I have made more than a few varieties of keto popcorn chicken in my time. A little bit of a grown up version of keto chicken nuggets, keto popcorn chicken is always pretty simple and pretty damn tasty too.
Not only can this recipe be done with chicken (in all forms) it can be done in a host of ways to add to your fast and easy keto meal plans. Read on for more tips and variations.
Dave doesn’t mind a little popcorn chicken from time to time. hehe!
the ingredients
The Protein. I choose to use chicken thigh fillets as it is a little fattier and has more flavour in my opinion. For this recipe you can use breast pieces or actually any pieces of chicken still on the bone. This is equally as tasty as a keto popcorn shrimp (prawn) or keto popcorn pork belly recipe. Then again you could use any firm fish, tofu, seitan, or even pickling onions for something completely different.
The Spices. Here you can add your favourites as I do to mine. I love the spice combination in this recipe and most of them are readily available in either your home keto pantry or the local supermarket.
Whey protein isolate can be substituted with any protein isolates e.g. pea protein isolate for a dairy free keto popcorn chicken option. A protein isolate helps give the fine crispy coating on the chicken.
how to cook keto popcorn chicken
I have included both a frying and air frying method for this low carb popcorn chicken. If you do decide to air fry or bake I would recommend adding half a cup of crushed pork rinds. I tend to find if chicken rests for any time with a whey protein isolate it tends to sweat and become pasty. This results in a soft coating not a crispy one. You can also choose to use pork rinds when frying too. Personally I prefer the fried method as it is quick, light and really tasty.
For the frying I use light tasting olive oil. Although it is not a high smoke point oil it leaves the chicken tasty without an oil taste. Plus the colour of the chicken is perfect.
My best tips are to only dredge as you go and place immediately into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd your pan. Depending on oil and temperature the chicken cooking times can vary. Jucst check a piece after it has gone a nice golden colour to see if it is cooked through. If you have cut all the chicken at the same size then it should take each batch the same amount of time to completely cooked through.
great low carb popcorn chicken sides
Enjoy your keto popcorn chicken with any of our favourite side choices. Apart from a good amount of keto mayonnaise, some Franks Hot Sauce or some of Newcastle Chilli Bros Reaper Sriracha (for the true chilli fans).
- Keto Sweet Chilli Sauce | Sugar Free
- Sugar Free Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Addictive Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
- Smokey Keto Barbecue Sauce | Sugar-free
- Smoky Ranch Chicken Salad – Keto | LCHF | Low Carb
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Keto Popcorn Chicken – The Ultimate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp celery salt
- 1/4 tsp dried sage
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard
- 1/4 cup whey protein isolate you can substitute with almond or seed meal
- 500 g chicken thigh fillets cubed
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- light tasting olive oil for frying
Instructions
CONVENTIONAL METHOD
- Mix all seasonings together with whey protein isolate in a large bowl.
- In a large bowl, lightly whisk eggs with Dijon mustard and add chicken pieces. Toss to coat.
- Heat oil in medium saucepan over high heat. Dredge chicken pieces in spice mix and fry in batches. Chicken should only take 3-4 minutes to go lightly golden and cook through. Drain on paper towel.
- Season with extra salt flakes and serve with favourite dipping sauce.
AIR FRYER METHOD
- Mix all seasonings together with whey protein isolate in a large bowl.
- In a large bowl, lightly whisk eggs with Dijon mustard and add chicken pieces. Toss to coat.
- Spray with oil spray or line the air fryer with baking paper.
- Dredge chicken pieces in spice mix and place in a single layer in air fryer. Cook at 200℃ for 8-10 minutes; turning half way. Depending on size of air fryer work in batches until all chicken is baked.
- Season with extra salt flakes and serve with favourite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a different variation make with pork belly, prawns, or firm fish fillets
- Crushed pork rinds can also be used for a crispier coating.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Chicken can be frozen before and after cooking.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Love the spices and goes really well with hot sauce.
It sure does.
I tried your variation for the Air Fryer. Simply ingenious! So deliciously tasty and super easy to make! Thank you!
Woohoo! Awesome to hear!
This chicken is a weekly family favorite. We make it the traditional way and look forward to it each week!
So good to hear!
Delicious! Loved the light coating:)
Yay!
Delicious! I used chicken thighs. I took Megan’s advice to dredge and cook immediately in small batches so as not to be left with a slurry mess. Worked perfect. Crisp and delicious. Hubby said he loved the spice coating and very happy to have it again.
Yay! Always a win when you get the votes in.