Low Carb Chicken Popcorn Tenders
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.
Keto popcorn chicken is a low-carb twist on a beloved classic. Tender chunks of chicken are coated in a flavorful blend of whey protein isolate and spices, and fried to golden perfection.
This crunchy and satisfying snack or meal is not only keto-friendly but also a crowd-pleaser for anyone looking to enjoy the taste of fried chicken without the carbs. It’s perfect for satisfying those cravings while staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
Related Recipes: Chicken Piccata Milanese / Easy Keto Chicken Wings
What You Will Love about this Recipe
Dave doesn’t mind a little popcorn chicken from time to time. hehe!
How To Make It
Step 1. Mix all seasonings together with whey protein isolate in a large bowl.
Step 2. In a large bowl, lightly whisk eggs with Dijon mustard and add chicken pieces. Toss to coat.
Step 3. Heat oil in a 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 towels. Season with extra salt flakes and serve with favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- Dredge as you go and place immediately into the hot oil. It is best to coat in the WPI shortly before frying.
- Do not overcrowd your pan.
- Depending on oil and temperature the chicken cooking times can vary. 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 cooking times will be consistent.
FAQs
For frying, I use light taste 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.
You can, for sure. To air fry or bake, I would recommend adding half a cup of crushed pork rinds. It bakes better. WPI is best used for frying as it does go a bit foamy if left to rest. To air fry make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Bake until crispy on top and turn over for the last 5 minutes of air frying time.
What To Serve With It
Enjoy your keto popcorn chicken with any of our favourite side choices. Apart from a good dollop of keto mayonnaise and some Franks Hot Sauce here are a few of my favourite sauces to pair with it.
- Keto Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Sugar Free Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Addictive Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
- Smokey Keto Barbecue Sauce
- Garlic Sauce
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Keto Popcorn Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) onion powder
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) celery salt
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) dried sage
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) chilli powder or cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) white pepper
- 1/4 tsp (¼ tsp) ground mustard
- 1/4 cup (¼ cup) whey protein isolate you can substitute with almond or seed meal
- 500 g (2 cups) chicken thigh fillets cubed
- 2 (2) eggs
- 2 tsp (2 tsp) Dijon mustard
- light tasting olive oil for frying
To serve
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 towels. Season with extra salt flakes and serve with favorite 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 favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Sauces: Serve with keto-friendly dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo, or sugar-free barbecue.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Crust: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the coating for a cheesy twist.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure crispy chicken. Use a thermometer if necessary.
- Batch Cooking: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make the chicken soggy.
- Draining: Place cooked chicken on a wire rack to prevent sogginess on one side.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for maximum crispiness.
- Serve as an appetizer with your favorite keto-friendly dips or on top of a bed of mixed greens for a delicious salad. Try it with our Arabic Salad or Taboule Salad.
- Explore other keto-friendly recipes like cauliflower mac and cheese, or zucchini noodles with pesto.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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