Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious keto-friendly snack or meal? These 3-ingredient keto chicken nuggets are the perfect solution. This recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal effort to create crispy, flavorful nuggets that satisfy your cravings without derailing your ketogenic diet.
Why These Keto Chicken Nuggets?
These nuggets are not only incredibly easy to make, but they're also a healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. They're low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with flavor. Whether you're following a strict keto diet or just looking for a healthier option, these nuggets are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
This recipe requires just three main ingredients, plus optional seasonings to customize the flavor:
- 1 - 10oz can of chicken breast (drained)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese (You can also use all parmesan)
- Optional seasonings - garlic powder
Directions
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
- Start by opening your canned chicken and draining. It's crucial to remove as much moisture as possible to ensure crispy nuggets. Use a fine mesh strainer and push out the liquid with your hands to remove as much excess moisture as possible. You can even use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out any remaining water.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained chicken, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and egg. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- If desired, add garlic powder or other seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Shaping the Nuggets
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Use your hands or a tablespoon to scoop the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Mold the mixture into nugget shapes. This recipe should make approximately 8 nuggets, but you can adjust the size as needed.
- Use the back of a spoon to flatten the nuggets lightly.
Baking Instructions
- Bake the nuggets for 20-22 minutes, flipping them over with a spatula turner halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- For extra crispy nuggets, consider broiling them on high for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Spritz the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Follow steps 2-4 from preparing the chicken mixture.
- Add the nuggets to the air fryer basket instead of the baking sheet.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-14 minutes until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
These keto chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Serve them as a snack or appetizer with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.
- Pair them with a side of leafy greens dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a complete meal.
- Serve them with an assortment of keto-friendly vegetables like sliced bell peppers and cucumber.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
The right dipping sauce can elevate these nuggets to a whole new level. Here are some keto-friendly options:
Read also: Creamy Keto Dessert
- Classic Dipping Sauces: Creamy Buffalo Wing Sauce, Keto BBQ Sauce, Sugar-Free Ketchup, Keto Honey Mustard Sauce, or Keto Ranch Sauce.
- Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
- Consider a sugar-free ketchup or a homemade garlic aioli to keep it keto-friendly.
Tips for the Best Keto Chicken Nuggets
- Remove Moisture: Getting rid of as much moisture as possible from the canned chicken is key to achieving crispy nuggets.
- High-Temperature Baking: Baking the nuggets at a high temperature, around 425°F/220°C when oven baking or 400℉/200℃ for air frying, ensures that they cook quickly and develop that coveted crispiness without the need for deep frying.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly chopped to avoid uneven cooking or texture.
- Crispy Finish: For extra crispy nuggets, consider broiling them on high for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Thaw Frozen Chicken: If using frozen shredded chicken, make sure it is fully thawed and excess moisture is removed to prevent soggy nuggets.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors, like mixing cheddar with mozzarella or trying gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Variations and Modifications
This recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste preferences:
- Spicy Nuggets: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes into the chicken mixture for a spicier kick.
- Extra Crunch: If you’re not strictly keto, adding a small amount of breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to the outer layer can provide additional crunch.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.
Prep Ahead and Storage
- Prep Ahead: The chicken mixture can be prepared and shaped into nuggets up to a day in advance. Store them on a baking sheet, covered in the refrigerator, and pop them in the oven when ready to bake.
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked chicken nuggets in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat them in a preheated oven until warm and crisp.
- Freezing: Baked chicken nuggets can be frozen for up to a month.
Other Keto Recipes to Try
If you enjoy these keto chicken nuggets, here are a few other keto-friendly recipes you might like:
- Viral Melting Cabbage: Buttery, garlicky, and melts in your mouth with every bite. Crispy on the edges and tender in the center. It’s comfort food made simple.
- French Toast Cloud: Fluffy, high-protein, and lightly sweet. This French Toast Cloud is like biting into a cloud of goodness.
- Low Carb Mongolian Beef: Bold, saucy, and made in just one pan, this low carb Mongolian beef is a weeknight dinner dream. Tender slices of beef are seared to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky sauce with just the right balance of sweet and savory - all without the sugar or carbs of the takeout classic.
- Crispy Mozzarella Sticks: These crispy mozzarella sticks are wrapped in rice paper for a light, crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the gooey cheese inside.
- 3 Easy No Bake Desserts: Perfect if you’re low on time!
Read also: Low-Carb Pizza Guide
Read also: 5-Ingredient Keto