Susan Gast, Author
Blogger at Easy Food Dehydrating | A New Sober You | Bored Boomers | Beesville Books
Spice up boring midweek meals with this sweet and fiery Hot Honey Chicken Jerky! It’s the perfect combo of lean protein, crave-worthy flavor, and long shelf life—ideal for hiking trips, lunchboxes, or healthy anytime snacking.
With just a few pantry ingredients and your trusty dehydrator, you’ll have a batch of bold, sticky-sweet chicken jerky that packs a punch. Let’s heat things up!
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.
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!
Ingredients
💡 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
Dehydrator Instructions
Nutrition Information
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:
Great for hiking fuel, afternoon snack attacks, or protein-packed meal prep!
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.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but make sure to trim all fat and slice very thin. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and can be extra flavorful!
How spicy is this jerky?
It’s more “warm and tingly” than mouth-burning. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or skip the cayenne.
Can I use hot honey instead of mixing it?
Yes! Use a store-bought hot honey (like Mike’s Hot Honey) and skip the hot sauce, adjusting to taste.
Do I need to precook the chicken before dehydrating?
Nope—as long as your dehydrator hits 160°F, it safely cooks the meat while drying. Just follow timing and safety tips.
How Long Does Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Jerky Last?
When stored properly in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags (with desiccant packets and oxygen absorbers), your jerky should stay fresh for 1–2 months at room temperature. For even longer storage, keep it in the fridge or freezer.
What If My Jerky Isn’t Drying Evenly?
If some pieces seem moist while others are dry, try rotating the trays halfway through the drying process. Also, make sure the strips are in a single layer with plenty of space between them. A little tweaking now can help achieve that perfect, uniform texture.
Can I Scale This Recipe Up or Down?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Just keep the ingredient ratios consistent, and adjust the drying time if you’re working with thicker strips or larger quantities.
Is It Okay to Reheat or Rehydrate the Jerky Before Eating?
Reheating isn’t necessary unless you prefer your jerky warm. Rehydration isn’t recommended either — part of the appeal (and shelf stability) of jerky is its dry, chewy texture. If it feels too tough, you can always let it sit in a little water for a few minutes, but typically it's best enjoyed as is.
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?
Go ahead—give it a try, and don't forget to check out our other jerky recipes while you're here!
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