10 Easy Chicken Treats You Can Make at Home
Simple Recipes for Delicious Rewards
Raising chickens at home can be both rewarding and enjoyable, especially when it comes to providing them with healthy and tasty treats. Homemade chicken treats are not only easy to make but also allow chicken owners to ensure their flocks are getting the nutrients they need. Creating your own chicken treats allows you to control the ingredients and tailor them to the specific nutritional needs of your birds. This can lead to healthier and happier chickens.
For those looking to enhance their chickens' diet with fun and nutritious options, this article provides a compilation of simple, do-it-yourself treat recipes. Whether you're an experienced homesteader or new to poultry care, these homemade treat ideas offer a great way to diversify your chickens' menu without breaking the bank. Ducks and geese will often enjoy these treats as well, adding even more value to the time spent in preparing them.
1) Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are a simple yet flavorful option for any meal. They are versatile and can be customized with various marinades and spices.
To start, slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Prepare a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, chopped garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and coat the chicken pieces.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, which takes about 10 minutes.
For added flavor, brush the cooked chicken with a reserved marinade or an olive oil rub. Serve the skewers immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of vegetables.
Grilled chicken skewers are perfect for gatherings or a quick weekday dinner. They pair well with options like homemade tzatziki, adding a refreshing touch to the dish.
2) Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a flavorful and popular treat that combines the taste of buffalo wings with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, shredded cheese, and cooked chicken until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for a satisfying snack that’s perfect for any gathering.
3) Chicken Quesadilla
Chicken quesadillas are a simple and delicious treat that anyone can make at home. They require minimal ingredients and can be customized to suit various tastes.
Start by cooking shredded chicken in a pan with some chili powder, cumin, and salt. This adds a flavorful base to the quesadilla.
Next, prepare your tortillas. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly brown one side of the tortilla, then flip it.
Add the chicken mixture onto the tortilla along with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to ensure an even distribution of the filling.
Cook each side of the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes until the exterior is golden and the cheese has melted. You can then cut the quesadilla into pieces for easy serving.
Optional additions like chopped cilantro, corn, or grilled hatch chilies can provide extra flavor. These ingredients can be added with the chicken mixture before folding the tortilla.
Brush the outside with olive oil before cooking to get a crispy finish. Serve warm with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Chicken quesadillas are a versatile and quick option for a satisfying meal or snack, perfect for any time of the day.
4) Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for game days or as a dinner party appetizer, these wings are sure to impress.
To start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or your oven to 425°F. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure they become crispy during cooking.
Brush the wings with melted butter and season them with a honey garlic mix. For an even coating, rub the seasoning into the wings thoroughly. If using the oven, a toss with flour, salt, and pepper followed by a brush of olive oil can enhance the texture.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for about a minute. Add honey, soy sauce, and a splash of lime juice. Stir constantly until the sauce slightly thickens.
Place the wings in the air fryer basket or arrange them on a baking sheet lined with foil and parchment paper. Cook for 20-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Once done, toss the wings in the prepared honey garlic sauce to coat them well. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious treat!
5) Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a delicious, bite-sized version of the classic Italian dish. Ideal for casual gatherings or family dinners, they are simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use either store-bought chicken tenders or prepare your own breaded chicken.
Slice a pack of slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked chicken tenders evenly across the rolls.
Spread marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring an even layer.
Add shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired. Place the top half of the rolls over the layers.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture onto the tops of the rolls.
Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Serve these Chicken Parmesan Sliders warm. They make a great appetizer or main course, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
6) Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders offer a delicious mix of zesty and savory flavors. These tenders are simple to make and require basic ingredients that are usually available in most kitchens.
Begin by mixing flour, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken tenderloins evenly in this flour mixture.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the pan.
Cook the tenders for 3-5 minutes without turning or stirring. This helps to form a crispy, golden-brown crust on one side.
Flip the tenders and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Ensure even cooking by occasionally shaking the pan.
For those preferring a baked option, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish, and place the coated chicken tenders inside. Sprinkle paprika, lemon zest, and ground black pepper over the tenders before adding slices of lemon around them.
Bake the chicken in the center rack of the oven for about 20-25 minutes. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a vibrant lemon-pepper flavor.
Serve these Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
7) BBQ Chicken Nachos
BBQ Chicken Nachos are a flavorful and easy-to-make snack that combines tender chicken with tangy barbecue sauce. Using tortilla chips as the base, this dish provides a satisfying crunch.
To start, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Shred some rotisserie chicken and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Adjust the sauce quantity to suit your preference.
Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the chips.
Add toppings such as black beans, corn, diced red onions, and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
After baking, garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you prefer a bit of heat. These nachos are best served immediately.
BBQ Chicken Nachos are perfect for game day gatherings or a quick weeknight snack. The combination of flavors and textures makes this a crowd-pleaser.
8) Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful and easy-to-make dish. They combine tender pasta shells with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, making them a perfect comfort food.
To start, boil large pasta shells until al dente. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Shred pre-cooked chicken breasts and mix it with a blend of cheeses like Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Ricotta. Add salt, pepper, and a whisked egg to bind the filling together.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Layer the bottom of the dish with a cup of Alfredo sauce. Stuff each shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, then place them open side down in the dish.
Top the shells with more Alfredo sauce and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake until bubbly and golden, usually about 25 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving.
This dish pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells offer a wonderful combination of flavors and are sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
9) Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch flavors. This casserole starts by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F.
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set it aside and leave the drippings in the pan.
Next, add the onion and garlic to the drippings and cook until softened. Meanwhile, boil your pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix a sauce of melted butter, heavy cream, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and Alfredo sauce.
Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce, then pour it all into a greased casserole dish.
Spread the crispy bacon and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This dish is best served warm and can be paired with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
10) Chicken Pot Pie Bites
Chicken Pot Pie Bites make a delightful and convenient snack. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
In a bowl, mix together frozen vegetables, diced chicken, and cream of chicken soup.
Roll out pie crust on a floured surface and use a cookie cutter to create small circles. Place these circles into the muffin tin, forming small cups.
Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into each cup. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
These bites are a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables, providing a quick meal or snack option. Simple and delicious, they are perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Treats
Homemade chicken treats offer advantages ranging from enhanced nutritional value to strict control over ingredients. These benefits contribute to the well-being of your flock.
Nutritional Value of Chicken
Chicken is a substantial source of protein, which is essential for growth and repair in both humans and chickens.
Including chicken in a flock's diet ensures they receive high levels of amino acids, which are necessary for maintaining muscle and feather health. Chickens also benefit from various vitamins and minerals found in chicken meat, such as B vitamins and selenium, which support metabolic processes and bolster the immune system.
Feeds with added chicken can improve egg production quality by increasing the protein intake, leading to stronger shells and more nutritious eggs.
Control Over Ingredients
By making chicken treats at home, one has complete control over the ingredients used. This means avoiding harmful additives or fillers often found in commercially produced treats. Owners can ensure the use of organic chicken and other wholesome ingredients, reducing the risk of introducing unwanted chemicals or pesticides.
Moreover, homemade treats allow for the customization of recipes to include additional beneficial ingredients like grains, vegetables, and seeds. This can diversify the nutrients available to the flock and cater to specific dietary needs or preferences.
Ensuring fresh and quality ingredients enhances the overall health and productivity of the chickens, fostering a happier and more resilient flock.
Basic Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Treats
Creating homemade chicken treats involves using a variety of ingredients that provide essential nutrients and are safe for poultry consumption. Key ingredients include chicken cuts, grains, fruits, and supplements to ensure a balanced diet.
Types of Chicken Cuts
Using chicken cuts in homemade treats can provide essential proteins. Popular choices include chicken breast, thighs, and drumsticks.
Chicken Breast: Lean and lower in fat, it's suitable for chickens that need protein without the extra calories.
Thighs: These are higher in fat, offering more energy which is beneficial for egg-laying hens.
Drumsticks: A balanced option with both meat and bone, adding calcium to their diet.
Using different cuts ensures variety and nutritional balance.
Complementary Ingredients
Complementary ingredients play a crucial role in enhancing the nutritional content and palatability of chicken treats.
Grains: Oats, barley, and cornmeal add carbohydrates and fiber.
Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, apples, and carrots provide vitamins and natural sweetness.
Dairy: Small amounts of plain yogurt or cottage cheese can boost calcium and probiotics.
Seeds: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are rich in fats and nutrients.
Supplements: Adding calcium powder or vitamin mixes can address specific dietary needs.
Incorporating these ingredients can make treats more nutritious and appealing to chickens.
Storage and Preservation Tips
When making chicken treats at home, ensuring they remain fresh and safe for consumption is crucial. Proper storage methods help in maintaining the quality and nutritional value of these treats.
Proper Refrigeration
Refrigeration is essential for certain types of chicken treats, especially those incorporating perishable ingredients like dairy products or meats. Store these treats in airtight containers to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering. Label each container with the date of preparation to track freshness.
Shelf Life in the Refrigerator:
Fresh treats like yogurt mixes or cooked meats - 3 to 4 days
Treats containing vegetables and grains - up to 5 days
Regularly check for signs of spoilage, such as off smells or discoloration.
Freezing Methods
Freezing is a great way to extend the lifespan of homemade chicken treats. Freeze treats on a baking sheet first to prevent them from sticking together, then transfer them to labeled freezer bags or containers.
Ensure the treats are fully cooled before freezing to avoid ice crystals. Use vacuum sealing bags if possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain the texture and nutritional quality.
Freezer Storage Durations:
Meat-based treats - up to 3 months
Grain and vegetable-based treats - up to 6 months
Defrost treats in the refrigerator before serving to retain their quality. Avoid refreezing thawed treats, as this can degrade their nutritional value and safety.
