Dehydrating Chicken: 3 Dehydrator Recipes for Backpackers

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 dehydrating 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.

Recipe’s for Dehydrating Chicken

Whether you’re making chicken jerky, or plan to re-hydrate it, check out these recipes.

1. Spicy Chicken Jerky

Chicken jerky is perfect for on-the-go snacking. Here’s what you need:

  • 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. Garlic or onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • Chicken breast (no fat)

Slice your chicken breasts into long, thin 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

If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, chicken in a can or pouch will do the trick. Especially if you plan to use it in a re-hydrating recipe. You’ll need:

  • Can or pouch chicken
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. garlic or onion powder

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 jerky treats at the store.

Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need:

  • Chicken breast (trim the fat)
  • 1 tsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tbs. peanut butter

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 slices, 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!

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.

Want more backpacking food ideas? Read this hiker’s guide to the best backpacking foods!

author avatar
Danny
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!