When it comes to cravings, chicken nuggets often top the list—but what if they could be guilt-free? Enter these crispy keto chicken nuggets, a revelation in snack form. Imagine biting into a delightful crunch that rivals any fast-food joint, yet with a mere whisper of carbs. My kids can’t get enough, and honestly, neither can I—especially when paired with that spicy sriracha mayo that’s been trending lately.
Steps
- Begin by cutting chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches each, and set them aside.
- In a shallow dish, mix together almond flour, salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper to create a seasoned coating.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg. Heat a large cast iron pan over medium heat and add coconut oil or ghee. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of almond flour into the pan to see if it sizzles.
- Dredge several chicken pieces at a time by first coating them in the whisked egg, then in the almond flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Immediately place them in the hot pan.
- Cook the chicken for about 2-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked, working in batches if necessary. Adjust the heat to prevent burning and add more oil if needed for subsequent batches.
- Transfer the cooked chicken nuggets to a paper towel-lined dish to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins, cut into 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, whisked
- Coconut oil or ghee, for frying
FAQ
- What makes these chicken nuggets Paleo-friendly?
- These chicken nuggets are considered Paleo-friendly because they use almond flour for the coating and are cooked in ghee, making them free from dairy, gluten, and other non-Paleo ingredients.
- How long does it take to prepare and cook these chicken nuggets?
- The total time required to prepare and cook these chicken nuggets is approximately 20 minutes, with 10 minutes for preparation and another 10 minutes for cooking.
- What can I use as a dip for these chicken nuggets?
- You can pair these chicken nuggets with Chipotle Maple Ketchup or Zesty Ranch, both of which are suggested dips in the original blog post. A honey mustard dip was also mentioned as a favorite, though it wasn’t included in the article.
- Are there any specific sides recommended to serve with these chicken nuggets?
- The article suggests pairing the chicken nuggets with sides like Chipotle Chive Roasted Potatoes, Crispy Baked Yuca Fries, or Roasted Japanese Sweet Potato Fries.
- Can these chicken nuggets be made ahead of time and reheated?
- While the article doesn’t specifically mention reheating, the simple preparation and quick cooking time suggest that these nuggets are best enjoyed fresh. However, they can likely be reheated gently to maintain their crispy texture.
Tips
- For best results, ensure your cooking oil is hot enough by testing with a small amount of almond flour. If it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.
- To prevent burning, adjust the heat as needed and be prepared to fry in two batches. Add more cooking fat to the pan if necessary for the second batch.
- Drain the cooked chicken nuggets on a paper towel-lined dish to remove excess oil, ensuring a crispy texture.
- Pair your chicken nuggets with homemade dips like Chipotle Maple Ketchup or Zesty Ranch for an extra flavor boost.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Pan – Essential for frying the chicken nuggets to achieve that crispy texture.
- Shallow Dishes – Useful for organizing the coating ingredients and the egg mixture.
- Cooking Thermometer – Helpful for ensuring the oil is at the right temperature for frying (though not specifically mentioned, it can be useful for accuracy).
