Dogs don’t just like chicken treats, they basically treat them like currency. If your dog suddenly becomes “selectively deaf” during training, there’s a good chance your treats just aren’t exciting enough anymore.
And honestly, store-bought chicken treats get expensive fast for something your dog swallows without chewing. Homemade chicken treats fix that problem while giving you way more control over ingredients, texture, and portion size.
Plus, you can make a whole batch in one go and feel like a responsible dog parent for at least 24 hours.
Table of Contents
1. Soft Chicken & Oat Training Bites
Recipe Description
Most dogs act like training treats are supposed to be endless, and they’re personally offended when you run out. These soft chicken and oat bites are perfect for training because they’re small, easy to break apart, and smell strong enough to keep your dog focused.
They’re especially good for puppies or older dogs who don’t want crunchy snacks. My dog doesn’t even chew these half the time, which is kind of disgusting but also a compliment. They come out soft, slightly chewy, and not crumbly like a lot of baked dog treats.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- Rolled oats
- Egg
- Plain pumpkin puree
- Water (if needed for blending)
- Dried parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Add the cooked chicken, oats, egg, and pumpkin puree to a food processor.
- Blend until the mixture becomes a thick dough, adding a splash of water only if it won’t blend smoothly.
- Scoop out small portions and roll them into mini balls or flatten them slightly for faster baking.
- Place them on the baking sheet with a little space between each one.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the outside feels firm but not crunchy.
- Let them cool completely before serving because hot treats can burn your dog’s mouth.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
These bites smell like chicken the second you open the container, and dogs go wild for that. The soft texture makes them easy to eat fast, which is exactly what most dogs want during training.
Tips
For an easy upgrade, add a spoon of plain Greek yogurt into the dough for extra softness. Use them as high-value training rewards or crumble them over kibble as a meal topper. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
2. Crunchy Chicken & Sweet Potato Biscuit Treats
Recipe Description
Some dogs don’t feel satisfied unless they get a good crunch, like they’re eating something important. These chicken and sweet potato biscuits are crunchy, hearty, and way cheaper than those fancy boutique dog biscuits that come in a bag the size of a wallet.
Sweet potato adds fiber and natural sweetness, while chicken gives it that savory smell dogs can’t resist. I like these because they actually hold their shape and don’t crumble into dust instantly. My dog drags one onto the rug like it’s a prized possession, which is both cute and slightly annoying.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (finely chopped)
- Mashed sweet potato (cooked, plain)
- Whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
- Egg
- Olive oil (small amount)
- Water (as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the chicken, mashed sweet potato, egg, and olive oil in a large bowl.
- Add flour slowly and stir until it starts forming a dough.
- Add a little water if the dough feels dry and crumbly.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut into small squares or use cookie cutters if you feel extra fancy.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and firm.
- Let them cool fully so they harden into that crunchy biscuit texture.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
These smell like roasted chicken and have a crunchy bite that dogs love chewing. They’re also filling, so your dog feels like they got a “real snack” instead of a tiny treat.
Tips
For extra crunch, bake them an extra 5–8 minutes but watch closely so they don’t burn. They work great as a midday snack or reward after a walk. Store them in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 7 days, or freeze them for longer freshness.
3. Chicken & Rice Sensitive Stomach Mini Treats
Recipe Description
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you already know how dramatic things can get after one wrong snack. These chicken and rice mini treats are gentle, simple, and perfect when you want something safe that won’t cause stomach chaos later.
They’re soft, mild, and don’t use any weird ingredients that upset digestion. This recipe is basically the treat version of a bland chicken-and-rice meal, but dogs still love it because chicken makes everything better. My dog gets excited for these even when he’s being picky, which says a lot.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (shredded)
- Cooked white rice
- Egg
- Plain yogurt (optional)
- Oat flour (or blended oats)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray.
- Mash the cooked rice slightly so it blends better into the dough.
- Combine chicken, rice, egg, and yogurt in a mixing bowl.
- Add oat flour slowly until the mixture becomes thick and scoopable.
- Drop small spoonfuls onto the tray and flatten them slightly.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until set and lightly browned.
- Cool completely before feeding, especially if your dog is recovering from stomach issues.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
These treats have a soft, chewy texture and a gentle chicken smell that dogs find comforting. They’re also easy to digest, which makes them perfect for dogs who can’t handle rich treats.
Tips
If you want smaller training treats, use a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner cut off. These work great as post-meal rewards or a snack during tummy recovery days. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in small batches.
4. Frozen Chicken Broth & Shredded Chicken Cubes
Recipe Description
When dogs get hot or bored, they suddenly act like their life is missing something important. These frozen chicken broth cubes fix that fast, and they’re basically the easiest dog treat on this entire list.
They’re cold, savory, and super hydrating, which makes them amazing in summer or after long walks. The shredded chicken inside makes them more exciting than plain ice cubes, and dogs love licking them down like it’s a little snack project. My dog becomes completely silent when he gets one, which is honestly my favorite part.
Ingredients
- Low-sodium chicken broth (dog-safe, no onion or garlic)
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Parsley (optional)
- Silicone ice cube tray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Check your chicken broth ingredients carefully and make sure it contains no onion or garlic.
- Place small amounts of shredded chicken into each ice cube tray section.
- Pour broth over the chicken until each section is full.
- Add a tiny pinch of parsley if you want fresher breath benefits.
- Freeze for at least 4–6 hours until solid.
- Pop out cubes and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Serve one cube at a time and supervise if your dog tries to swallow it whole.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
Dogs love the cold licking sensation, and the chicken smell makes them instantly obsessed. It’s also perfect for slow snacking, which helps dogs calm down.
Tips
If your dog eats too fast, freeze the cubes inside a slow feeder bowl for longer licking time. These are perfect as a cool-down treat after outdoor play. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
5. Chewy Chicken Jerky Strips (Oven-Baked)
Recipe Description
If your dog goes crazy for jerky treats, you’ve probably noticed how expensive they are for such a tiny bag. Homemade chicken jerky strips give you the same chewy, meaty treat without paying luxury snack prices.
These come out chewy and firm, and they’re great for dogs who love working on a treat for a few minutes. The best part is you only need one ingredient if you want to keep it simple. My dog hears the bag opening and basically teleports into the kitchen like he pays rent here.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (raw, boneless, skinless)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) for a slow drying bake.
- Slice chicken breast into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick.
- Pat the strips dry with paper towels to reduce moisture.
- Place strips on a wire rack over a baking tray so air circulates evenly.
- Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through for even drying.
- Check the texture by bending a strip, and stop when it feels dry but still slightly flexible.
- Cool completely before storing because warm jerky traps moisture and can spoil faster.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
It smells like pure chicken, and dogs react like you just handed them a steak. The chewy texture also makes it feel like a special reward instead of a quick snack.
Tips
For easier slicing, freeze the chicken for 20 minutes before cutting. Use these as high-value rewards for recall training or crate training. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
6. Chicken & Carrot Mini Muffin Treats
Recipe Description
Some dogs don’t just want treats, they want something that feels like human food. These chicken and carrot mini muffins are soft, moist, and perfect for dogs who love fluffy snacks instead of crunchy biscuits.
Carrots add a little natural sweetness and a mild veggie boost, while chicken keeps it savory enough for picky eaters. These also work great if you want a bigger treat for special occasions without giving your dog something unhealthy. My dog acts like these are cupcakes made by a five-star chef, which is honestly hilarious.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (shredded)
- Grated carrot
- Egg
- Oat flour
- Plain unsweetened applesauce
- Baking powder (small amount, aluminum-free)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix shredded chicken, grated carrot, egg, and applesauce in a bowl.
- Stir in oat flour until the batter thickens like muffin batter.
- Add a small pinch of baking powder to help them rise slightly.
- Spoon batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until the tops look firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let them cool completely before serving to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
They’re soft, moist, and smell like chicken dinner, so dogs take them very seriously. The fluffy muffin texture also makes them easy to eat for seniors and small dogs.
Tips
If you want a richer smell, add a spoonful of chicken broth into the batter. These work great as a breakfast topper or a special reward after grooming. Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them individually.
7. Chicken & Peanut Butter No-Bake Protein Balls
Recipe Description
Dogs don’t need peanut butter in their life, but they sure act like they do. These no-bake chicken and peanut butter protein balls are weird in the best way, because the smell alone makes dogs instantly locked in.
They’re soft, slightly sticky, and packed with protein, which makes them great for active dogs. The peanut butter helps everything hold together while adding that strong flavor dogs go nuts for. My dog starts drooling the second I roll these out, which is… charming, I guess.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (finely chopped)
- Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Rolled oats
- Plain pumpkin puree
- Chia seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add chicken, peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin puree into a mixing bowl.
- Stir until the mixture becomes thick and sticky like cookie dough.
- Add chia seeds if you want extra fiber and a slightly firmer texture.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls, keeping them small enough for safe chewing.
- Place the balls on a plate lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour so they firm up properly.
- Serve chilled and keep portions small since peanut butter is rich.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
The peanut butter smell hits first, and dogs love that intense flavor. The soft chewy texture also makes these easy to eat fast, which is exactly what most dogs prefer.
Tips
If the dough feels too sticky, add extra oats until it firms up. These are perfect as post-walk energy bites or broken into tiny training rewards. Store in the fridge for up to 6 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
8. Chicken & Banana Frozen Pops for Dogs
Recipe Description
Dogs don’t understand dessert, but they absolutely understand frozen snacks. These chicken and banana frozen pops sound a little strange, but dogs love the sweet-and-savory mix more than you’d expect.
Banana gives a creamy texture and natural sweetness, while chicken adds protein and keeps it treat-worthy. This recipe works great for teething puppies or dogs who need something soothing to lick. My dog licks these like he’s trying to solve a puzzle, and it keeps him busy longer than most toys.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (shredded)
- Ripe banana
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Silicone molds (or ice cube tray)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth with minimal chunks.
- Mix in Greek yogurt and stir until creamy.
- Add shredded chicken and mix so it spreads evenly through the mixture.
- Pour in a small splash of water or broth if it needs thinning.
- Spoon mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for at least 5 hours until fully solid.
- Serve one at a time and supervise to make sure your dog doesn’t choke if they try to bite big chunks.
Why Your Dog Will Love It
The banana smell pulls them in, but the chicken flavor keeps them licking like crazy. The frozen texture also makes it a calming treat, especially for dogs who get bored easily.
Tips
For an easy version, blend everything into a smoothie texture for a smoother frozen treat. Serve it as a cooling snack after playtime or during hot afternoons. Store frozen pops in the freezer for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
Final Thoughts
Chicken treats are one of those things dogs never get tired of, which makes them perfect for homemade recipes like these. You can keep it simple with jerky or broth cubes, or go full treat-chef mode with muffins and protein balls.
The real win is rotating textures so your dog doesn’t get bored and start acting like your snacks are “beneath them.” Try a couple recipes, see what your pup goes crazy for, and keep a stash in the freezer for the days when your dog deserves a little extra love.
I’m Pallab Kishore, the owner of Little Pets Realm — an animal lover and pet care enthusiast sharing easy tips, healthy recipes, and honest advice to help every small pet live a happy, healthy, tail-wagging life.