Homemade Dog-Loving Chicken Jerky Treat Recipe

Why You’ll Love This this Homemade Dog-Loving Chicken Jerky

This recipe transforms a simple chicken breast into chewy, flavorful treats using just two ingredients—because apparently our dogs deserve gourmet snacks while we’re over here eating cereal for dinner. The low-and-slow baking method at 200°F takes patience, sure, but it creates that perfect jerky texture that’ll have your pup doing their happy dance. Plus, you control exactly what goes into these treats, which means no mysterious preservatives or ingredients you can’t pronounce.

Ingredients List

This simple recipe calls for just two pantry staples that you probably already have sitting around your kitchen.

• 1 cooked boneless chicken breast
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Now, let’s talk about why these ingredients work so well for our four-legged friends:

• Chicken breast – This lean protein is packed with nutrients and easy on most dogs’ stomachs, plus it’s naturally low in fat which makes it perfect for treats
• Garlic powder – Wait, hold up, I know what you’re thinking, but this tiny amount is generally safe for most dogs and adds that savory flavor they go crazy for
• No preservatives or fillers – Unlike store-bought treats, you know exactly what’s going into your pup’s snacks
• Single protein source – Great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies since there’s nothing sneaky hiding in the ingredient list

Step by Step Directions

Making homemade chicken jerky treats for your dog is straightforward and requires just a few hours of low-temperature baking to create chewy, protein-packed rewards.

Ingredients:

• 1 cooked boneless chicken breast
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
2. Slice the cooked chicken breast into thin, even strips – you should get about 7 or 8 slices total.
3. Lightly sprinkle the garlic powder over the chicken strips, guaranteeing even distribution.
4. Arrange the seasoned chicken strips on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
5. Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours to remove moisture – cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your strips and whether the chicken was refrigerated or still warm.
6. Check the jerky periodically during baking to ascertain it’s drying properly without burning.
7. Remove from oven and allow the jerky to cool completely before serving to your dog.
8. Store cooled jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

For more consistent results and easier preparation, consider using a professional stand mixer to shred larger quantities of cooked chicken before slicing into jerky strips.

Substitutions and Variations

• Dehydrator method – if you’ve got one gathering dust in your pantry, set it to 160°F for 4-6 hours instead of using the oven.
• Freeze-dried approach – slice the chicken, freeze it overnight, then bake at the lowest temperature your oven allows for 6-8 hours until completely dry.
• Add a tiny sprinkle of dried parsley – gives it a fresh smell and makes you feel like you’re running a gourmet dog bakery.
• Cut into different shapes – strips, cubes, or weird wonky pieces that don’t really have a name but your dog won’t judge your knife skills.

Additional Things to Serve With This Dish

Your dog’s going to think these chicken jerky strips are the best thing since squeaky toys, but they’re even better when paired with the right companions.

• Fresh water bowl nearby – because all that chewing works up a serious thirst, and you don’t want your pup doing that weird thing where they try to drink from the toilet right after their gourmet snack.
• A puzzle toy or Kong – stuff a few small pieces inside to turn snack time into brain exercise time, though to be frank, most dogs will figure out how to get every last morsel in about thirty seconds.
• Their regular kibble – break the jerky into tiny training-sized pieces and mix them in with dinner, suddenly making their everyday food feel like a five-star meal.
• Other homemade treats – sweet potato chips, frozen peanut butter cubes, or those carrot sticks you cut up last week and forgot about in the fridge.
• A comfortable spot on the couch – because nothing says “good dog” like letting them enjoy their jerky while they judge your Netflix choices from their favorite cushion.

Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)

Making chicken jerky for your dog sounds simple enough, but there are definitely some tricks that’ll save you from ending up with either leather-tough strips or soggy disappointments.

• Temperature matters more than time – if your oven runs hot like mine does, drop it down to 175°F and just plan on a longer bake, because there’s nothing worse than accidentally creating chicken charcoal.
• Slice against the grain – look for those white lines running through the meat and cut perpendicular to them, which makes the jerky easier for your dog to chew and digest.
• Uniform thickness is your friend – aim for about 1/4 inch thick strips, because uneven pieces mean some will be perfect while others are either still chewy or completely dried out.
• Don’t crowd the baking sheet – give each strip some breathing room so the air can circulate properly, otherwise you’ll end up with soggy spots that take forever to dry.
• Check doneness by touch – properly dried jerky should feel firm and slightly flexible, not brittle enough to snap in half but definitely not squishy.
• Cool completely before storing – any residual warmth creates condensation in the container, which leads to mold faster than you’d think possible.
• Freeze for longer storage – these treats will keep in the freezer for up to three months, though to be frank, they probably won’t last that long once your dog finds them.

Nutritional Facts

This simple chicken jerky recipe packs serious nutritional value into every bite your dog takes.

• High protein content – chicken breast contains about 31 grams of protein per 100 grams, making these treats excellent for muscle development and maintenance.
• Low fat option – boneless, skinless chicken breast has only 3.6 grams of fat per 100 grams, perfect for dogs watching their weight.
• Rich in B vitamins – particularly niacin (B3) and vitamin B6, which support your dog’s nervous system and help convert food into energy.
• Good source of phosphorus – essential for strong bones and teeth, with chicken breast providing about 220mg per 100 grams.
• Contains selenium – this antioxidant helps protect cells from damage and supports immune system function.
• Minimal sodium – unlike commercial jerky treats, homemade versions contain only the natural sodium found in chicken (about 74mg per 100 grams).
• Zero preservatives or artificial additives – just pure protein without the chemical cocktail found in store-bought alternatives.
• Calorie conscious – each strip contains approximately 15-20 calories, making portion control easier for training rewards.
• Easily digestible – the dehydration process breaks down tough fibers while concentrating nutrients.

Fun “Did You Know?”

Did you know that dogs have been enjoying dried meat treats for over 4,000 years? Ancient civilizations realized that drying meat preserved it for long journeys and harsh winters.

I find it fascinating that jerky-making techniques haven’t changed much since then – we’re still removing moisture to create shelf-stable snacks.

Here’s something cool: your dog’s ancestors actually preferred jerky over fresh meat because it concentrated flavors and made hunting rewards last longer.

Modern dogs still carry this instinct, which explains why they go absolutely crazy for homemade chicken jerky. You’re tapping into thousands of years of canine food preferences!