Okay, confession time! I’m a total sucker for snacks, but man, those store-bought versions can be a minefield of weird ingredients and sky-high sodium. That’s exactly why I started experimenting with homemade jerky-making, and let me tell you, this Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky recipe is pure gold! It’s this fantastic, surprisingly simple way to get a healthy, flavorful snack that you *know* exactly what went into it. Forget those chewy, mystery sticks; we’re talking tender, seasoned goodness packed with protein and sneaky veggies. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky

Seriously, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons!

Super Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy equipment or a culinary degree for this. Just a little chopping, mixing, and baking.
Healthy & Guilt-Free: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, it’s a fantastic guilt-free snack.
Seriously Delicious: The marinade is just perfect – savory, a little sweet, with just the right kick. Way better than anything from a bag!
So Versatile: Perfect for lunchboxes, post-workout fuel, or just munching on while you’re out and about.

Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky

Alright, gather ’round, because these are the absolute stars of our Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky show! Having the right ingredients is half the battle, and trust me, these are keepers.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into nice, thin strips. Think about a quarter-inch thick, so they dry out evenly.
1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until they’re tender – you want them easy to mash! Then mash ’em up into a lovely paste. This is our secret weapon for moisture and extra goodness!
1/4 cup soy sauce. Use a good quality one; it makes a difference!
2 tablespoons honey. This adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance everything out.
1 teaspoon garlic powder. Hello, flavor town!
1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Adds that savory depth we all love.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Just a little zing to finish it off!

See? Nothing crazy, just simple stuff that comes together to make some seriously tasty jerky!

Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky

You don’t need a whole bunch of fancy gadgets for this! Just make sure you’ve got a good old baking sheet, some parchment paper to keep things from sticking (a lifesaver!), a decent-sized mixing bowl for your marinade, and of course, your trusty oven. That’s pretty much it – simple as pie, or in this case, simple as jerky!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky

Okay, let’s get this jerky party started! Making your own Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky is way simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps and you’ll be snacking in no time!

Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli

First things first, grab your chicken breast and slice it up. You want thin strips, about a quarter-inch thick, so they dry out properly. Don’t go too thick, or you’ll end up with chewy hockey pucks! Then, take your broccoli florets and steam them until they’re nice and tender. Once they’re soft, mash them up into a paste. Think baby food consistency – this is key for getting that lovely moisture and flavor infusion into the jerky.

Creating the Flavorful Marinade

Now for the fun part – the marinade! Grab your mixing bowl and toss in the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk to combine everything. Honestly, you can taste a tiny bit of the marinade right here (just a DIP to be safe!) and add a pinch more of whatever you fancy. A little extra pepper? More honey? You’re the boss!

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Time to let the magic happen! Add your chicken strips and that mashed broccoli paste into the bowl with the marinade. Toss it all around until every piece of chicken is beautifully coated. Cover that bowl tightly and pop it into the fridge. You’ll want to let it marinate for at least a couple of hours, but honestly, overnight is where the real flavor party is at for this Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky.

Baking Your Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky to Perfection

Alright, preheat your oven to a low and slow 170°F (77°C). This low temp is crucial – we’re dehydrating, not cooking! Line your baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me on this!). Lay out your marinated chicken strips in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching too much so the air can circulate. Pop them in the oven for about 4 to 6 hours. About halfway through, give them a flip to make sure they dry evenly. You’re looking for that perfect leathery, dry texture.

Cooling and Storing Your Homemade Jerky

Once your Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky is looking perfectly dried out, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the jerky cool completely on the pan. This is super important – warm jerky can get a bit sticky and weird if you put it away too soon. Once it’s totally cool, you can store your delicious homemade jerky in an airtight container. At room temperature, it should last about two weeks, but if you want it to hang around longer, the fridge is your best bet!

Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but to make this Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky truly sing, here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way. These little tricks make all the difference:

Slice it Thin, But Not TOO Thin: Remember how I said about a quarter-inch thick? Stick to that! If it’s too thick, it’ll take forever to dry and might stay soft in the middle. Too thin, and it’ll be brittle like a pretzel. We want that perfect leathery chew!
Know Your Oven: Ovens can be a little finicky, right? Some run hotter than others. If you can, try to calibrate your oven or use an oven thermometer. Low and slow is the name of the game here to properly dehydrate without cooking it. We’re aiming for that dried-out, not baked, consistency.
Don’t Skimp on the Marinating Time: Seriously, overnight is my favorite. Those flavors really get locked into the chicken this way. If you’re in a pinch, two hours is the minimum, but the extra time makes honestly, this Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky something special.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

It’s important to get these ingredients right, but don’t stress too much about perfection! If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or even a bit of agave nectar works in a pinch for that touch of sweetness. For the soy sauce, tamari is a great gluten-free swap, or you could even try coconut aminos for a slightly different flavor profile. And while mashed broccoli is my go-to for that veggie boost, you *could* try finely minced spinach if your little ones are really picky eaters, though it won’t add quite the same moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky

Got questions about making this awesome Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky? I’ve got answers!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this jerky recipe?

You totally can! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which can make the jerky even more tender and flavorful, but they might take a little longer to dry out. Just keep that low oven temperature going and check them for that perfect leathery texture.

How long does homemade jerky actually last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky should be good for about two weeks. If you want it to last longer, definitely stash it in the fridge – it can easily hang out in there for a month or even more!

Can I use a dehydrator instead of the oven?

Absolutely! If you have a dehydrator, that’s actually ideal for making jerky. Just follow your dehydrator’s instructions, usually around 160°F (71°C) for 4-6 hours, checking for that leathery consistency. It’s a bit more energy-efficient too!

My jerky feels a bit too tough, what did I do wrong?

No worries, it happens! Usually, jerky gets too tough if it’s over-dehydrated. Next time, just pull it out a little sooner! Remember, it should be leathery and bendable, not brittle. It will firm up a bit more as it cools.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates! Your Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky will vary a bit depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. But generally, a serving (about 2 ounces) packs around 150 calories, 20 grams of protein, and only about 3 grams of fat. Pretty stellar for a snack, right?

Share Your Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky Creations!

Alright, now it’s your turn! I’d absolutely LOVE to see your homemade Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky! Did you try it? How did it turn out? Drop a comment below and tell me all about your experience, or better yet, snap a pic and tag me on social media! Seeing your creations is the best part!

Chicken Broccoli Mini Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 5 hr 20 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for making homemade chicken and broccoli jerky.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup broccoli florets
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cut chicken breast into thin strips.
Steam broccoli florets until tender, then mash them into a paste.
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add chicken strips and mashed broccoli to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly.
Marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C).
Arrange chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and leathery. Flip halfway through baking.
Let the jerky cool completely before storing.

Notes

Ensure your oven is set to a low temperature to properly dehydrate the jerky without cooking it.
Store the jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 5 hr
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 oz
Calories: 150
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken jerky, broccoli jerky, homemade jerky, healthy snack, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated broccoli