Keto Chicken Nuggets

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5 from 22 votes
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These keto chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and satisfy the fast food cravings! Ready in just 15 minutes, they can be baked, fried, or made in the air fryer. 2 grams net carbs per serving. 

keto chicken nuggets.

Breaded chicken should be its own food group.

While a classic grilled or air fried chicken breast is delicious, it can sometimes be quite bland. Once you add breading to chicken, it transforms it into something quite magical.

Now, traditional breading uses flour and bread crumbs, but you can easily make a keto version with a few small tweaks. Our favorite keto chicken recipes that use breaded chicken include chicken parmesan, chicken tenders, and chicken nuggets. 

Are chicken nuggets ok for keto? 

Traditional chicken nuggets are not suitable for a keto diet. They have a carb heavy breading and most commercial nuggets only have a small amount of chicken in them. Inspired by Chik-fil-A’s nuggets, I’ve made a low carb version that tastes even better!

Why this keto chicken nugget recipe will be a family favorite-

  • It can be baked, fried, or made in the air fryer. 
  • It’s made with just 5 ingredients that you probably have on hand right now.
  • You can use chicken breast fillets or canned chicken. 

What I love about this recipe is how much they taste like actual chicken nuggets! Pair it with some keto French fries or sweet potato fries your favorite condiments (we love ketchup, dipping sauce, and mayonnaise!) for the ultimate family friendly dinner. 

keto chicken nuggets air fryer.

How to make keto chicken nuggets

The Ingredients.

  • Chicken breast- skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized portions. They do not need to be in a uniform shape. 
  • Crushed pork rinds- Also known as keto bread crumbs. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use blanched almond flour, for the crispy batter. Avoid using almond meal, as it can be quite heavy, and stick to the chicken. 
  • Parmesan cheese– finely grated. It will be mixed with the almond flour to create the crispy batter.
  • Salt and Pepper- To taste. Start with a smaller portion of salt, as the celery salt gives extra saltiness.
  • Celery Salt- A more robust salt. This is the secret ingredient to make these nuggets taste like those delicious Burger King ones. 
  • Eggs- To dredge the chicken pieces in, before coating them in the dry breading.

The Instructions. 

Start by slicing the chicken breast into bite sized nuggets. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, and celery salt. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed pork rinds and parmesan cheese. 

Next, add the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and mix well until all the chicken is coated. Moving quickly, dip the chicken in the breading mix, ensuring all sides of it are covered. 

Now, bake the nuggets for 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

how to make keto chicken nuggets.

Keto chicken nuggets air fryer

Yes! If you have access to an air fryer, use that instead of the oven. Simply prepare the nuggets as instructed, then add them to a greased air fryer basket. Air fry at 200C/400F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

Can I use canned chicken? 

While chicken breasts are preferred, you can use canned chicken instead. Be sure to choose ones that have no added sauce or sugar in it. 

Tips to make the best recipe

  • Do not over-bake the chicken nuggets. The coating/batter will not darken too much, so unlike traditional breaded nuggets, won’t show the nuggets being cooked. 
  • Be sure that each piece of chicken is completely coated in the egg before adding it to the spice/flour mixture. You don’t want to dry out the chicken by only having spices on it. 
  • Add extra spices to the batter, if you’d prefer. Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can give them a lovely flavor punch.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions 

  • To store: Leftover nuggets must be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Do not keep any longer, otherwise there is the risk of the chicken going bad. 
  • To freeze: Once the nuggets have cooled, place them in a ziplock bag or shallow container. You can then store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. 
  • Reheating: I do not recommend reheating in the microwave, otherwise, you will lose the crispiness. I recommend either re-heating in the oven, air fryer or even in a non-stick pan. 
low carb chicken nuggets.

More keto chicken recipes to try

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chicken nuggets from Chick-Fil-A keto?

Nuggets from all fast-food restaurants, including Chick-Fil-A, is not suitable for a keto diet. They contain tons of net carbs that can kick you out of ketosis.

How many carbs are in chicken nuggets?

There are just 1.5 grams of net carbs in a serving of these nuggets.

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

You can use coconut flour instead of almond flour/keto bread crumbs. However, you’ll need to halve the amount.

keto chicken nuggets recipe.

Keto Chicken Nuggets (Baked or Air Fryer!)

5 from 22 votes
These keto chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and satisfy the fast food cravings! Ready in just 15 minutes, they can be baked, fried, or made in the air fryer. 2 grams net carbs per serving. 
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 16 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 1 lb chicken breast fillets chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 2 large eggs whisked
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup keto bread crumbs or almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, add your celery salt, salt, and pepper, and whisk together with the eggs. Add the chopped chicken and mix well so all the chicken is coated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the parmesan cheese and keto bread crumbs.
  • Add the chicken pieces in the dry mix, ensuring all sides are completely coated.
  • Place the breaded chicken on the lined tray and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  • Remove the nuggets from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

To make this in the air fryer, add them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. 
One serving is 5-6 nuggets.
TO STORE: Leftover nuggets must be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Do not keep any longer, otherwise there is the risk of the chicken going bad. 
TO FREEZE: Once the nuggets have cooled, place them in a ziplock bag or shallow container. You can then store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. 
TO REHEAT: I do not recommend reheating in the microwave, otherwise, you will lose the crispiness. I recommend either re-heating in the oven/air fryer or even in a non-stick pan. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 29gFat: 6gSodium: 1390mgPotassium: 461mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 1g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. Arman,
    I can’t really comment on BK nuggets or video games (though if you want to talk pizza or knitting I’m all over it) but reading this sparked the memory of those Pachinko parlors in Japan.
    When I was stationed in northern Japan I’d walk past seeing the folks zombie-eyed playing constantly. The noise, the bright lights and constant barrage of colors were impressive.

    While I don’t know if I’ve ever had a BK nugget, yours look loads better than anything I’ve ever seen outside of a fast food commercial. My sis in law gave me smoked Spanish paprika for Christmas and I like the idea of testing it out in this recipe.

    Thanks!

  2. They look really delicious. I do mine almost similar but I also add shredded coconut. I’ll leave this out next time. They look worth a try!
    What do you think, if you had actually saved the money, would you have been able to afford a machine on your own at some point?

  3. Those look so delicious! I’ve never had Burger King nuggets– and the last time I had McDonalds ones, I was probably 18, and really sick, and craving something simple– and I bit into one and it had bones in it. Totally freaked me out. Cured me of that craving.

    I’d much prefer to make them at home this days. KL is having a bit of a almond flour shortage.. but as soon as I can get my hands on it, these will be made!

  4. Ahh oh my goodness this reminds me of the time my mom would take my brother and me to the McDonald’s in Kansas that also had a jet ski video game. My brother would play and I would have fun watching and pretending like I was not landlocked in Kansas. My I would always get a filet o’ fish and Reese’s pieces as a treat. HAHA EW.

      1. Glass slipper is Cinderella. Dorothy had the red slippers. Get it right.

  5. hahaha Street Fighter. Good choice. Although when it comes to those sorts of fighter/melee games, Mortal Kombat, Tekken and Soul Caliber are where it’s at. Do I sound nerdy right now? I feel like I sound nerdy right now.

    Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had Burger King Chicken Nuggets! It was never my first choice of fast food, so I think I’ve only had their fries and chicken sandwiches.

  6. I was never a nugget fan growing up – I always went for the McDonalds happy meal with a cheeseburger. I think I’ve only eaten at Burger King like once in my life! Also I’m no longer on speaking terms with Burger King because they took over the location of a beloved local burger joint here in Burlington. I’m not impressed with them.

  7. But seriously, why have you NOT moved in with me yet?! We would be such fatties, except NOT because we eat HEALTHIER versions of deliciousness!

  8. Yum! What a great idea! I used to work at Maccas and practically lived off chicken nuggets for two years. Oh, the shame.

  9. These look insane. I honesty could live off chicken tenders/chicken nuggets every night of the week and be content. PINNING!!!

  10. I remember those Street Fighter games… I had the biggest crush on Ryu 😛 I was a video game junkie growing up (and I still am), so I spent a tonne of time playing that and basically every other game out there. Heck, I -still- dabble in WoW when I have a spare minute 😉 And I’ve always been about the McD’s chicken nuggets. With extra sweet n sour, obviously.

    1. LOL. I dressed up as Ryu for a party when I was younger and no one knew who I was. My friend went as Chun Li and they thought she was a hooker…

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