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?
This guide is for backpackers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in preserving chicken for long-term storage or healthy snacking. Dehydrating chicken is a practical way to ensure you have lightweight, nutritious, and shelf-stable protein for your adventures or emergency supplies.
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. Dehydrated chicken is a key ingredient in dehydrated meals, which are ideal for longer trips due to their convenience and shelf stability. The end result of dehydrating chicken depends on your preparation methods, which affect the texture and how well the chicken rehydrates in your meals.
| Step | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Chicken | Select lean, boneless, skinless chicken breast or ground chicken for best results. | Avoid fatty cuts to prevent rancidity and ensure proper drying. |
| Cook Chicken | Cook chicken thoroughly by baking, boiling, steaming, or pressure cooking. | Pressure cooking tenderizes chicken and improves rehydration. |
| Prepare Chicken | Shred or cut cooked chicken into thin strips or small pieces. | Shredded chicken rehydrates better than large chunks. |
| Remove Moisture | Pat chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before dehydrating. | Helps speed up the drying process and prevents spoilage. |
| Season (Optional) | Add herbs, spices, or dog-safe seasonings to enhance flavor before dehydrating. | Avoid harmful seasonings like garlic and onion for dog treats. |
| Dehydrate | Place chicken pieces on dehydrator trays with good air circulation; set temperature to 145-165°F (63-74°C). | Dehydrate for 6-12 hours until chicken is dry and brittle. |
| Store | Store dehydrated chicken in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place. | Condition glass jars by shaking daily for a week to check for moisture. |
| Rehydrate | Soak dehydrated chicken in boiling water or broth for 10-30 minutes before use in meals. | Longer soaking improves tenderness and flavor absorption. |
Dehydrated chicken is a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare lightweight, nutritious meals on the go or stock up for long-term storage. By removing moisture from cooked chicken, you get a shelf-stable ingredient that’s perfect for everything from backpacking adventures to quick weeknight dinners. You can dehydrate a variety of chicken types, including chicken breast, ground chicken, and shredded chicken, giving you plenty of options for different recipes. Canned chicken and pouched chicken are also excellent choices—they’re already cooked, making the dehydration process even easier. When stored properly in airtight containers, dehydrated chicken can last for months, ensuring you always have a protein-packed food option ready for your next meal. Whether you’re planning for long trips or just want to simplify your meal prep, dehydrated chicken is a versatile addition to your pantry.
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:
By dehydrating chicken at home, you can provide the best nutrition for your family and pets, as you control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.
When it comes to dehydrating chicken, choosing the right type of chicken is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
Canned chicken is another option, and while cans are convenient, steaming fresh chicken is often more flavorful and less fatty than using canned versions. When comparing fresh, steamed, or canned chicken for dehydration, steamed chicken and white meat are generally preferred for their lower fat content and better drying results.
In summary, white meat chicken, especially lean, boneless, skinless chicken breast, is preferred for dehydration because it has less fat, which can go rancid and prevent proper drying.
Preparing chicken for dehydration involves several steps:
Dehydrating chicken involves cooking low-fat meat thoroughly, shredding or cubing it, and drying it at 145°F (63°C) for 6–12 hours until brittle. Ground chicken rehydrates better than larger pieces, and canned chicken rehydrates fairly well in meals due to the pressure cooking process it undergoes.
There are several effective ways to dehydrate chicken, each with its own advantages.
The most popular method is using a dehydrator, which provides consistent heat and air circulation for even drying. Simply cook your chicken first—boiling, steaming, or using a pressure cooker are all great options—then trim away any excess fat and slice the chicken into thin strips. This helps the chicken dry faster and more evenly on your dehydrator trays. Ground chicken can also be dehydrated; just mix in a small amount of starch to help it rehydrate better later.
For those without a dehydrator, an oven set to its lowest setting can work. Be sure to spread the chicken in a single layer and allow for plenty of air circulation.
An air fryer set to its lowest setting can also be used. Spread the chicken in a single layer and monitor closely to prevent over-drying.
If you’re feeling adventurous, even Kentucky fried chicken can be dehydrated, though it may take a bit longer due to its higher fat content. No matter which method you choose, always follow your equipment’s instructions and keep an eye on the process to ensure the best results.
Whether you’re making chicken jerky, or plan to re-hydrate it, check out these recipes.
Dehydrated chicken can be combined with beans, fish, or other proteins for variety, and it can be used in a variety of meals, including stir fries, casseroles, and tacos. You can also customize the tastes of your dehydrated chicken by adding different seasonings or combining with other ingredients.
Chicken jerky is perfect for on-the-go snacking. Here’s what you need:
Slice your chicken breast meat 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.
It is recommended to dehydrate chicken at a temperature high enough to kill bacteria, ideally 160°F (71°C).
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.
If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, canned or pouched chicken will do the trick. Canned chicken comes in cans and is already pressure cooked, making it a convenient option. 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. Canned chicken works well for dehydration because it is pressure cooked, which helps it rehydrate better.
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. Canned chicken can be dehydrated with good results due to its pressure cooking process.
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.
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. Dehydrating chicken for dog treats allows pet owners to control the ingredients used and provide the best nutrition for their pets. 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.
Note: Dehydrated chicken should be dry and leathery, with no moisture remaining, to ensure safety and quality.
Your pup will thank you!
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:
Note: The ideal temperature for dehydrating chicken is between 145°F to 165°F.
Dehydrated chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of meals, making it a favorite for backpacking meals and home cooking alike. To use, simply rehydrate the chicken by soaking it in hot water or adding it directly to recipes with plenty of liquid, such as soups, stews, or casseroles. It’s a convenient substitute for fresh chicken, especially when you need a lightweight, long-lasting protein source. Try tossing rehydrated chicken into a chicken stir-fry, mixing it into a hearty chicken noodle soup, or adding it to a salad for a quick protein boost. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to create delicious, satisfying meals with minimal effort. Just remember to follow food safety guidelines and ensure your chicken is fully rehydrated before eating for the best flavor and texture.
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. For backpacking, using vacuum seal bags is especially useful for packing dehydrated chicken, as it keeps the food fresh and lightweight. Dehydrated chicken can also be enjoyed as a protein snack while hiking or camping.
For longer trips, preparing a variety of dehydrated meals with chicken and vegetables helps keep your meals interesting and nutritious. Dehydrated meals are convenient and easy to prepare—just add boiling water or broth to rehydrate your chicken and vegetables for a quick, satisfying meal.
Want more backpacking food ideas? Read this hiker’s guide to the best backpacking foods!
Even with the best preparation, you might encounter a few hiccups when dehydrating chicken. Here are some common issues and solutions:
With a little attention to detail and some creativity, you’ll enjoy safe, tasty, and nutritious dehydrated chicken meals every time.
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.
