Protein is an essential part of every person’s diet, especially during high activity. If you’re an experienced backpacker, you know to pack nutritious foods.
So, it’s no surprise the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends beef jerky for hiking. The trouble is, beef jerky can get boring quick, then what do you pack?
With the right tools, you can start to dehydrate chicken to pack for yourself. It’s versatile, and the recipes are endless.
Let’s look at some recipes below on dehydrating chicken for backpacking.
Benefits of Dehydrating Chicken
Dehydrating chicken offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, and health-conscious individuals. Some of the advantages of dehydrating chicken include:
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Long-term storage: Dehydrated chicken can be stored for up to a year, making it an ideal option for emergency food supplies or backpacking trips. This means you can prepare your meals well in advance and have them ready whenever you need them.
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Lightweight: Dehydrated chicken is significantly lighter than canned or fresh chicken, making it easier to carry on long hikes or backpacking trips. This reduction in weight can make a big difference when you’re carrying all your supplies on your back.
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Nutrient retention: Dehydrating chicken helps retain its nutritional value, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. This ensures that you get the essential nutrients needed for energy and muscle repair during your adventures.
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Versatility: Dehydrated chicken can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. Its versatility means you can enjoy different meals without getting bored.
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Cost-effective: Dehydrating chicken can be a cost-effective way to preserve chicken, especially when compared to buying canned or pre-cooked chicken. You can take advantage of sales and bulk purchases to save money.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to dehydrating chicken, choosing the right type of chicken is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are a popular choice for dehydrating due to their low-fat content and mild flavor. They are easy to prepare and dehydrate evenly.
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Bone-in skinless chicken: This type of chicken can also be used for dehydrating, but it may require more time and effort to remove the bones and skin. However, it can be a more economical option.
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Ground chicken: Ground chicken can be dehydrated and used as a substitute for ground beef in many recipes. It’s versatile and can be seasoned to your liking.
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Raw chicken: Raw chicken can be dehydrated, but it’s essential to ensure that it’s handled and stored safely to avoid foodborne illness. Proper hygiene and cooking to a safe internal temperature are crucial.
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Cooked chicken: Cooked chicken can also be dehydrated, but it’s essential to ensure that it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature before dehydrating. This can save time during the dehydration process and ensure safety.
Preparing Chicken for Dehydration
Preparing chicken for dehydration involves several steps:
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Cooking: Chicken must be cooked to a safe internal temperature before dehydrating. This can be done by baking, boiling, or pressure cooking. Pressure cooking is particularly effective as it ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
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Shredding or cutting: Chicken can be shredded or cut into thin strips to increase its surface area and promote even dehydration. Shredded chicken works well for soups and stews, while strips are great for jerky.
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Removing excess moisture: Excess moisture can be removed from the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels or using a clean cloth. This step is crucial to ensure efficient dehydration.
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Seasoning: Chicken can be seasoned with herbs and spices before dehydrating to add flavor. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite combinations.
Recipe’s for Dehydrating Chicken
Whether you’re making chicken jerky, or plan to re-hydrate it, check out these recipes.
Benefits of Dehydrating Chicken
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Long shelf life: Dehydrated chicken can last for months when stored properly.
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Lightweight: Perfect for camping and hiking trips.
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Nutrient retention: Dehydration preserves most of the nutrients.
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Proper storage: It’s essential to store dehydrated chicken in air-tight containers to maintain its freshness and nutritional value. Keep them in cool, dark places and consider labeling containers with preparation dates. Using vacuum sealers can also help for long-term storage.
1. Spicy Chicken Jerky
Chicken jerky is perfect for on-the-go snacking. Here’s what you need:
Slice your chicken breasts into long, thin chicken strips that are less than an inch wide. Then, mix all your ingredients together and marinate the chicken for at least an hour or more.
Put the chicken slices onto your dehydrator, making sure there are no touching pieces. If your strips are thin, they should be dry in less than eight hours on 160 degrees.
2. Canned Chicken Recipes
If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, canned or pouched chicken will do the trick. Especially if you plan to use it in a re-hydrating recipe. You’ll need:
First, you need to drain all water out of the can or pouch. Too much water will disrupt the process, so be thorough.
Once you’ve got it all drained and seasoned, spread it out on the rack. Make sure there aren’t any huge chunks as you go. After that, set the temperature to 150 degrees and dehydrate for seven hours.
Dehydrated chicken from the can is perfect for campfire recipes. It re-hydrates well when added to rice and water. You can also find dehydrated vegetable recipes to create a whole dried meal to pack.
3. Dehydrated Chicken Dog Treats
Pup’s need to eat on the trail, too. That’s why we’re going to show you how to make dried chicken for dog treats. It’s also cheaper and healthier than buying the chicken treats at the store.
Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need:
Mixing soy sauce and peanut butter might sound gross, but remember it’s for the dogs. Once you mix, spread the paste all over the chicken, then freeze for an hour or so.
Cut chicken breast into thin chicken strips; the thicker you slice, the longer the cook time. Then, place slices onto the rack and dry for several hours.
Your pup will thank you!
Rehydrating and Storing Dehydrated Chicken
Rehydrating dehydrated chicken is a simple process that involves soaking the chicken in water or a flavorful liquid. Here are some tips for rehydrating and storing dehydrated chicken:
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Rehydrating: Dehydrated chicken can be rehydrated by soaking it in water or a flavorful liquid, such as chicken broth or sauce. This not only rehydrates the chicken but also infuses it with additional flavor.
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Storing: Dehydrated chicken can be stored in airtight containers or bags to maintain its freshness and nutritional value. Ensure the containers are sealed properly to prevent moisture from getting in.
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Shelf life: Dehydrated chicken can be stored for up to a year, but it’s essential to check its freshness and nutritional value regularly. Store it in a cool, dry place to maximize its shelf life.
More Backpacking Tips
Dehydrating chicken is much easier than you’d think. It can also be more flavorful than beef, and you can add it to any meal recipe, too. You only have to cut, marinate, and then leave it dry while you prepare for your trip. Always store your dehydrated chicken in an air tight container to keep it fresh and prevent moisture from spoiling it.
Want more backpacking food ideas? Read this hiker’s guide to the best backpacking foods!
Conclusion
Dehydrating chicken is a simple and effective way to preserve chicken for long-term storage or backpacking trips. By choosing the right type of chicken, preparing it properly, and rehydrating and storing it correctly, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious chicken dishes anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re a backpacker, outdoor enthusiast, or health-conscious individual, dehydrating chicken is a great way to add variety and nutrition to your meals.
Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!
