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    Home » Keto

    Keto Chicken Nuggets With Pork Rinds

    Published: Jul 23, 2021 Updated: Jun 18, 2022 By: Cassidy Stauffer May contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    keto chicken nuggets pin
    paleo chicken nuggets pin
    whole30 chicken nuggets pin

    These Keto Chicken Nuggets With Pork Rinds are extra crispy and tender. Even if you're not a huge fan of pork rinds, kids and adults alike will love them! They're also naturally paleo, whole30, and gluten-free!

    chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
    chicken nuggets on a plate with ketchup

    These homemade keto chicken nuggets are one of my kid's favorite dishes! They're constantly begging me to make these for them.

    They're coated in seasoned, crushed pork rinds which make them extra crispy and flavorful with a tender inside.

    Everyone has their own way of making pork rind-crusted chicken nuggets, and I'm no exception!

    I prefer to bread mine with a bit of almond flour added to the mixture (but you don't have to if you're nut-free!). Then, I omit the Parmesan Cheese as most recipes call for, and add lots of spices.

    I then fry them in avocado oil. This makes them juicy, flavorful, and extra crispy.

    Or if you're looking for more keto chicken recipes, I think you'll love these Sweet And Sour Chicken, Fried Shrimp, Chicken Piccata, and Chicken Fried Steak recipes!

    Or these Cheesy Chicken Fritters from Real Balanced along with these Keto Chocolate Cookies from Cooking LSL look amazing too!

    Jump to:
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Pork rind breading
    • Chicken
    • Frying
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storage instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Frequently asked questions

    Can these be made nut-free?

    Yes! Simply replace the almond flour with additional crushed pork rinds.

    Can you eat chicken nuggets on keto?

    Typically, chicken nuggets are breaded in flour and starch, making them not keto-friendly or gluten-free. However, this recipe is breaded in crushed pork rinds and almond flour making them gluten-free and safe to eat on a keto low-carb diet.

    Pork rind breading

    pork rinds in food processor.
    crushed pork rinds in a food processor.

    For the breading, we'll be using 3 oz. of crushed pork rinds - my all-time favorite low-carb breadcrumb substitute! Even if you don't like pork rinds, trust me, you'll like them as breading 😀

    If you don't have a food processor, place them in a large, resealable baggie leaving it slightly vented. Use a rolling pin or mallet to crush the pork rinds. Be sure to crush them very finely or they will have trouble sticking to the chicken!

    Chicken

    cubed chicken on a blue cutting board.
    cubed chicken on a cutting board.

    Chop up 2 lbs. of chicken into bite-sized pieces. Be sure all the pieces are the same size so they will have the same cooking time.

    I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because I think the chicken turns out more tender. However, chicken breasts will work too.

    bowl of crushed pork rinds with spices and bowl of beaten eggs.
    bowl of crushed pork rinds with spices and bowl of beaten eggs.

    Add the pork rinds to a large, shallow bowl. Then, add some blanched almond flour, sea salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

    If you're nut-free, replace the almond flour with additional crushed pork rinds.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs.

    Frying

    These low-carb nuggets are shallow-fried. If you prefer baked, check out these low-carb baked chicken nuggets from Real Balanced!

    uncooked, breaded chicken on white plate.
    uncooked, breaded chicken on a white plate.

    Step #1: Pat dry the chicken with paper towels if needed. If they are wet, the breading will not stick well.

    Step #2: Using tongs, dredge each chicken nugget in the egg mixture and then the pork rind mixture. Set aside on a plate or baking sheet.

    Please don't skip this step! I've tried breading the nuggets as I fry them and it was a disaster! All the nuggets get done cooking at different times all while I'm trying to bread new nuggets. Talk about stress!

    cooked nuggets draining on paper-towel lined plate.
    cooked nuggets draining on a paper-towel-lined plate.

    Step #3: Fry the nuggets.

    Heat 1 to 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet over medium heat (I prefer using a cast-iron skillet). Use a thermometer to get it to 350 degrees. Do not get the oil over 400 degrees or the chicken will burn.

    Once hot, add as many nuggets as will comfortably fit and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.

    Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack to drain off any excess oil.

    dipping a chicken nugget into ketchup.
    dipping a chicken nugget into ketchup.

    Step #4: Serve.

    Serving suggestions

    I like to serve mine with No Sugar Added Heinz Ketchup, which only has 1 net carb per Tablespoon.

    For paleo and whole30, serve with Primal Kitchen or Tessame's BBQ Sauce or Ketchup.

    Storage instructions

    • Store: Leftover and cooled nuggets can be stored in an air-tight baggie in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.
    • Reheat: Reheat on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. Do not thaw before reheating.

    💭 Top tips

    • Be sure the pork rinds are very finely crushed. They won't stick to the chicken very well if they're not.
    • I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs because I think the chicken nuggets turn out more tender. However, chicken breasts will work too.
    • If you're nut-free, replace the almond flour with additional crushed pork rinds.
    • Don't try to bread the nuggets as you fry them - it will be a disaster! Save yourself the headache and bread the chicken before you start frying.

    If you’ve tried this Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!

    Craving more? FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or E-Mail to find more delicious food!

    📖 Recipe

    overhead shot of keto chicken nuggets on a plate with ketchup

    Keto Chicken Nuggets With Pork Rinds

    Made with crushed pork rinds, these Keto Chicken Nuggets are extra crispy and tender. Even if you're not a huge fan of pork rinds, kids and adults alike will love them! They're also paleo, whole30, and gluten-free!
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Add to Meal PlanGo to Collections
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Whole30
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 16 minutes
    Total Time: 46 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    CALORIES :311kcal
    CARBS :1g
    FIBER :1g
    Author: Cassidy Stauffer

    Ingredients

    • 2 Lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (preferred) or breasts - cut into 1-inch cubes
    • ½ Cup Blanched Almond Flour - OR additional crushed pork rinds
    • 3 oz. Bag Pork Rinds
    • 3 Large Eggs
    • 1 ¼ tsp. Sea Salt
    • ¼ tsp. Ground Pepper
    • 1 tsp. Paprika
    • ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
    • ½ tsp. Onion Powder
    • ⅓ Cup Avocado Oil - + more needed
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    Instructions

    • Add the pork rinds to the bowl of a food processor and process until very finely crushed. Depending on the size of your food processor you might need to process them in batches. Alternatively, place the pork rinds in a large resealable baggie, leaving it slightly vented, and crush with a rolling pin or mallet until very finely ground. Set aside.
    • Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel, if needed.
    • In a shallow mixing bowl, combine the pork rinds, almond flour, sea salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    • In a separate large shallow mixing bowl, whisk the eggs.
    • Use tongs to dredge the chicken in the eggs.
    • Then, dredge chicken in the pork rind mixture and set aside on a plate.
    • Heat 1 to 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet over medium heat (I prefer using a cast-iron skillet). Use a thermometer to get it to 350 degrees. Do not get the oil over 400 degrees or the chicken will burn.
    • Once the oil is hot, place as many as will comfortably fit in the skillet and fry 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate or on a cooling rack (place in a single layer to keep them crispy). Repeat until all the chicken is cooked.
    • Leftover and cooled chicken nuggets can be stored in an air-tight baggie in the freezer for 1 month. Do not thaw before reheating.

    Add Your Own Notes

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    Video

    Notes

    • See how easy these are to make on my YouTube channel! Watch the full video here: YouTube Chicken Nugget Video
    • Be sure the pork rinds are very finely crushed. If they're not, they won't stick to the chicken very well.
    • I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs because I think the chicken nuggets turn out more tender. However, chicken breasts will work too.
    • If you're nut-free, replace the almond flour with additional crushed pork rinds.
    • Don't try to bread the nuggets as you fry them - it will be a disaster! Save yourself the headache and bread all the chicken before you start frying.
    • Nutrition information is for 5 nuggets, assuming the recipe made 40 altogether.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 5nuggets | Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 179mg | Sodium: 619mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

    NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber - Allulose - Xylitol

    Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols, xylitol, and allulose are included in the total carbs and fiber.

    Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my

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    Cassidy is a certified keto and intermittent fasting health coach and a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of her family, she serves up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. She's passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    Read More…

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      Recipe Rating




    1. KS says

      July 24, 2021 at 12:37 pm

      Have you tried these in an air fryer? If so, what temp and how long?

      Reply
      • Cassidy Stauffer says

        July 24, 2021 at 12:38 pm

        I actually haven't, but it's on my list! If you try it out please come back and let me know what you did and how they turned out!

        XO,
        Cassidy

        Reply
    2. Kathy Tanner says

      February 25, 2019 at 9:52 pm

      looking forward to trying your recipe. I am using chicken tenders because that is what I have on hand. Couldn't find how many servings, or serving size. Any ideas?

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        February 28, 2019 at 3:43 pm

        Hi Kathy!

        The nutritional info is for 1 serving and there are 6 servings in the recipe. I can't say exactly how many nuggets are in each serving because everyone will cut them slightly different. Typically though, each serving will be around 5 or 6 nuggets.

        Reply
    3. Susanne Beeland says

      July 19, 2018 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      How many nuggets make up a serving?

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        July 22, 2018 at 1:01 pm

        Hi Susanne! Oh man, I don't remember exactly - I should've written it down! I'm thinking it's around 5 or 6 but next time I make them I will let you know and also update the recipe. So sorry!!!

        -Cassidy

        Reply
    4. Tessa Simpson says

      June 05, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      I have yet to try the pork rind coatings...even though I have been doing keto-style for awhile! It's high time! Looks delish Cassidy!

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        June 05, 2018 at 3:15 pm

        Oh girl you've gotta try it - you'll love them!!!

        Reply
    5. Charlotte Moore says

      June 04, 2018 at 3:50 pm

      This looks so good. My neighbor told me she has been using pork rinds to do chicken. Never would have thought of it.

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        June 05, 2018 at 2:46 am

        I was skeptical at first but we just love them, I'd bet you'd like it!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Cassidy! I'm a certified keto and intermittent fasting coach and am a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of my family, I serve up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. I'm passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

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