Okay, so you know how sometimes you just need a really good snack? Like, seriously satisfying, but you also don’t want it to be a sugar bomb or totally processed? That’s where homemade jerky comes in! I’ve been messing around with jerky for years, trying all sorts of things, and I’ve landed on this absolute gem: my Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky. Seriously, it’s packed with protein from the chicken and gets this amazing texture from the zucchini, all while being way healthier than store-bought stuff. It’s so simple to whip up, and trust me, once you try making your own, you’ll never go back!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

You’re going to be obsessed with this Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky for so many reasons!

It’s a super healthy snack option, packed with lean protein from the chicken and some sneaky veggies from the zucchini.
Seriously easy to make! You really only need to mix a few things and let your dehydrator (or oven) do the work.
The flavor combo is surprisingly awesome – the savory chicken and a hint of earthy zucchini just really work.
It’s perfect for on-the-go, after a workout, or just when you need a chewy, satisfying bite without all the junk.

Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

Alright, let’s get down to business and talk about what you’ll need for this amazing Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky. It’s pretty straightforward, no crazy stuff here! You’ll want about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast – make sure to slice it thinly against the grain; that’s key for tender jerky! Then, grab one medium zucchini and slice it into nice, thin little rounds, about a quarter-inch thick should do the trick. For the marinade, we’re going with 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey for that perfect touch of sweetness, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a little pinch of black pepper to round it all out. See? Simple ingredients for a fantastic result!

Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

Okay, so to whip up this fantastic Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky, you’re going to need a few trusty tools. First off, a good, sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board are non-negotiable for getting those thin, even slices. You’ll also need a couple of mixing bowls – one for the marinade and one for maybe holding your sliced ingredients. Measuring spoons and cups are a must for getting that savory marinade just right. And of course, the star of the show: either a dehydrator or your oven, set to that perfect temperature!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

Alright, let’s get this jerky party started! Making your own Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky is totally doable and honestly, way more fun than you might think. It’s all about a few simple steps that make all the difference. Pay attention to the slicing and the marinating, and you’ll be rewarded with the best jerky! You can find inspiration for perfect jerky techniques here.

Preparing the Chicken and Zucchini

First things first, we gotta prep our stars! Take your chicken breast and slice it super thin, like almost see-through thin, right against the grain. This is key for tender jerky! Then, tackle that zucchini and slice it into little rounds, maybe about a quarter-inch thick. Don’t go too thick, or it’ll take forever to dry out. It’s all about getting those pieces ready for their flavor bath!

Crafting the Flavorful Marinade

Now for the magic potion! Grab a bowl and whisk together your soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Just give it a good mix until everything is blended beautifully. You want that marinade to be nice and uniform so every piece of chicken and zucchini gets coated evenly. No lumps allowed!

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Pop your sliced chicken and zucchini into that delicious marinade. Toss it all around gently with your hands – yes, hands are the best tools for this! Make sure every single piece is coated. We’re going to let this party in a bowl hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have the patience (I usually don’t!), you can let it go up to 2 hours for even more flavor. Trust me, that little bit of extra time is worth it!

Dehydrating or Oven Drying Your Jerky

Okay, time to get this stuff dried out! Get your dehydrator humming or your oven preheated to a nice 160°F (71°C). Lay your marinated chicken and zucchini slices out in a single layer on your dehydrator trays or baking sheets. Don’t let them overlap, or they won’t dry properly. If you’re using an oven, prop the door open just a tiny crack with a wooden spoon to let that moisture escape. You’re looking at about 4 to 6 hours, but peek at it around the 4-hour mark. Flip them halfway through so they dry evenly. You want it to be leathery and dry, not crumbly.

Cooling and Storing Your Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

Once your jerky looks beautifully dried and feels leathery, pull it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important – if you pack it up while it’s still warm, any residual moisture can create condensation and make your jerky go bad faster. Once it’s totally cool, pop it into an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Store it in a cool, dry place, or the fridge if you want to be extra safe.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

You know, making this Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky gets easier and better the more you do it. Little tricks make a big difference! For starters, slicing is everything. Aim for really thin, even slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If they’re too thick, they just won’t dry out properly, and you’ll end up with chewy chicken instead of jerky. And don’t even *think* about skipping that cooling step – it’s essential for preventing spoilage! You can learn more about keeping your jerky fresh here. Also, a little tip: if you like a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes with your marinade. Trust me!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

When you’re making this Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky, a few things are worth mentioning. For the soy sauce, feel free to use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake, or even tamari if you need something gluten-free. As for the honey, you could totally swap it for maple syrup or even brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. But honestly, just stick to the basic soy sauce and honey for that tried-and-true taste. These simple swaps keep the heart of the recipe intact!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

Got questions about whipping up this amazing Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky? I totally get it! Here are a few things people often ask:

How long does Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky last?

When you store your Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot, it should last for about 1-2 weeks. If you notice any mold or weird smells, it’s definitely time to toss it!

Can I make this jerky without a dehydrator?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a dehydrator, your oven works just fine. Just set it to 160°F (71°C) and prop the door open a bit with a wooden spoon to let the moisture escape. You can get in touch with me here if you need more specific oven tips!

Is Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky suitable for dogs?

You know, while *this specific marinade* is made for human taste buds (and has honey, which isn’t ideal for dogs), you could adapt it! For doggy jerky, skip the honey and onion powder. Just use chicken and zucchini with a little garlic powder and plain water or unsalted chicken broth for moisture. You can find more great dog-friendly recipes, like this “Golden Paste for Dogs,” here.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for homemade goodies like our Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky is always an estimate! Based on the ingredients we used, you’re looking at around 80 calories per ounce. It’s got about 10g of protein, which is awesome, and just 1g of fat and 7g of carbs. Sodium can vary depending on your soy sauce, but aim for around 300mg. It’s a pretty lean and mean snack, for sure!

Share Your Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky Creations!

I absolutely LOVE seeing what you all make in your own kitchens! If you whip up a batch of this Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky, please, pretty please, share your results! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or even tag me on social media – I’d be so thrilled to see your creations. You can read more about me and my kitchen adventures here!

Chicken Zucchini Hydration Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1/2 pound 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for making chicken and zucchini jerky.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Slice chicken breast thinly against the grain.
Slice zucchini into thin rounds.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add chicken and zucchini to the marinade and toss to coat.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat your dehydrator or oven to 160°F (71°C).
Arrange chicken and zucchini slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays or baking sheets.
Dehydrate for 4-6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and leathery. Flip halfway through.
If using an oven, turn the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
Let the jerky cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

For a spicier jerky, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Ensure chicken is fully dried to prevent spoilage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Dehydrating
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: 80
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 25mg

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