Oh my goodness, you *have* to try making your own snacks! There’s just something so satisfying about pulling a batch of homemade goodies out of the oven, right? And if you’re anything like me, you love a savory, chewy bite that you can grab anytime. That’s why I’m SO excited to share this ridiculously easy recipe for Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! I used to buy jerky all the time, but once I figured out how simple it is to make this version, I never looked back. It’s perfect for a quick protein boost or just when you need a little something tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky

Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer for snack time!

So Easy to Whip Up: I mean, it’s just a few basic steps and you’ve got these amazing homemade jerky bites. You’ll be hooked!
Yummy Flavor Explosion: The savory chicken and gooey cheddar cheese? Oh my gosh, it’s a match made in heaven. Totally irresistible.
Perfect Chewy Texture: It’s got that satisfying chewiness you expect from jerky, but it tastes a million times better because you made it yourself with love!
That Homemade Hug: Honestly, nothing beats the feeling of making delicious snacks right in your own kitchen. So rewarding!
Your New Go-To Snack: These are amazing for packing in lunchboxes, taking on hikes, or just munching on when you need a little protein pick-me-up.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky

Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky! It’s pretty straightforward, which is exactly what I love. For the best results, always try to grab the freshest ingredients you can find. It really does make a difference!

You’ll want about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Make sure to cut it into super thin strips, like 1/4 inch thick. This is key for them drying out nicely! Then, grab about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or mild, whatever your heart desires! For the marinade, we’re using 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (that stuff is pure magic!), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder for that savory kick, and just 1/2 teaspoon of fresh black pepper. That’s it! See? Simple!

Simple Steps to Make Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky

Alright, get ready to make some magic happen in your very own kitchen! This Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for it.

First things first, grab your chicken breast. You want to slice it up super thin, around 1/4 inch thick. Honestly, this is pretty much the most important part for getting that perfect chewy texture, so take your time here!
Now, let’s make our flavor party base! In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, the magical Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and that little bit of black pepper. Easy peasy!

Marinating the Chicken for Flavor

Pop those thinly sliced chicken strips into the marinade you just made. Give ’em a good toss to make sure every single piece is coated nicely. Then, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it hang out for up to 2 hours will really amp up the flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Okay, preheat your oven to a nice, low 200°F (95°C). Seriously, low and slow is the name of the game here. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this is your best friend for easy cleanup, because trust me, jerky can get a little sticky.
Lay your marinated chicken strips out on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer and not overlapping. This lets the air circulate so they dry out evenly. You don’t want soggy spots!

Baking Your Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky to Perfection

Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Now, this is where patience comes in! You’ll need to bake the chicken for about 2 to 3 hours. How long exactly depends on your oven and how thick you cut those strips. You’re looking for them to be dry and firm to the touch. They shouldn’t be bendy, but they also shouldn’t be rock hard. After baking, just leave them on the sheet to cool completely. They’ll firm up even more as they cool down. You can check out this guide for general jerky-making tips, and also this one which has some other fantastic snack ideas!

Once your jerky is totally cool – and I mean *completely* cool, this is important – it’s time for the best part! Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over those dried-out chicken strips. Get a good coating on there!

Adding the Cheese for a Cheesy Finish

Now, quick! Pop the baking sheet back into the oven for just another 5-10 minutes. You just want to melt that cheese until it’s bubbly and gooey, not burnt. Keep an eye on it because it happens fast! Oh, and once you pull them out, let them cool completely *again*. The cheese will harden up as it cools, giving you that amazing cheesy, savory crunch. It’s the perfect finishing touch that takes this from just jerky to something truly special.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky

Okay, let’s make sure your Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky turns out absolutely amazing every single time! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that really make a difference. First off, when you’re cutting the chicken, aim for consistency. If your strips are all different thicknesses, some will dry out faster than others, which can be a pain. Think about 1/4 inch – it’s a good sweet spot.

When you’re checking if the jerky is dry, give it a good feel. It should be firm and have a slight give, but not be sticky or wet. If it feels too soft, just pop it back in the oven for a bit longer. And remember, letting it cool *completely* before adding the cheese is super important. If it’s still warm, that cheese will get all greasy and sad instead of firming up nicely! If cheese isn’t your jam, or you want to try something else, you can totally skip that last step and just have regular chicken jerky. I’ve got some other great jerky ideas over here if you’re looking for more inspiration!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, let’s chat about these ingredients a little! For the chicken, I really, really love using boneless, skinless chicken breast because it’s lean and dries out beautifully. But hey, if you happen to have chicken thighs on hand, you could totally give those a whirl, though just know they might have a slightly different texture. As for the cheese, cheddar is my go-to because it melts so nicely and has that classic savory flavor. But don’t be afraid to experiment! A good Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack would be absolutely delicious here. If you’re feeling adventurous with the marinade, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes or even a splash of Sriracha would add a nice little kick!

Storing Your Homemade Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky

So you’ve made this absolutely delicious Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky – high five for you! Now, let’s make sure it stays tasty. Once it’s completely cooled down after that cheesy goodness melts, store it in an airtight container. Honestly, I like to use a nice sturdy zip-top bag or a glass container with a tight lid.

At room temperature, it’s best to eat it within about 3 days – it just disappears that fast! If you need it to last a bit longer, pop it in the fridge. In the fridge, it can hang out for a good couple of weeks. You’ll know it’s still good if it’s firm and doesn’t smell funky!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Making your own Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky is super rewarding, but I know you might have a few things on your mind. Let’s clear them up!

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is my favorite for its lean texture, you could totally use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just know they might have a slightly richer flavor and a bit more fat, which can affect the drying time and final texture a little. They still make a delicious jerky, though!

How long does it take to dry out?

This is the big question, right? It really depends on your oven and how thick you slice your chicken. Usually, I find it takes about 2 to 3 hours at 200°F (95°C). The key is to check them often after the 2-hour mark. You want them dry and firm, but still a little pliable. Don’t worry, we’ll get into checking for doneness more in the tips section!

Is this recipe safe for my dog?

Now, if you’re thinking about sharing this with your furry best friend, you’ll want to be a little cautious. The soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, while tasty for us, can be a bit high in sodium for dogs. Also, the cheese might cause an upset tummy for some pups. If you want to make jerky specifically for your dog, I highly recommend checking out some dog-specific treat recipes. This one here is a great starter, or browse through the dog treats section for more ideas!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? The exact values for your homemade Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky can totally change depending on the brands you use and how thick you slice your chicken. But as a general idea, one serving (about 2 oz) usually comes in around 150 calories, with about 5g of fat and a solid 20g of protein. You’ll also find roughly 4g of carbs and around 700mg of sodium per serving.

Share Your Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky Creations!

Okay, I’m dying to know how your Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky turned out! Did you try it? Did you love it? Drop a comment below and tell me all about it! And if you snapped any pics, please share them with me – I’d be thrilled to see your creations. You can also reach out via my contact page. Happy snacking!

Chicken Cheese Snack Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 3 hr 25 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for homemade chicken and cheese jerky.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cut chicken breast into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the marinated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is dry and firm to the touch. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your strips and your oven.
Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the jerky strips.
Return the jerky to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool completely. The cheese will harden as it cools.
Store the chicken cheese jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.

Notes

For a spicier jerky, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Ensure chicken is fully dried before adding cheese to prevent sogginess.
You can also use a dehydrator for this recipe, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 3 hr 10 min
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 oz
Calories: 150
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken jerky, cheese jerky, homemade jerky, snack recipe, dried chicken, savory snack