Low carb chicken fingers – This recipe features tender, juicy chicken breast coated in a crispy, flavorful breading made with almond flour and seasonings. These chicken fingers are not only satisfying but also align perfectly with low-carb and keto diets, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to indulge without the carbs. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, and watch them disappear from your plate in no time!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this low carb chicken fingers recipe because it combines all the flavor and crunch of classic chicken fingers while keeping your carb intake in check. The almond flour crust is both gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it a fantastic choice for those on a keto diet. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home, and you can whip them up in no time! With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, every bite is a delight, satisfying your cravings without any guilt.
Tips and Tricks
To achieve the best results with your low carb chicken fingers, consider these tips and tricks:
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite spices for at least 30 minutes before breading.
- Double Dipping: For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat them in almond flour, dip them back into the egg, and coat them again in the almond flour.
- Spice it Up: Add your favorite spices to the almond flour mixture, such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for a kick of flavor.
- Air Fryer: For a healthier option, cook the chicken fingers in an air fryer for a crispy finish without the extra oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making low carb chicken fingers:
- Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash is essential for the almond flour to stick properly to the chicken. Don’t skip this step!
- Overcrowding the Pan: If baking, ensure that the chicken pieces are spaced out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Not Preheating: Always preheat your oven or air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent the chicken from becoming dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F).
Make Ahead Tips
For busy cooks, you can prep ahead by:
- Breading the Chicken: You can bread the chicken fingers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Marinating: Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated.
- Freezing: After breading, you can freeze the uncooked chicken fingers. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe! Here are some variations:
- Herb-Crusted: Mix dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme into the almond flour for an herbaceous twist.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to the coating for a spicy kick.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken breast with turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Baked vs. Fried: While we recommend baking for a healthier version, you can also deep-fry the chicken fingers for that classic crunch.
How to Serve
Serve your low carb chicken fingers hot and fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or homemade garlic aioli. Present them on a rustic wooden platter or a sleek white plate, garnished with fresh parsley or a slice of lemon for a pop of color.
Pairing Suggestions
For a refreshing drink pairing, try a chilled glass of unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with a wedge of lime. If you prefer a cocktail, a light gin and tonic with cucumber slices would complement the dish beautifully. As for sides, consider a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal light and healthy.
How to Store
Store any leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Equipment Needed
You will need the following equipment:
- Baking Sheet: For baking the chicken fingers. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating and breading the chicken.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
- Air Fryer (optional): For a healthier cooking method.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe suitable for specific dietary needs:
- Vegan: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or eggplant slices and use a plant-based egg substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free. Just ensure your sauces are also dairy-free.
- Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with coconut flour or a seed-based flour like sunflower seed flour.
Seasonal Adaptations
For seasonal adaptations, consider adding fresh herbs or spices that are abundant in your area. In the summer, add fresh basil or dill to the almond flour. In fall, consider spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost per serving for this recipe is approximately $2.50, depending on local prices. To save money, buy chicken in bulk or look for sales. Almond flour can be substituted with crushed pork rinds for an even more budget-friendly option.
Kitchen Hacks
Here are some quick kitchen hacks to streamline your cooking:
- Easy Egg Cracking: Crack eggs into a bowl by tapping them on a flat surface instead of the edge of a bowl to avoid shell fragments.
- Quick Clean-Up: Use a plastic bag or parchment paper to minimize mess when breading the chicken.
- Slicing Chicken: Freeze chicken breasts for about 15-20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut into uniform pieces.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well and are juicier but may need slightly longer cooking time.
- How can I make this recipe spicier? Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash for an extra kick.
- What if I don’t have almond flour? You can use crushed pork rinds or coconut flour as alternatives, though the texture may vary.
How To Make low carb chicken fingers recipe
Low Carb Chicken Fingers
Low carb chicken fingers – This recipe features tender, juicy chicken breast coated in a crispy, flavorful breading made with almond flour and seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- In another bowl, combine the almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Spray lightly with olive oil for added crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 422Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 189mgSodium 703mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 4gSugar 1gProtein 45g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making these low carb chicken fingers is not just about satisfying a craving; it’s about enjoying a healthy and delicious meal that fits into your dietary lifestyle. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that everyone will love. So whip up a batch of these crispy chicken fingers, and enjoy them with family and friends – they won’t even know they’re low carb!