How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Jerky:
Sweet Heat in Every Bite

Spice up your snacking game with this sweet-meets-spicy Hot Honey Chicken Jerky! Packed with lean protein, bold flavor, and a satisfying chew, it’s perfect for hiking, lunchboxes, or guilt-free munching at home.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make hot honey chicken jerky?
To make hot honey chicken jerky, slice chicken thinly, marinate it in honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and spices, then dehydrate at 160°F for 6–8 hours until chewy and dry. Cool fully before storing in airtight bags for up to 2 months.

With just a dehydrator and a few pantry staples, you’ll transform plain chicken into a crave-worthy jerky that keeps for weeks. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that proves healthy snacking doesn’t have to be boring.

Hot Honey Chicken JerkyHot Honey Chicken Jerky

Key Flavor Boosters: The Must-Have Ingredients for Hot Honey Jerky

This hot honey chicken jerky is all about the balance — sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. You probably already have most of these goodies in your pantry, too! The honey delivers the sweetness, hot sauce brings the heat, and soy sauce plus vinegar give it that finger-lickin’ depth of flavor.

👉 Want it hotter? Add a little cayenne. Too spicy? Cut back on the hot sauce. Easy-peasy.

Master the Marinade: How to Lock in Sweet Heat

Here’s where the magic happens — marinating is non-negotiable. Let those flavors soak deep into your chicken strips, and you’ll taste the difference in every bite. Aim for at least 6 hours in the fridge, but if you’ve got time, overnight is best.

💡 TIP: Give the bowl a shake every few hours to keep everything coated. It’s worth the extra step!

Top of Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Jerky Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, trimmed of all fat
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (for extra heat)

💡 Shortcut Alert: Got Bottled Hot Honey?
If you already have hot honey (like Mike’s Hot Honey), you can totally use it instead!
➤ Just swap it in for the plain honey and skip the hot sauce.
➤ Start with the same amount (3 tablespoons), and adjust to taste — some brands bring serious heat!

Marinade Instructions

  1. Slice chicken into thin strips (¼" or thinner) against the grain for tenderness.
  2. In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Whisk well.
  3. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. 
  4. Cover and marinate in the fridge at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Dehydrator Instructions

  1. Pat marinated chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade.
  2. Place strips on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
  3. Dry at 160°F (71°C) for 6–8 hours, or until jerky is firm, dry, and chewy, not brittle.
  4. Let cool completely before storing.

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 2-3 servings (2 oz serving)
  • Calories: 180kcals
  • Fat: 4g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Sugars 8g
  • Sodium 640mg

How Many 1 oz Servings from 1 lb Chicken?

You're starting with 1 pound of raw chicken (16 oz). After dehydration, meat typically loses about 65–70% of its weight due to moisture loss.

So:

  • 1 lb raw chicken ≈ 5–6 oz of finished jerky
  • That gives you 2 to 3 servings at 2 oz each

Great for hiking fuel, afternoon snack attacks, or protein-packed meal prep!

Bottom of Recipe

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Storage Secrets: Keep Your Hot Honey Jerky Fresh for Months

Once your hot honey jerky is fully cooled, it’s time to stash it the smart way.

Store it in Mason jars or vacuum-sealer bags, and be sure to add a desiccant packet and an oxygen absorber to keep it dry and fresh. At room temp, it'll last a month or two — but for longer storage, pop it in the fridge or freezer.

Jerky that lasts? Now that’s hot stuff.

  • Store in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
  • Use desiccant packets for longer storage.
  • Keeps 1–2 months at room temp, longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Why This Hot Honey Jerky Will Be Your New Favorite Snack

If you're looking for a no-fuss, big-flavor dehydrator recipe, this Hot Honey Chicken Jerky is it. From the sweet heat of the marinade to the satisfying chew of homemade jerky, it’s the kind of snack you'll want to make again and again.

Simple ingredients? Check.
Easy to store? You bet.
Totally crave-worthy? Oh yes.

So fire up that dehydrator, grab your bottle of hot honey, and get started. And hey — while you're here, don’t miss our full collection of homemade jerky recipes. Who says dried food can’t be delicious?

More Jerky Recipes You’ll Want to Try Next

Go ahead—give it a try, and don't forget to check out our other jerky recipes while you're here!

Hot Honey Jerky FAQs: Tips, Fixes & Flavor Hacks

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes - just trim all fat and slice very thin. Thighs are a little more forgiving and often turn out extra flavorful.

How spicy is this jerky?

It’s more warm and tingly than mouth-burning. For a milder batch, reduce the hot sauce or skip the cayenne.

Can I use hot honey instead of mixing honey and hot sauce?

Yes! A store-bought hot honey (like Mike’s) works great. Just replace the honey + hot sauce with the same amount of hot honey, and adjust to taste.

Do I need to precook the chicken before dehydrating?

No - as long as your dehydrator reaches 160°F, the chicken safely cooks while drying. Just follow the timing and safety guidelines.

How long does homemade hot honey chicken jerky last?

When stored in airtight bags or jars with desiccant packets and oxygen absorbers, jerky lasts 1–2 months at room temp. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

What if my jerky isn’t drying evenly?

Rotate trays halfway through drying, and make sure strips are in a single layer with space between them. This helps achieve even, chewy texture.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Yes - just keep the ingredient ratios the same and adjust drying time for thicker cuts or larger batches.

Is it okay to reheat or rehydrate jerky before eating?

Reheating isn’t necessary, and rehydration is rarely needed. Jerky is best enjoyed dry and chewy, though you can briefly soak tough pieces in water if desired.

Can I make hot honey chicken jerky in the oven instead of a dehydrator?

Yes! Set your oven to the lowest temp (about 170°F), place strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and dry for 3–4 hours. Keep the oven door cracked for airflow.

How do I make the jerky more chewy instead of crispy?

Pull the strips from the dehydrator a little earlier - when they bend without breaking. Just make sure they’re safely dried before storing.

Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Definitely. Use 2 tbsp honey for a less-sweet batch, or add ½ tbsp more for extra stickiness. Balance with a little more vinegar or hot sauce if needed.

Homemade jerky is one of the most satisfying snacks you can make — and this hot honey version proves it. Whether you’re fueling up for a hike, prepping quick protein for lunchboxes, or just craving something with sweet heat, this recipe delivers.

And before you head off, don’t miss grabbing your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF below. From hearty soups like carrot and minestrone to treats like banana cinnamon rolls and spicy beef jerky, these favorites will keep your dehydrator busy and your taste buds happy!

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