Description
Keto Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Nuggets: Crispy, juicy, and keto-friendly nuggets with a perfect blend of flavors. A delicious low-carb snack or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized chunks. Chicken breast is leaner and provides a great protein source while staying lower in calories.
- ½ cup dill pickle juice – this adds moisture and a tangy kick that is synonymous with chicken nuggets. The pickling process also helps tenderize the meat.
- 2 large eggs – used for the egg wash, eggs help the breading adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy coating.
- 1 cup almond flour – a low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, contributing to the crunch factor without the excess carbohydrates.
- ¼ cup grated fresh parmesan – this cheese adds a nice depth of flavor and helps with browning during frying.
- ½ tsp salt (to taste) – enhances the overall flavor of the nuggets.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – infuses the nuggets with a savory aroma and taste.
- ¼ tsp onion powder – another layer of flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
- ¼ tsp paprika – provides a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the coating.
- Avocado oil – chosen for frying as it has a high smoke point and is rich in healthy fats.
For the dipping sauce, you’ll need the following:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – offers a creamy base for the sauce.
- 2 tbsp keto barbecue sauce – adds sweetness and depth without the sugars found in traditional barbecue sauces.
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard – gives a slight tang that balances the richness of the sauce.
- 1 tbsp keto honey or a similar sweetener – for those desiring a hint of sweetness without the carbs.
Instructions
- Marinate: In an airtight container, marinate the chicken chunks in ½ cup of dill pickle juice for at least 1 hour, or up to 10 hours in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for infusing flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the mayonnaise, keto barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, and keto honey in a small container. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Drain the Chicken: After the marinating time, drain the pickle juice from the chicken and set aside.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Prepare two bowls: whisk 2 large eggs in one bowl to create an egg wash. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour, ¼ cup of grated parmesan, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp paprika.
- Breading the Chicken: Start the breading process by first coating the marinated chicken in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the almond flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Transfer the breaded pieces to an empty plate and repeat until all chicken is prepared.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat until hot. The oil should shimmer when it’s ready.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Once golden brown, transfer the chicken nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil.
- Serve: Enjoy your crispy chicken nuggets fresh from the pan alongside the prepared dipping sauce!