Let’s be real: chicken and broccoli don’t exactly scream “dog treat,” but hear me out. I had some leftovers one day, tossed them into a quick bake with a little cheese, and suddenly Snickers was very interested.
Like, tail-wagging, nose-in-the-air, “is that for me?” interested.
These Chicken Broccoli Dog Treats are now officially in our regular rotation—protein-packed, veggie-boosted, and surprisingly drool-worthy.
Why You’ll Love These Treats
- Nutritious and delicious
- Rich in protein and vitamins
- Easy-to-follow recipe
- Great for picky eaters
Chicken Broccoli Dog Treats Recipe
| Ingredient | Purpose / Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 cup cooked chicken | Lean protein for strong muscles and energy |
| ½ cup broccoli, steamed | Vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants for overall health |
| ⅓ cup shredded Cheddar cheese | Adds enticing flavor and protein boost |
| ½ cup coconut flour | Grain-free, gentle on digestion, high in fiber |
| 1 large egg | Binds ingredients, adds protein and healthy fats |
| ½ tbsp coconut oil (optional) | Healthy fats for skin, coat, and extra flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
2. Finely Chop Your Ingredients
Take your pre-cooked chicken and chop or shred it into very small, uniform pieces—smaller pieces help the treats hold together better. Next, finely chop or mash the steamed broccoli until it’s in tiny bits or crumbs. This ensures that every treat is evenly flavored and easy for your pup to digest.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the chopped cooked chicken, finely chopped broccoli, shredded Cheddar cheese, and coconut oil (if using). Mix thoroughly with a spatula or spoon, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Gradually Add Coconut Flour
Slowly add the coconut flour to the mixture. Start by adding half, stirring gently, and then add the rest gradually. Coconut flour absorbs moisture quickly, so mixing slowly prevents lumps and helps you achieve the perfect dough consistency. The dough should feel slightly moist but firm enough to handle easily.
Too wet? Add a sprinkle of additional coconut flour.
Too dry? Add a tablespoon of water or broth until the dough feels right.
5. Rest the Dough (Optional but recommended)
Allow the dough to sit for about 5 minutes. Coconut flour will absorb additional moisture during this rest, making it easier to shape your treats without crumbling or sticking.
6. Shape the Treats
Take tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls using your palms. For flat biscuits, press gently with your fingers or a fork to flatten them into discs about ¼ inch thick. If you prefer shaped treats, lightly dust your countertop with coconut flour, roll the dough out evenly, and use cookie cutters.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Carefully place each shaped treat onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Leaving a bit of room around each treat helps ensure even baking.
8. Bake Until Golden & Firm
Bake in your preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until the treats turn lightly golden brown around the edges and feel firm when pressed gently. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
9. Extra Crunch (Optional)
For extra crunchy treats, once baked, turn off your oven and let the treats remain inside with the oven door slightly open for an additional 10–15 minutes. This gentle drying step creates a crunchier texture your dog might prefer.
10. Cool Completely Before Storing
Remove your treats from the oven and let them cool fully on a wire cooling rack. Cooling them completely ensures they’ll remain fresh and crunchy when stored.
Storage & Shelf Life
Once fully cooled, transfer these chicken broccoli treats into an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for two weeks.
For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving, or give them to your dog frozen for an extra crunchy snack.
Feeding Guidelines
These treats should complement—not replace—your dog’s regular meals. They are nutritious, but always serve them in moderation. A general guideline for daily serving:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1 treat
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 treats
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 2–3 treats
Adjust servings based on your dog’s dietary needs, activity level, and overall calorie intake.
Customization Tips
- Swap the chicken for turkey or lean ground beef if your dog prefers.
- Use a different cheese like mozzarella or Swiss, as long as it’s dog-safe and low in salt.
- Add a sprinkle of parsley for breath freshening and extra nutrients.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Chicken: Provides lean, easy-to-digest protein, supporting strong muscles and sustained energy levels.
- Broccoli: Rich in vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and antioxidants, boosting immunity and digestion.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds calcium and protein, promoting bone and muscle health (in moderation).
- Coconut Flour: A grain-free, gluten-free flour high in fiber—excellent for dogs with sensitive digestion.
- Egg: High-quality protein and essential amino acids for healthy muscles, skin, and coat.
- Coconut Oil: Beneficial fats for improved skin health, shiny coat, and immune support.
FAQs
Can I use raw broccoli instead of steamed?
Steamed broccoli is softer and easier to digest. Raw broccoli might cause digestion issues for some dogs, so steaming is recommended.
Is coconut flour necessary? Can I substitute it?
Coconut flour is great for sensitive tummies, but you can substitute with oat flour, rice flour, or whole wheat flour if your dog handles grains well.
Can these treats be given to puppies?
Absolutely! Just ensure your puppy can comfortably chew them, and introduce gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Chicken Broccoli Dog Treats your pup will genuinely adore. Wholesome, nutritious, and packed with real-food flavor, they’re perfect for rewarding your best friend or sneaking in extra nutrition.
Snickers never turns these down. Ever. Your dog won’t either. Go ahead—get baking!