Delicious and Easy Keto Chicken Recipes Using Canned Chicken

For those following a ketogenic diet, finding quick, easy, and delicious recipes can sometimes be a challenge. Canned chicken is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can be used to create a variety of keto-friendly meals. This article explores some of the best canned chicken keto recipes, including chicken salad and chicken nuggets, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your success in the kitchen.

Keto Chicken Salad: Four Ways

This Keto Chicken Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be prepared using rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, leftover chicken breasts or thighs, or freshly cooked chicken. It’s so simple, it barely qualifies as a recipe!

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Salad

• 5 oz Chicken (canned, rotisserie, leftover chicken breasts or thighs)
• 2 Tablespoons of Primal Kitchen Sugar-Free Mayo (or homemade Keto Mayo)
• 1 Tablespoon Celery, diced
• 1 Tablespoon Red Onion, diced
• 1/4 Teaspoon Celery Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder (adjust to taste)

Is Mayonnaise Keto-Friendly?

When following a keto diet, it’s essential to be mindful of the ingredients you consume regularly. While mayonnaise is generally considered keto-friendly due to its high-fat content, it’s crucial to check the nutrition label for added sugars and unhealthy additives. For the best option, consider making your own Keto Mayo or using Primal Kitchen Sugar-Free Mayo. If you opt for a store-bought brand, carefully examine the ingredients list to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Rotisserie chicken salad is perfect for a quick and easy meal, especially on busy weeknights. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken from dinner to make a delicious and convenient lunch the next day.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Salad

1. Remove five ounces of chicken from the bones, discarding the skin.
2. Use two forks to pull apart the chicken and chop it into smaller pieces.
3. In a small bowl, combine the rotisserie chicken, mayo, onion, celery, celery salt, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Mix well and enjoy!

Canned Chicken Salad Recipe

Canned chicken salad is an even easier option for a quick keto meal. It's essential to ensure that the canned chicken is keto-approved by checking the ingredients list for any unwanted additives.

Read also: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Canned Food: Ingredients, Benefits, and More

How to Make Chicken Salad with Canned Chicken

1. Grab a five-ounce can (or double the recipe with a ten-ounce can) of chicken.
2. Drain the juice from the can.
3. Add the chicken to a small bowl and use a fork to break it apart.
4. Add the mayo, onions, celery, celery salt, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Use your fork to mix everything together thoroughly.

Leftover Chicken Salad

Using leftover chicken breasts or thighs is another excellent way to make chicken salad. Any seasonings used to initially prepare the chicken will add extra flavor to the salad. For instance, Italian-seasoned chicken thighs can be repurposed into a flavorful chicken salad.

How to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad

If you don’t have leftover or rotisserie chicken, you can easily cook chicken specifically for chicken salad. This recipe works well with both chicken thighs and chicken breasts. You can bake or sauté the chicken, depending on your preference.

Sautéed Chicken

1. Lightly grease a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken thighs or breasts to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for about 6-7 minutes, until fully cooked with no pink in the center.
4. Remove from heat, drain any excess juices, and chop up the chicken.
5. Add the chopped chicken to the remaining chicken salad ingredients.

Baked Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
3. Bake the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip it over.
4. Return to the oven and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.
5. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before chopping and adding it to the salad.

Serving Suggestions for Keto Chicken Salad

While traditional chicken salad is often served on crackers, those are off-limits on a keto diet. Here are several keto-friendly ways to enjoy your chicken salad:

• Eat it straight out of the bowl.
• Use thick slices of cucumber or bell peppers for scooping.
• Use Bibb lettuce to make chicken salad lettuce wraps.
• Pile your chicken salad on Trader Joe’s Crispbreads, top with a slice of cheddar cheese, and melt in a toaster oven for a delicious chicken salad melt.

Storage Instructions

Keto chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it an ideal meal prep option. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The flavors even develop further after a few hours in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Keto Chicken Salad?

While technically possible, freezing keto chicken salad may alter its consistency. It's generally better to enjoy it fresh.

Read also: Canned Salmon Keto Diet

Chicken Salad Recipe Add-on Ideas

Many keto enthusiasts have added their creative touches to this easy Keto Chicken Salad. Some popular additions include:

• Curry and Cayenne Powder: For a spicy kick.
• Chipotle Lime Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: Adds a zesty flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: For added crunch and flavor.
• Cucumber instead of Celery: A refreshing alternative.

Keto Chicken Nuggets

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are made with simple pantry ingredients and offer a quick, easy, and satisfying lunch or snack option that aligns with a low-carb or keto diet.

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Nuggets

• Canned chicken, drained
• Almond flour
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Egg
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Crushed pork rinds (for coating)
• Avocado oil (for cooking)

Preparation

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, almond flour, mozzarella cheese, egg, onion powder, and garlic powder until well incorporated.
2. Shape Nuggets: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out a portion of the mixture and shape it into a nugget.
3. Coat Nuggets: Dip each chicken nugget into the crushed pork rinds, ensuring all sides are coated.

Cooking Methods

These keto chicken nuggets can be cooked in the air fryer, oven, or pan-fried on the stovetop.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the keto nuggets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
3. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time, until golden brown.

Oven Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. Place the nuggets on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
4. Spritz a light coating of cooking spray on top of the nuggets.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, flipping the chicken nuggets over halfway through cooking time, until golden brown.

Pan Fry Method

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat in a skillet.
2. Place chicken nuggets in the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and hot.
3. Transfer to a plate covered with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious keto chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Classic Dipping Sauces: Creamy Buffalo Wing Sauce, Keto BBQ Sauce, Sugar-Free Ketchup, Keto Honey Mustard Sauce, or Keto Ranch Sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cooked chicken nuggets in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven until warm and crisp for the best results.

Read also: Kitten Food Ingredient Analysis

Tips for Extra Crispy Nuggets

• Baking the nuggets at a high temperature (around 425°F/220°C when oven baking or 400°F/200°C for air frying) ensures they cook quickly and develop a crispy exterior without deep frying.
• Ensure the chicken is as dry as possible before mixing with other ingredients to achieve a better texture.

Keto Chicken Crust Pizza

This Keto-Friendly Chicken Crust Pizza recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown, and sturdy pizza crust that tastes great and is a fantastic alternative to traditional pizza.

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Crust Pizza

• Canned chicken, drained
• Egg
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Pizza toppings of your choice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Crust: Spread the drained canned chicken on a baking sheet to dry in the oven. This step helps remove excess moisture.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: Combine the dried chicken with egg and cheese in a mixing bowl.
3. Form the Crust: Press the chicken mixture onto a pizza pan or baking sheet to form a crust.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and firm.
5. Add Toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings to the baked crust.
6. Bake Again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the toppings are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Chicken Crust

• Ensure the canned chicken is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy crust.
• Use a cheese blend that melts well for the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings to create your favorite pizza variations.

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