is ALL you will use, NO seasonings
• 3 tsp nitrite salt not regular salt, curing salts
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper

A dash of liquid smoke can give it a smoky flavor too if you like.

To make this as a Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Recipe, begin by preheating your oven to a low temperature, ideally around 170°F (75°C). A lower temperature helps dehydrate chicken without cooking it.

How to Make Chicken Jerky in the Oven

1. Slice Chicken breasts or tenders into thin, uniform strips. Aim for a thickness of approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm). You can also cut the strips into smaller pieces if you prefer bite-sized treats.
2. Marinate in Broth to add extra flavor. You can marinate the chicken strips in a sauce of your choice for yourself or in a small amount of low-sodium, dog-safe broth for about 15-30 minutes. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of the jerky.
3. Arrange on Baking Racks or cooling wire racks that are set on top of sheet pans. This setup allows air to circulate around the meat, aiding in the dehydration process. Make sure the strips are spread out and not touching.
4. Bake and Dehydrate into the preheated oven for several hours, typically around 2-3 hours or until jerky strips become dry and firm. The exact time can vary based on your oven’s temperature and the thickness of the slices.
5. Cool and Store in an airtight container or resealable bags once cooled to room temperature. Keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, and it should last for a few weeks. You can also freeze some for longer storage.

Whether you need Beef Jerky Time and Temp to make dog treats, or this one, always watch them to ensure they don’t swallow large pieces without chewing. Homemade chicken jerky is a wonderful and wholesome snack for pets when fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Chicken Jerky Recipe

Using a dehydrator you would follow these steps;

• Slice chicken breasts as thinly as possible across the fibers with a sharp knife.
• It is helpful to freeze the meat for an hour before slicing so it is firmer.
• If you are making for humans; Mix together the spices and nitrite salt.
• Place the prepared chicken in a plastic container, add the mixture.
• Mix the chicken pieces thoroughly.
• Cover the container with a lid and leave in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours to marinate.
  • If making for dogs do not add any seasonings.
  • To to add extra flavor, you can marinate in a small amount of low-sodium, dog-safe broth for about 15-30 minutes.

Place the chicken fillets on the dehydrator rack in a single layer. It is not necessary to grease the grid. Dry the jerky for 10 hours at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The finished jerky should be translucent.

How to Save Homemade Jerky

To properly save homemade chicken jerky and extend its shelf life, follow these steps: Allow to cool completely after making it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags designed for food storage. Make sure they are clean and dry before using them to store the pieces.

Dehydrated Chicken Jerky

1. If you’re doing some batch cooking with a lot of it, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you won’t need to expose the entire batch every time you want to enjoy some.
2. To prevent the pieces from sticking together, place parchment paper or wax paper between each layer inside the container.
3. Write the date on the containers to help you keep track of the jerky’s age. Homemade jerky typically has a shorter shelf life than commercially produced jerky, so it’s essential to know when you made it.
4. This should be stored in either the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to consume it within a week or two, the refrigerator is suitable. For longer storage, use the freezer.
   • In the refrigerator, it can stay good for up to 1 to 2 weeks. Keep it in the main compartment of the refrigerator, not the door, as temperatures are more consistent there.
   • For longer storage, place the chicken jerky in the freezer. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 to 6 months in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, ensure the container is airtight and consider using a vacuum sealer for added protection.
5. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen chicken jerky, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave using the defrost setting. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for an extended period as this can lead to bacterial growth.

Always check the jerky for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or changes in texture or appearance before consuming. If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard it immediately. Properly stored homemade chicken jerky should be safe to eat, but when in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution.