Keto Chicken Chips: The Ultimate Crispy, Low-Carb Snack

Are you on a ketogenic diet and craving something crunchy and salty? Look no further! These keto chicken chips are a game-changer, offering all the satisfying crunch of traditional chips without the carbs. This article explores various methods for making these delicious snacks, along with recipe variations and serving suggestions.

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The Keto Munchies Solution

Dealing with cravings on the keto diet can be challenging. Often, you desire a snack that's not only low in carbs but also delivers a satisfying crunch. For many, this craving used to be satisfied by potato chips - BBQ, sour cream & onion, cheddar cheese, the list goes on. The allure of a salty, crispy, crunchy snack in a bag is undeniable.

Why Chicken Chips?

Chicken chips offer a perfect solution for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. They provide the desired crunch and saltiness without the carbohydrate overload found in traditional chips. Moreover, they can be a great way to utilize chicken skins that might otherwise go to waste.

The Versatility of Chicken Skin

For those who raise their own chickens, like on an urban homestead, the question of what to do with the skins after butchering and canning often arises. Chicken skins aren't ideal for broth or canning recipes, but they transform into a delectable keto snack when crisped up. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and air-fried or baked to golden perfection, they become the perfect keto-friendly treat. These chicken chips offer loads of fried chicken flavor in a thin, crispy form.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Methods for Making Keto Chicken Chips

There are several ways to make chicken chips, each with its own nuances:

• Oven Baked: Baking the chicken skins on a baking sheet yields crispy chips. However, there might be excess oil, which some may find unappealing. To minimize curling, place another piece of parchment paper over the skins and weigh it down with another baking sheet.
• Deep Fry: Deep frying at 350 degrees results in golden brown chips. Seasoning is best applied after draining on a paper towel.
• Air Fry: Air frying allows seasoning before cooking, infusing the flavor into the skins as they crisp up. This method is often preferred for its convenience and healthier approach to frying.

No matter the method, the result is crunchy goodness. Chicken chips are perfect for movie night or as a replacement for fast-food fries. They also serve as an excellent alternative for those who don't eat pork rinds, providing a similar satisfying crunch and crackle.

Basic Chicken Chip Recipe

Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• Chicken skin, cut into pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions (Oven):

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix together dry seasonings.
3. Place chicken skins on baking sheet. Rub seasonings onto each chicken skin.
4. Cover chicken with additional parchment paper or tent with aluminum foil to prevent seasonings from burning.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until crisp. Serve with or without dipping sauce.

Instructions (Air Fryer):

1. Heat air fryer to 350 degrees.
2. Season skins with salt and pepper.
3. Lay in a single layer on the air fryer basket.
4. Air fry for 20 minutes, until crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

Instructions (Deep Fryer):

1. Heat oil to 375 degrees.
2. Drop skins carefully into hot oil and fry for 3 minutes.
3. Drain on paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve immediately.

Dipping Sauce Options

While chicken chips are delicious on their own, a dipping sauce can elevate the experience. Here's a recipe for a flavorful dipping sauce:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream (mayo recommended)
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
• ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar-free barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon stevia

Instructions:

1. Whisk together all sauce ingredients until combined.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Other keto-friendly dipping ideas include:

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

• Cheesy Pickle Dip
• Homemade salsa
• Avocado Egg Salad
• Faux-Tato Salad

Keto Chicken Nachos: A Delicious Twist

Chicken chips can also be used as the base for keto-friendly nachos. These high-protein keto chicken nachos are a perfect option for game night, a quick dinner, or anytime you crave something delicious and satisfying.

High-Protein Keto Chicken Nachos Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Nachos:

• Cooked chicken, shredded
• Your favorite nacho toppings (cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your choice of keto-friendly chips (chicken chips, Quest Tortilla Chips, pork rinds, crispy bacon, or cheese crisps).
2. Top the chips with shredded chicken and cheese (if using).
3. Bake until the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. Add your favorite nacho toppings.

Keto Chicken Tortilla Chips

For a different take on keto chips, consider making tortilla chips from ground chicken. This recipe uses ground chicken mince to create a dairy-free, crispy, and crunchy chip.

Ingredients for Keto High Protein Tortilla Chips:

• Ground chicken mince
• Seasoning (salt, taco seasoning, or any Mexican seasoning)

Instructions (Conventional Method):

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Add mince and seasoning in a large bowl. Massage until mixed well.
3. Place mince onto a large piece of baking paper and place a layer or two of cling film over the top. Roll out thinly using a rolling pin. You want to be super-thin but not completely see-through.
4. Remove cling film and lift the baking paper with chicken onto a large baking tray. Season well with salt flakes.
5. Bake 30 minutes; remove from oven. Cut into shape. I cut mine into triangles, but you can cut it any way you want. Season well with salt or extra seasoning you prefer.
6. Bake a further 30-45 minutes or until crispy. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Instructions (Thermomix Method):

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place mince and seasoning into mixer; mix 15 sec/speed 4.
3. Follow from step 3 above.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Chips

• Chicken Selection: Using regular ground chicken is recommended over lean ground chicken breast, as the fat content helps with crisping.
• Parchment Paper: Use a good quality brand of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reynolds brand or Kirkland Paper Chef brand are highly recommended.
• Rolling Thin: Roll the chicken as thinly as possible without it becoming transparent for optimal crispiness.
• Seasoning: Add dry seasonings after baking to prevent the chips from browning too quickly.
• Storage: Store uneaten chips in an airtight bag or container in the fridge or freezer to maintain crispness.

Additional Chicken Chip Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Keto Cheese Chips: Combine cooked chopped chicken breast, RedHot seasoning blend, and sharp cheddar cheese. Bake until golden brown for a chewy, crunchy snack.
• Carnivore Chips: Made with just ground chicken, these chips are baked until crispy and crunchy, offering a simple, high-protein snack.

The Rise of Chicken Chips

Chicken chips are gaining popularity as a protein-rich, low-carb alternative to traditional snacks. Brands like Wilde and Flock Chicken Skin Chips are available in stores like Whole Foods and on Amazon. However, making them at home allows for control over ingredients and seasonings, often resulting in a healthier and more cost-effective option.

Why Chicken Skin?

Chicken skin has often been avoided due to its fat content. However, on a ketogenic diet, fat is not the enemy. Chicken skin provides a satisfying flavor and texture, making it a desirable snack.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #chicken #chips #recipe