This paper presents a new preparation method of a catalytic precursor LaNiO3 perovskite type in one-step using chitosan as a chelating agent. During synthesis La and Ni nitrates were added into a solution containing chitosan, placed into an oven to decompose the reagents and subsequently calcined. The perovskite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with chemical microanalysis (SEM-EDS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalytic tests were conducted in a space velocity of 18 Lh(-1)g(-1) at three temperatures: 600, 700 and 800 degrees C. The characterization results indicated the formation above 95% of LaNiO3 phase with good chemical homogeneity at lower temperature with metallic area and dispersion compatible with literature. The catalytic test results showed good levels of CH4 and CO2 conversions and good yields of CO and H-2. Therefore, the described method is a simple, fast and low-cost route to prepare LaNiO3 for hydrogen production via dry reforming of methane. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.