Keto Chicken Nuggets | A Delicious and Healthy Alternative

Who doesn't like a satisfying serving of chicken nuggets? They're crispy, savory, and satisfyingly crunchy, making them a favorite snack for people of all ages. However, traditional chicken nuggets are often deep-fried and coated in breadcrumbs, making them high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. 

But fear not! If you're on a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets, you can still enjoy this classic comfort food with our delicious and keto-friendly recipe for chicken nuggets. In this article, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to make your own keto chicken nuggets, from the ingredients you'll need to do the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking them. 

So, let's get started and learn how to make these delicious keto chicken nuggets! 

 

Ingredients You'll Need 

Before we jump into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make these delicious keto chicken nuggets. All of these ingredients are keto-friendly and easily accessible at your local grocery store or supermarket. 

• chicken thighs or breasts, 1 pound, skinless and boneless 

• 1 cup of almond flour 

• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese 

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 

• 1 teaspoon of onion powder 

• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika 

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt 

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper 

• 2 large eggs 

• Avocado oil or coconut oil, for frying 

Note: If you're allergic to almonds, you can substitute the almond flour with coconut flour or ground pork rinds. 

All of the ingredients listed above are keto-friendly, meaning they are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein. Let's take a closer look at some of these ingredients and their origins: 

• Almond flour: Made from finely ground almonds, almond flour is a great low-carb substitute for wheat flour in baking and cooking. It's high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and is also gluten-free and grain-free. 

• Parmesan cheese: A hard, aged cheese that originated in Italy, Parmesan cheese is known for its savory, nutty flavor and crumbly texture. It's high in protein and calcium, and also contains healthy fats and vitamins. 

• Garlic powder: Made from finely ground dehydrated garlic, garlic powder is a versatile seasoning that adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It's also rich in antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and immune function. 

• Paprika: Made from ground sweet or hot peppers, paprika is a popular spice in many cuisines, including Hungarian, Spanish, and Moroccan. It adds a bright red color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to dishes, and is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. 

 

Preparing the Chicken 

Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, it's time to start preparing the chicken for our keto chicken nuggets. Follow these steps: 

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces as uniform as possible, so they cook evenly. 

2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The mixture should be well blended after being stirred. 

3. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated on all sides. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate or baking sheet. 

4. Beat the eggs: Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them together until they're well beaten. 

5. Dip the chicken into the eggs: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it's fully coated. 

6. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture again: Dip each piece of chicken back into the flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated on all sides. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate or baking sheet. 

 

Frying the Nuggets 

Now that the chicken pieces are coated and ready to go, it's time to fry them up in some healthy fats. Here's how: 

1. Heat up the oil: Heat about 1/2 inch of avocado oil or coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You require a heated but non-smoking oil. 

2. Fry the chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces into the pan using tongs or a slotted spoon. Avoid crowding the pan because it may cause the oil's temp to drop and cause the nuggets to turn mushy. Fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy. 

3. Drain the nuggets: Once the chicken nuggets are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep the nuggets crispy. 

Serve and enjoy! Serve the keto chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a salad or roasted veggies. These nuggets also make a great snack or meal prep option for busy weekdays. 

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, keto chicken nuggets are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Made with low-carb ingredients like almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and healthy fats like avocado or coconut oil, these nuggets are a great way to satisfy your craving for crispy, savory comfort food while still sticking to your keto diet. 

By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily make your own batch of keto chicken nuggets at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a group of friends and family, these nuggets are sure to be a hit. Don't hesitate to try them!