Okay, so I’ve got this absolutely fantastic recipe for Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky that I just have to share! You know those store-bought jerky sticks? They’re fine and all, but honestly, nothing beats making your own, and this combo is a game-changer. Imagine this: tender strips of chicken infused with the subtle, sweet fruitiness of pear. It’s seriously next-level snacking. I first whipped this up because I wanted a healthier option for my kids’ lunches, and let me tell you, they devoured it! It’s so simple, and the flavor combination is just *chef’s kiss*!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

Seriously, this jerky is a winner on so many levels. You’re going to adore how ridiculously easy it is to make – I mean, minimal fuss, maximum flavor! Plus, that sweet pear and savory chicken mash-up? It’s a taste sensation you won’t find anywhere else.

Super Simple to Make: You don’t need fancy equipment or chef skills for this one. Just a few basic steps and you’re on your way to jerky heaven.
Unique Flavor Combo: Forget boring beef jerky! The pear adds this lovely natural sweetness and moisture that perfectly balances the chicken. It’s a surprisingly delightful pairing.
Healthy Snacking: It’s way better than those processed snacks. Packed with protein and way less sugar and sodium, it’s the guilt-free treat you’ve been looking for.
Totally Customizable: Want it a little spicier? Craving a different herb? You can totally tweak it to your liking!

Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

Alright, let’s get down to business! To whip up this amazing Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky, you’ll need just a few things. Don’t worry, it’s all super straightforward! You’ll want about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. My favorite is when it’s nice and lean. Then, grab one ripe pear – it needs to be nice and soft, so peel it and scoop out the core. For the flavor magic, we’ve got a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of garlic powder (because garlic just makes everything better, right?), half a teaspoon of onion powder for that savory kick, and a little pinch of black pepper. That’s it! See? Nothing scary here!

Equipment Needed for Perfect Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

To make this killer Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky, you don’t need a whole professional kitchen, thankfully! You’ll definitely want a good baking sheet – one large one should do the trick. Make sure you’ve got parchment paper handy to line it; trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze! You’ll also need a blender or a food processor to get that pear nice and smooth. And of course, a sharp knife and a cutting board for slicing the chicken. That’s really it! So easy, right?

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

Alright, let’s get this jerky party started! Making your own Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky is honestly such a breeze, and it’s super satisfying. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have delicious, homemade jerky in no time. I’ve made this so many times, I pretty much do it with my eyes closed now!

Preparing the Chicken for Your Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

First things first, let’s deal with the chicken. You want to slice your chicken breast into nice, thin strips. I aim for about a quarter-inch thickness. This is key because it helps the chicken dry out evenly in the oven. Don’t go too thick or it’ll take forever to dry, and definitely too thin or it’ll be brittle. Make sure your knife is sharp for clean cuts. And remember, always wash your hands and cutting board thoroughly after handling raw chicken – safety first!

Creating the Flavorful Pear Marinade

Now for the magic sauce! Take your peeled and cored ripe pear and pop it into a blender or food processor. You want to puree it until it’s super smooth, almost like a baby food consistency. Then, in a bowl, mix that lovely pear puree with your soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This is what’s going to give our jerky its unique sweet and savory punch!

Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Okay, time to get these chicken strips flavor-bound! Toss your chicken strips into that bowl with the pear marinade. Make sure every single piece is coated really, really well. I like to use my hands here to really work it in. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. You want to let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better if you can wait! The longer it marinates, the more flavor it soaks up.

Baking Your Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky to Perfection

Alright, the final stretch! Preheat your oven to a nice low temperature – 170°F (77°C) is perfect for dehydrating without cooking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your best friend for easy cleanup, trust me! Arrange the marinated chicken strips on the baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t let them touch too much or they won’t dry properly. Now, pop it into the oven. This is the long part – it’ll take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. You’re looking for that perfect dry, leathery texture. I usually check mine around the 4-hour mark and go from there. Once it’s done, just let it cool completely before you store it. You’ll find this recipe linked with those other tasty dried fruits and beef jerky ideas!

Tips for the Best Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

You know, even with a simple recipe like this Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky, a few little tricks can make all the difference! My number one tip? Really nail that oven temperature. If it’s too high, you’ll end up with rubbery chicken instead of delicious jerky. Stick to that 170°F (77°C) mark religiously. Also, don’t be afraid to peek at your jerky about halfway through the baking time. I usually flip my pieces then, just to make sure they’re drying evenly on both sides. It sounds like a small step, but it truly helps achieve that perfect leathery texture. Oh, and for checking if it’s done – bend a piece. It should be pliable and dry, but not crumbly. If it snaps, it’s overdone! This recipe is great, but you might also want to check out these ideas for making your own snacks and some other healthy recipes too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Jerky

When you’re making this Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. For the pear, any ripe variety works, but I find that Bartlett or Anjou pears give the best balance of sweetness and softness when pureed. Just make sure it’s ripe enough to mash easily! For the chicken, lean boneless, skinless breasts are totally the way to go. You can use thighs if you like, but they tend to have more fat, which doesn’t dehydrate quite as nicely. If you need to swap out the soy sauce, no problem! Coconut aminos are a fantastic gluten-free and soy-free alternative that gives a similar savory depth. Just be aware they might be a tad sweeter, so you might adjust the pear amount slightly if you’re aiming for a less sweet jerky.

Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Jerky

Once your Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky is all cooled down, the most important thing is to store it properly so it stays delicious. I always use an airtight container – a good quality zip-top bag works too, just make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible! If you’re going to eat it within a few days, a cool, dry spot in your pantry is usually fine. But for longer storage, I definitely recommend popping it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep nicely for weeks that way! Honestly, though, it usually disappears much faster than that around my house!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

Got questions about making this delicious Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the things people often ask me. If you can’t find your answer here, feel free to reach out on the contact page!

Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?

Oh, absolutely! If you have a dehydrator, that’s actually my preferred method for making jerky. Just follow your dehydrator’s instructions for fruit or meat, but keep it around the same low temperature, 170°F (77°C) or so. It usually takes about the same amount of time, maybe a little less, but it’s super efficient! Way less chance of accidentally “cooking” it.

How long does this jerky last?

This is a great question! When stored properly in an airtight container, either in the pantry (if it’s cool and dry!) or in the fridge, your homemade Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky should last for a good 2-3 weeks. I usually keep mine in the fridge just to be safe, especially if you live somewhere humid. It almost never lasts that long in my house, though – it’s too addictive!

Can I make this Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky spicier?

You bet! If you like a little heat, this recipe is totally adaptable. My secret is to add about 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade along with everything else. Or, if you want a different kind of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders too. Just play around with it until you find your perfect spicy level!

What kind of pear should I use?

Honestly, any ripe pear will do the job for this Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky! I often use Bartlett or Anjou because they’re nice and soft when they’re ripe, which makes them super easy to puree. The most important thing is that the pear is ripe and sweet; that’s where you get that lovely subtle fruitiness without it being overpowering. If your pear isn’t super ripe, you might need to add a tiny bit more soy sauce to balance the flavors. You can learn more about us and our passion for these recipes here!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

Just a little heads-up: the nutritional info for homemade goodies like this Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky can vary quite a bit depending on exactly what you use and how big you cut your pieces. But, for a typical serving (about an ounce, which is a couple of strips), you’re looking at roughly 90 calories. It’s packed with about 13 grams of protein, which is awesome for a snack! You’ll also get around 4 grams of carbs and just 2 grams of fat. It’s a pretty darn healthy choice, if I do say so myself!

Chicken Pear Smooth Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1/2 pound 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for making chicken and pear jerky.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 ripe pear, peeled and cored
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Slice chicken breast into 1/4-inch thick strips.
Puree pear in a blender or food processor until smooth.
In a bowl, combine pureed pear, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat.
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.
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

For a spicier jerky, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Ensure your oven is set to a low temperature to properly dehydrate the jerky without cooking it.
Check the jerky periodically and flip the pieces halfway through the baking time for even drying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Baking/Dehydrating
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: 90
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: chicken jerky, pear jerky, homemade jerky, fruit jerky, dried chicken, healthy snack, gluten free jerky