Keto Fried Chicken - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, keto fried chicken is coated with crushed pork rinds, then baked in the oven into crispy perfection.

Made with seven simple ingredients and ready in about an hour, it's an easy weeknight recipe that everyone will love.

Keto Fried Chicken - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

I can't believe how delicious this chicken is! Baked in the oven (much like these very simple yet reliable baked chicken drumsticks) and coated with crushed pork rinds, it's amazingly close to the real Southern fried chicken I used to make in the past.

Oven-baked keto fried chicken coated in pork rinds is so good, so crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, that I don't miss the frying anymore. I'm sure you'll agree - deep frying is no fun. Baking is so much easier.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Keto Fried Chicken Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Chicken Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty chicken recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Crushed pork rinds: You can make your own or buy prepackaged "pork rind panko."
  • Spices: Black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. There's no need for salt because pork rinds are very salty.
  • Eggs: I dip the chicken pieces into them prior to coating them.
  • Skin-on chicken parts: I tend to use thighs, drumsticks, or a mix of both.

Variations

I love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you'd like to vary the basic recipe, here are a few ideas for you:

  • Instead of dipping the chicken pieces in eggs, you can dip them in thick buttermilk. Another option that I like is to coat them in mayonnaise or in Dijon mustard (or in a mixture of both).
  • Another great way to change up the basic recipe is to experiment with different spices. Tasty options that I tried and liked include smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano.

Keto Fried Chicken Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Crush pork rinds into panko-style crumbs, then season them with spices.

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Dip the chicken pieces in eggs and dredge them in a mixture of crushed pork rinds and spices.

Place the coated chicken pieces on a greased rack placed on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake the chicken until browned and cooked through, 40-45 minutes in a 400°F oven.

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Expert Tips

  1. Coat the chicken pieces lightly - they don't need a thick layer of panko on them - and focus on the tops. The bottoms won't be crispy anyway.
  2. Divide the crushed pork rinds into at least two portions. The more chicken pieces you dip in the coating, the soggier it becomes. Dividing it into two portions ensures you can dip the chicken into dry, crispy pork panko.
  3. I like to use paprika in this recipe, not just for its flavor, but also because it adds gorgeous color to the chicken.
  4. Pork rinds are very salty, so I don't add any salt. If you wish, you could add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the pork rind mixture.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pork rinds should I use?

Use plain pork rinds. The ingredients list should only include pork skins (fried in their own fat) and salt.

You simply pulse the pork rinds in the food processor into fine crumbs. You can also place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin, although they won't be as finely crushed if you do it by hand.

Another option is to buy "pork panko." I believe it's available on Amazon. It's certainly the easiest option, but in my experience, it doesn't come out as crispy as crushing your own pork rinds.

Can I use almond flour instead of pork rinds?

Yes. However, in my experience, almond flour does not crisp as well as crushed pork rinds. It's also not as flavorful.

Can I deep-fry the chicken pieces instead of baking them?

I don't recommend it. Low-carb coating, whether pork rinds or almond flour, doesn't adhere to the chicken as well as flour-based batter. It tends to disintegrate and fall apart when submerged in oil.

You could give it a try - perhaps you'll be more successful than I was - but for me, deep-frying does not work when I use a low-carb coating.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve keto fried chicken with a side dish that can be baked in the oven with the chicken. So I often serve it with one of the following sides:

  • Roasted cauliflower
  • Roasted cabbage wedges
  • Jicama fries

Storing Leftovers

As you can probably guess, this is the type of dish that is best enjoyed fresh, both in terms of flavor and in terms of texture.

But if you do end up with leftovers, you can place them in an airtight container on paper towels and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power. Or enjoy them cold! Cold leftover chicken is yummy, and not just on a picnic.

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More Chicken Recipes

  • Almond Flour Chicken Tenders
  • Baked Chicken Wings
  • Pork Rind Chicken Tenders
  • Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

Recipe Card

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4.95 from 217 votes

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Keto Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, keto fried chicken is coated with crushed pork rinds, then baked in the oven into crispy perfection.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 304kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 2 oz pork rinds finely crushed (1 cup)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 eggs
  • 10 (4 oz) chicken drumsticks (2.5 lb. total weight)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil (for easy cleanup) and fit it with a roasting rack. Grease the rack.

  • Process the pork rinds in your food processor into fine crumbs. You can also do as I do in the video below – place them in a Ziploc-type bag, close the bag well (removing as much air as possible), and crush the pork rinds with a rolling pin. But this method will likely result in bigger crumbs. They should still adhere to the chicken pieces, but not as well.

  • In a small bowl, mix together the crushed pork rinds, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Divide the mixture between two shallow bowls.

  • Whisk the eggs in another shallow bowl. About half the egg mixture will remain in the bowl (and this is reflected in the nutrition info), but I find that you need two eggs to properly coat the chicken pieces.

  • Dip each chicken piece in the eggs, then dredge it in the crushed pork rinds. When you finish one bowl of pork panko, move on to the next.Focus on coating mostly the tops of the chicken pieces – the bottoms will become slightly soggy anyway.

  • Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared rack. Bake them in the preheated oven until the tops are golden brown and crispy and the insides are fully cooked. In my oven, it takes about 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Make sure to use plain pork rinds. The ingredients list should only include pork skins (fried in their own fat) and salt.

This is the type of dish that is best enjoyed fresh, both in terms of flavor and in terms of texture. But if you do end up with leftovers, you can place them in an airtight container on paper towels and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power. Or enjoy them cold! Cold leftover chicken is yummy, and not just on a picnic.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2drumsticks | Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.7g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 443mg

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Keto Fried Chicken - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Keto Fried Chicken - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is fried chicken healthy for keto? ›

Fried chicken can be part of a healthy keto diet as long as you prepare it right, substituting high-carb ingredients with healthy fat and low-carb alternatives. These primarily include breading and cooking oil. As much as possible, avoid consuming take-out fried chicken unless you remove the breading before eating it.

What's the healthiest way to eat fried chicken? ›

Healthy Fried Chicken Recipes
  1. Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing. 45 mins.
  2. Oven-Fried Chicken on a Stick. 1 hr 30 mins.
  3. Nashville Hot Chicken. 3 hrs.
  4. Air-Fryer "Fried" Chicken. 30 mins.
  5. Air-Fryer "Fried" Chicken Thighs. ...
  6. Bruschetta-Topped Crispy Baked Chicken. ...
  7. Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts. ...
  8. Almond-Crusted Chicken Strips.

Is KFC Fried Chicken keto-friendly? ›

Though other chicken options at KFC may not be keto-friendly, the grilled chicken is. KFC Fried Chicken is not a healthy choice at all as it contains about 8-11 grams of carbs per medium-size piece whereas KFC Grilled Chicken is the healthiest option to consider when you are following a low-carb diet.

Does almond flour get crispy when fried? ›

Some parts have a crispy texture but the entire tender isn't crispy. Almond flour typically gets hard after cooling completely but these aren't cookies. You want them while they are still hot!

What is a keto substitute for flour when frying? ›

Good substitutes for frying include cornstarch, potato starch, and rice flour. Alternatives in baking include rice flour, chestnut flour, and all-purpose flour. Keto-friendly substitutes include almond flour, chia seed flour, psyllium husk powder, hazelnut flour, coconut flour and flaxseed meal.

How many fried eggs can I eat on keto? ›

We'll also share some great low-carb egg-based keto recipes. Eggs are keto-friendly and safe to eat when you're on the ketogenic diet. Eggs are low in carbs while containing high amounts of protein and healthy fats. You can have 6 to 7 eggs every day while on the keto diet.

What is the healthiest oil to fry chicken in? ›

Canola Oil

Benefits: With a high smoke point and neutral flavor, canola oil is excellent for frying chicken. As an added bonus, it has high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which makes it healthier than other options.

Can I eat fried chicken and be healthy? ›

Consuming foods fried in unstable oils can have several negative health effects. In fact, eating them regularly can put you at a higher risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Therefore, it's probably best to avoid or severely limit your intake of commercially fried foods.

Is oven fried chicken healthier than regular fried chicken? ›

But there's a healthier, equally delicious way to eat comfort food like fried chicken. And it's all thanks to your oven. By cooking chicken in the oven, you'll use little oil, which will minimize heart health risks. Aside from being healthier for your heart, this chicken is also high in protein (8 g per serving).

Is McDonald's fried chicken keto-friendly? ›

Chicken sandwiches: All of McDonald's chicken options are breaded, so they're too high in carbs for Keto. Filet-O-Fish: Likewise, the Filet-O-Fish is breaded — making it too high in carbs, even without a bun.

Is rotisserie chicken keto-friendly? ›

Yes, rotisserie chicken is keto-friendly. It's a carb-free option and a great source of protein (20-25 grams of protein per portion size). But you need to be careful about the part of the whole chicken you eat since some options have a high-fat content (mostly from saturated fats).

Is KFC dirty keto? ›

Although KFC is renowned for the Colonel's crispy fried chicken, its batter unfortunately adds 8-11 net carbs for just one medium-sized piece. That being said, KFC can still be a keto-friendly spot to hit up when ordering Kentucky grilled chicken.

Is it healthy to fry chicken in coconut oil? ›

Absolutely! Coconut oil is a great option for fried chicken; it has a light taste and neutral odor, plus it has a high smoking point.

What is the secret to cooking with almond flour? ›

Almond flour is denser than wheat flour, so it cannot be used as a 1:1 replacement for wheat flour in a recipe. It requires different measurements and adjustments to achieve the right texture in baked goods. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/2 to 3/4 cup of almond flour for every 1 cup of wheat flour in a recipe.

What is the crispiest flour for frying? ›

Rice flour and cornstarch work particularly well because they fry up crispier than wheat flour. They also absorb less moisture and fat during the frying process, making the products less greasy. This is why rice flour is often used when making tempura because it produces a very thin and crispy, dry crust.

Can I eat fried foods on keto? ›

If it's fried in unhealthy oils, it won't suit a keto diet. However, if it's fried in healthy fats like avocado oil, it can be enjoyed on a keto diet. Keto diet basics: The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that focuses on consuming healthy fats and proteins while limiting carbs and sugar.

How many chicken can I eat on keto? ›

"With a keto diet, the breakdown is approximately 75 percent fat, 20 percent protein and 5 percent carbohydrates." For example, a woman who weighs 150 pounds and is moderately active is recommended to eat 25 grams of carbs (think one medium sized apple!), 86 grams of protein (a little over three 3 oz chicken breasts) ...

Is fried chicken bad carbs? ›

No matter what the dredge (the dry coating that turns crispy when fried), you are looking at some pretty high levels of refined carbs - whether the standard flour-based coating, breaded chicken found in many supermarkets, or even homestyle versions made with cornflakes, there's no getting away from the carby elephant ...

Is fried chicken full of carbs? ›

In addition, fried chicken from restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) contain about 3–11 g of carbs, depending on the specific cut (5). Grilled chicken is a lower carb option, which is available at many fast food franchises. Each piece of grilled KFC chicken contains 0 g of carbs (5).

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