How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Jerky
in a Dehydrator

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.

Hot Honey Chicken JerkyHot Honey Chicken Jerky

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!

Don’t Skip These Ingredients – They Make the Flavor Pop!

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.

Marinate Like a Pro: The Key to Perfect Hot Honey Jerky

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

Keep It Fresh: How to Store Your Jerky for Maximum Shelf Life

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.

Hot Honey Jerky: Your Top Questions Answered

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.

Ready to Try This Sweet 'n' Spicy Jerky?

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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