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Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe: A Crispy, Low-carb Delight!

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Hey, It’s your favorite aunt Anne here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. With my years working in restaurants, I’ve picked up quite a few tricks in the kitchen. But even a seasoned chef like me can use some fresh, healthy meal ideas from time to time. That’s why I’m excited to share this keto-friendly chicken nugget recipe with you today.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Keto chicken nuggets? Those don’t sound too appetizing.” Trust me, these crispy bites are a game-changer! They’ve got all the savory deliciousness of regular chicken nuggets without any of the carb-heavy breading. Even my picky nephew Austin can’t get enough of them.

Whipping up a batch is simple too. With just a few basic ingredients and some helpful tips from your favorite aunt, you’ll have a plateful of mouth-watering nuggets ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!

Overview: How To Make Keto Chicken Nuggets?

Overview How To Make Keto Chicken Nuggets

If you’re craving a delicious, healthy twist on a classic comfort food, these keto chicken nuggets are the perfect solution. Infused with the bold flavors of garlic and cayenne, these nuggets are coated in almond flour for a satisfying crunch and then baked to crispy perfection. In just 40 minutes, you can prepare a gluten-free main course that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

The preparation is simple and straightforward. Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, lightly sprayed with avocado oil. As the oven heats, whip up a tangy chipotle dipping sauce by mixing avocado oil mayonnaise, sour cream, and chipotle pepper sauce. Set this aside for later. Cut two chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, perfect for nuggets.

In one bowl, whisk an egg with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, place finely ground almond flour. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the almond flour. Arrange the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Spray them with avocado oil, bake for about 8 minutes, flip, spray again, and bake for another 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. For an extra crispy finish, broil the nuggets for 2-3 minutes.

Serve these crispy, golden nuggets hot with the zesty chipotle dipping sauce. Whether you’re on a keto diet or just looking for a healthier alternative, these chicken nuggets are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe A Crispy, Low-carb Delight!

Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe

These delicious keto chicken nuggets are seasoned with garlic and cayenne, coated in almond flour, and baked until wonderfully crispy.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 358kcal
Author: Anne Carter

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Frying Pan
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

Chipotle dipping sauce:

  • ¼ cup avocado oil mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper sauce or more, depending on taste

Chicken nuggets:

  • Avocado oil spray
  • 2 chicken breasts 8 ounces each
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper omit if serving this to young children
  • 1 cup almond flour blanched finely ground

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then spray with avocado oil.
  • Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl to make the chipotle dipping sauce, and set aside.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces.
  • In one bowl, whisk the egg with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Place almond flour in another bowl.
  • Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then coat with almond flour, using one hand for the egg and the other for the flour.
  • Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet, spray with avocado oil, and bake for 8 minutes. Flip the nuggets, spray again, and bake for another 8 minutes until cooked through. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, then serve with the chipotle dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 302mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g
Keyword Best Keto Chicken Nuggets, Easy Keto Chicken Nuggets, Keto Chicken Nuggets, Keto Chicken Nuggets recipe

Tips For Making Keto Chicken Nuggets!

  • Ground Chicken or Turkey: Both ground chicken and ground turkey work great for this recipe. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
  • Mixing Made Easy: Use a potato masher to combine the ingredients effortlessly and evenly.
  • Shaping the Nuggets: Roll the ground chicken mixture into balls first, then press down to get the perfect nugget shape.
  • Avoid Sticky Hands: Grease your hands with a little oil before shaping the nuggets to prevent sticking and make the process smoother.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: These nuggets are perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch ahead of time, and reheat them throughout the week. They reheat beautifully in an air fryer.
  • Storage Tips: Store the nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them a convenient, go-to snack or meal.

Variations You Must Try!

  • Almond Flour Substitute: Use almond flour instead of coconut flour. Since almond flour is less absorbent, use about twice the amount.
  • Seasoning Adjustments: Customize the seasonings to your taste. You can omit cumin or smoked paprika, or add herbs like thyme or basil.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Enhance the flavor by adding Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to the coating mixture.
  • Crispy Chicken Cakes: Form the mixture into patties instead of nuggets to make crispy chicken cakes.

What To Serve With This Keto Chicken Nuggets?

What To Serve With This Keto Chicken Nuggets

Guide To Store Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They can be kept for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. Use the microwave at 50% power or heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
  • Handle with Care: The almond flour coating on the nuggets can be delicate, so handle them carefully to avoid breaking the coating.
  • Avoid Freezing: Due to the fragile nature of the almond flour coating, it’s best not to freeze the leftovers. Freezing and thawing may compromise the texture and crispiness of the coating.

Is Chicken Nuggets Keto- Friendly?

One single Chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s contains 2.5 grams of net carbs.
On a keto diet, you can have one to three McNuggets, depending on your macros, but not more!

Can I Cook This Chicken Recipe In The Air Fryer

  • Yes, you can absolutely cook them in the air fryer!
  • Use the same recipe and place them on a single layer in your air fryer basket.
  • Bake them in batches for 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Do I Have To Use The Chipotle Dipping Sauce?

No. Serve them with any dip you like, such as mustard or sugar-free ketchup. I sometimes serve them with sriracha mayo. They are also excellent with no dip at all.

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