Description
Homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Jerky is a delicious and healthy high-protein snack featuring tender strips of chicken breast marinated in a savory-sweet blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. Perfectly dried to achieve a chewy, flavorful texture, this Asian-inspired gluten-free jerky makes an ideal on-the-go treat or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
Marinade
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. For easier slicing, partially freeze the chicken for 30 to 60 minutes beforehand.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally for even flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Oven or Dehydrator: Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) with the door slightly ajar or set your dehydrator to the poultry setting to prepare for drying.
- Prepare for Drying: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess liquid, which helps achieve proper drying.
- Arrange for Drying: Place the chicken strips in a single layer on wire racks set over baking sheets if using an oven, or directly onto dehydrator trays, making sure pieces do not overlap.
- Dry the Jerky: Dry the chicken strips in the oven or dehydrator for 4 to 6 hours or until the jerky is dry, chewy, and slightly pliable. Ensure the internal temperature of the jerky reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Cool and Store: Let the jerky cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer shelf life.
Notes
- For food safety, make sure the chicken jerky reaches an internal temperature of 165°F during the drying process.
- Partially freezing the chicken before slicing makes it easier to cut thin, even strips.
- Marinating overnight ensures maximum flavor penetration.
- Store jerky properly in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Jerky can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks or frozen for extended storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
