Okay, so let’s talk snacks. You know, those little bites that save you from mid-afternoon slump or that are perfect for tossing in a lunchbox? I’ve been on a mission to create the *ultimate* homemade snack, and trust me, I think I’ve cracked the code. Forget those tough, overly dry store-bought versions! This Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky recipe is a game-changer. It’s so incredibly simple to whip up, even if you’re new to making your own jerky. My kids are ridiculously picky, and they devour this stuff! It’s just the right amount of sweet and savory, with a wonderfully soft chew that’s easy on the teeth (and happy tummies!). Seriously, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Seriously, why wouldn’t you want to make this? It’s a total win-win:

Super Easy: You only need a few ingredients and minimal prep. It’s basically foolproof!
Deliciously Simple Flavor: That perfect balance of sweet honey and savory soy sauce is just *chef’s kiss*!
Perfect Texture, Every Time: No more jaw-breaking jerky here! It’s wonderfully soft and chewy, just like it should be.
Healthier Snacking: Way better than store-bought stuff, you know exactly what’s going into it – no weird additives!
Kid-Approved: If your little ones are picky eaters, this is your secret weapon. They gobble it up!
Versatile: Great on its own, for lunchboxes, or even as a training treat (just adjust seasonings if needed for furry friends!).

Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky, you’re going to need just a handful of simple things from your kitchen. First up, get yourself about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast – make sure it’s nice and lean. For that yummy sweetness and gorgeous chewy texture, we’ll need a quarter cup of honey. Then, for a good umami punch that just makes everything taste incredible, grab 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Finally, for those warm, savory notes, we’ll add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of onion powder, plus a little pinch of black pepper to round it all out. That’s it! Simple, right?

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Alright, let’s get this jerky party started! Making your own Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky couldn’t be simpler, I promise. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be munching on delicious homemade goodness in no time. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can transform into something so tasty. If you’re looking for other tasty treats, check out our recipes or maybe try some other snacks! These steps have never failed me, and I’m sure they won’t fail you either!

Preparing the Chicken for Your Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

First things first, grab your chicken breast. You want to slice it really thinly, about a quarter-inch thick is perfect. Try to keep the slices as even as possible across the whole breast. This is super important because it ensures everything cooks at the same rate, so you won’t have some pieces dry and others still a bit too soft. A sharp knife is your best friend here; it makes slicing so much easier and safer. Take your time, it’s worth it!

Crafting the Flavorful Marinade for Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Now for the fun part – the marinade! Grab a medium-sized bowl. Whisk together your honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and that little bit of black pepper. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined into a sticky, yummy glaze. Then, toss those perfectly sliced chicken pieces into the bowl. Make sure every single piece is coated in that delicious marinade. You can let it hang out for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours makes the flavour even richer.

Baking Your Delicious Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Okay, time to bake! Preheat your oven to a low 200°F (95°C). Seriously, low and slow is the trick here for jerky. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper because it makes clean-up a breeze. Lay your marinated chicken slices out on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of drying out, and that’s not what we want for jerky. They need space to get that perfect chewy texture. Then, pop it into the oven. Baking will take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Keep an eye on it! The time really depends on how thick your slices are and how your oven bakes. You’re looking for it to be dry to the touch and nice and chewy, not tough and brittle.

Cooling and Storing Your Homemade Jerky

Once your jerky looks and feels just right, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the jerky cool completely on a wire rack. This is really important! If you try to store it while it’s still warm, you’ll end up with condensation in your container, making your lovely jerky soggy. Once it’s totally cooled down, you can store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep at room temperature for about a week, but if you want it to last longer, just pop it in the fridge.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Alright, let’s talk about making this Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky absolutely perfect every single time. I’ve made this so many times, I think I’ve got it down! First off, slicing the chicken evenly is key. If you get some super thin pieces and some thick ones, you’ll have some that are dry and some that are still a bit soft. My trick is to partially freeze the chicken breast for about 30 minutes before slicing; it firms it up just enough to get nice, consistent slices. Also, resist the urge to crank up the oven temperature thinking it’ll cook faster – a low and slow bake is crucial for that chewy texture, not a dry, crispy one. If you love a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade, or for a different flavor profile, a dash of liquid smoke is pretty awesome. And remember, don’t overcrowd that baking sheet! Give those pieces room to breathe and dry out properly. If you’re looking for more simple recipes, check out these or maybe try some other snacks!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat real quick about these ingredients, because sometimes little tweaks can make a big difference! The honey is key for that lovely sweetness and helps give our Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky its signature chew, but if you don’t have it, maple syrup or even agave nectar can work. Just know it might slightly change the flavor and consistency. For the soy sauce, if you need to keep things gluten-free, tamari is your best friend – it provides that same salty, umami depth. And those spices? Garlic and onion powder are pretty standard. They really bring out the savory notes and balance the sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely smoky undertone, or a little bit of ginger powder can give it a nice zing. Really, feel free to play around! If you’re after more tasty ideas, check out these or other great recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Got questions about whipping up your own batch of this deliciousness? I’ve got you covered! If you ever need to reach out, don’t hesitate to use our contact page!

Can I make this jerky in a dehydrator instead of an oven?

Absolutely! A dehydrator is actually fantastic for making jerky. Just follow the same slicing and marinating steps. Then, arrange the chicken on your dehydrator trays, making sure not to overlap pieces. Set your dehydrator to around 160°F (71°C) and dehydrate for about 4-6 hours, or until it reaches that perfect chewy consistency. Check it periodically!

How long does homemade jerky last?

Well, if you store it correctly, this Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky should last a good week at room temperature in an airtight container. But honestly, it’s so good, it usually disappears way faster than that! For longer storage, popping it in the fridge will extend its shelf life nicely, easily for a couple of weeks. Just make sure it’s completely cool before you seal it up!

Is this recipe suitable for dogs?

Yes, this recipe is generally safe for dogs, as it uses simple, natural ingredients and low sodium (especially if you watch your soy sauce amount!). However, I always recommend checking with your vet first, especially if your dog has any dietary restrictions or sensitivities. You might also want to check out our Golden Paste recipe for another great dog-friendly option!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

You sure can! Chicken thighs tend to be a bit richer and have more fat, which can make for an even more tender jerky. Just make sure to trim off any excess fat before slicing and marinating. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it to get that perfect chewy result.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky

Just so you know, the nutritional info for this fantastic Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky is an estimate, like most homemade goodies! Based on the recipe, a 2-ounce serving will typically give you around 150 calories, about 2g of fat, a solid 20g of protein, and 12g of carbs. You’ll also get about 10g of sugar and 300mg of sodium per serving. Remember, these numbers can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how you slice your chicken. Pretty healthy for such a tasty snack, right?

Share Your Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky Creations!

So, there you have it! My super simple recipe for Chicken Honey Soft Chew Jerky. I really hope you give it a try! If you do, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think. Did you tweak the flavors? Did your kids gobble it up? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or give it a star rating so other folks know it’s a winner! And hey, if you snap any photos of your delicious jerky, share them on social media and tag us – we love seeing your creations! For more fantastic recipes, check out our About page or our Privacy Policy.

Honey Chicken Soft Chew Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for making soft, chewy chicken jerky with a honey glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Slice chicken breast thinly, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add chicken slices 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 chicken slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 2 to 4 hours, or until the jerky is dry and chewy. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken slices and your oven.
Let the jerky cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Notes

For a spicier jerky, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Store jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 ounces
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken jerky, honey jerky, soft jerky, homemade jerky, chicken snack, chewy jerky