If you’re a fan of spicy snacks, you’re in for a treat with my Buffalo Chicken Jerky sticks! These tasty bites are perfect for munching on during movie night or taking along on your next adventure. Let’s dive into making this delicious jerky that’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings!

Cook Time: 150

Prep Time: 10

Yields: 6

Calories: 297

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks

Creating Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks at home is a fun and easy process, and I love how simple the ingredient list is! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these flavorful snacks:

1 pound ground chicken: This is the star of the show. You want ground chicken because it gives our jerky that tender texture while absorbing all those spicy flavors.
¼ cup hot sauce: I usually go for Frank’s RedHot® because it adds the perfect kick. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
½ teaspoon sea salt: This enhances the flavors and helps preserve the jerky.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: A little bit of this will add warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
½ teaspoon celery seed: It gives a slight crunch and a hint of earthiness that pairs well with the spiciness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: I love the depth this adds to the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Similar to garlic, this is a staple that rounds out the taste.
¼ teaspoon pink curing salt: This is optional, but it helps with preservation and gives jerky that authentic texture.
2 tablespoons additional hot sauce: This is for brushing over the sticks during cooking,ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

with just these ingredients, you can create a spicy and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any outdoor adventure or snack time at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks

Let’s get into the fun part—making our Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks! Follow these easy steps to craft your delicious snack:

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, ¼ cup hot sauce, sea salt, black pepper, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, and pink curing salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for 8 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Prepare Your Equipment: If you have a jerky gun, get it ready. It’s a nifty tool that helps shape the sticks. If you don’t have one, you can also use your hands to form the mixture into sticks on parchment paper.

Shape the Jerky: Use the jerky gun to pipe the meat mixture onto air fryer racks. Try to keep them about ½ inch thick for even cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 160°F (70°C). This lower temperature is crucial for drying out the jerky without cooking it too quickly.

Cook the Jerky: Place the racks in the air fryer and cook for 2 hours. after this time, carefully flip the sticks over using a fork. Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of hot sauce over the tops for that extra layer of flavor.

Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Cool and store: Once finished, let your jerky cool fully. Transfer it to an airtight container for storage.

And there you have it! You’ve made your very own Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks. Perfect for snacking anytime, whether you’re hiking or just lounging at home. Enjoy!

air fryer oven buffalo chicken jerky sticks

serving and Storage Details for Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks

Once you’ve created your Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks, you’ll want to enjoy them at their best. Here’s how to serve and store them for maximum flavor and freshness!

Serving Suggestions

These jerky sticks can be enjoyed straight out of the air fryer for a satisfying snack. They make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board or can be paired with fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a crunchy contrast. If you’re in the mood for dipping, serve them with blue cheese dressing or a zesty homemade sriracha mayo. Just mix a tablespoon of sriracha with a little mayo for a creamy,spicy treat.

Storage Guidelines

To keep your jerky fresh, transfer the cooled sticks to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for about 3 days. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. In the fridge, they’ll stay good for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider vacuum sealing your jerky. This method can keep them fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. just make sure to give them a little time to thaw before enjoying.

Remember, homemade jerky doesn’t contain preservatives, so it’s best consumed sooner rather than later. With these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to savor the spicy goodness of your Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks for days!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks

When making your Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks, a few pointers can definitely help ensure success. Here are my top notes and troubleshooting tips to guide you through the process.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to experiment with spices and sauces. If you prefer a milder jerky, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute it with a sweet BBQ sauce. Adding spices like paprika or cumin can also give your jerky a unique twist.

Texture Tips

Getting the right texture is key when making jerky. If your jerky sticks are too wet, they may not dry properly. ensure you mix the ingredients well, and if needed, you can hold back a bit of the hot sauce to achieve the right consistency. The mixture should be moist but not overly sticky.

Cooking Troubles

If your jerky is taking longer than expected to cook, check the air fryer temperature.Ensure it’s set to 160°F (70°C). Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the sticks, so it’s a good idea to monitor them closely in the last 30 minutes. You want them firm but not rock-hard; they should bend slightly without breaking.

Storage Concerns

If you notice that your jerky is getting a bit too dry after storage, try sealing them with a slice of bread in the container.this little trick adds moisture back into the jerky without making it soggy.

With these notes and troubleshooting tips, you’ll be well-equipped for a prosperous batch of Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks. Enjoy your culinary adventure!