Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Overhead shot of a plate filled with thin, dried strips of seasoned chicken jerky.

How To Make Chicken Jerky Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Marinate 8 hours
Total Time 11 hours 15 minutes
This chicken jerky recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Made with a flavorful marinade and prepared using either a Traeger smoker or an Instant Vortex Pro dehydrator, this protein-packed snack is ideal for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast – Frozen for 30–60 minutes for easier slicing
  • ¼ cup 76g Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce – Or a mixture of 3 parts BBQ sauce to 1 part soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons 30g Sriracha – Provides a balance of heat and depth of flavor
  • 1 tablespoon 15g rice vinegar – Enhances the marinade with a subtle tang

Instructions
 

Preparing the Chicken

  1. Begin by freezing the boneless, skinless chicken breast for 30 to 60 minutes. This slight freezing firms the meat, making it significantly easier to slice. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken lengthwise into ⅛-inch to ¼-inch thick strips. Strive for uniform thickness to ensure even drying. Trim and discard any excess fat or connective tissue.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar. Place the sliced chicken in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container, then pour the marinade over the meat. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse.

Preparing for Cooking

  1. Once marinating is complete, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and strain the slices, discarding any excess marinade. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Methods

  1. Option 1: Traeger Smoker
  2. Preheat the Traeger smoker to 200ºF (93ºC).
  3. Arrange the marinated chicken slices directly onto the grill grates, ensuring space between each piece for proper airflow.
  4. Smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking periodically. The jerky is done when it bends without breaking and no moisture seeps from the interior. The texture should be dry and leathery, revealing white muscle fibers when torn.
  5. Option 2: Instant Vortex Pro Dehydrator
  6. Arrange the marinated chicken slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or baskets.
  7. Set the dehydrator function to 160ºF (71ºC) and allow the chicken to dry for 3 hours.
  8. Rotate the trays halfway through the cooking process for even drying. The jerky is finished when it exhibits a firm, leathery texture, bends without snapping, and has no visible moisture.

Final Quality Check

  1. Regardless of the chosen method, ensure the jerky is completely dried yet pliable. If needed, continue dehydrating in 30-minute increments until the ideal texture is achieved. Allow the jerky to cool at room temperature before storage.

Notes

To make this chicken jerky gluten-free, ensure that all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce with a gluten-free BBQ sauce and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination.
Bitty