Mouthwatering Low Carb Chicken Strips Recipe
Picture this: a piping hot plate of Southern Fried Chicken Strips, crispy and flavorful on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside. It’s the ultimate comfort food that we all crave for, but wait, what about those pesky carbs? Fear not my friends, because I have created the ultimate low-carb and keto-friendly version of this beloved dish!
As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, I understand how important it is to keep tradition alive while also catering to a variety of dietary needs. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Low Carb Southern Fried Chicken Strips that gives you all the flavor and texture of classic fried chicken without any guilt.
What’s even better is that this recipe is gluten-free, easy to make, and requires only a small amount of oil. You’ll be amazed at how delicious these chicken strips are, even if you’re not watching your carb intake or following a keto lifestyle.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving some good ol’ fried chicken, this recipe has got you covered. So put on your apron and get ready to cook up some southern magic in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fried chicken lover who is looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly recipe to indulge in without feeling guilty? Look no further! This low-carb southern fried chicken strips recipe is sure to tickle your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe.
First of all, this recipe combines the irresistible taste of southern-style fried chicken with a low-carb twist. Made with almond flour and ground pork rinds instead of conventional wheat flour, this dish contains only a small amount of carbs per serving, making it an excellent option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
But don’t let the low-carb aspect fool you – this dish is still incredibly flavorful! With a blend of spices such as cayenne pepper, season salt, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning, these chicken strips deliver that signature southern-style seasoning in every bite.
Plus, these chicken strips are incredibly versatile. You can use chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips to cater to your preference. And if you’re not up for frying, no worries – you can also opt to bake them in the oven or air fryer.
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves easy, hassle-free dishes that won’t take up too much time or effort. With only 10 ingredients that can be found easily at any grocery store, this low-carb southern fried chicken strips recipe comes together with minimal prep time and steps.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of traditional southern fried chicken but want to enjoy it without the excess carbs, this easy low-carb recipe is perfect for you. With its bold flavor profile and simple preparation process, this dish is sure to become a staple on your dinner table. Try it out and see for yourself why everyone loves this dish!
Ingredient List
- 3 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips or chicken tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon season salt
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup ground pork rinds
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup water or 1% low-fat milk
- Canola oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan about an inch deep)
Note: The combination of almond flour, pork rinds and parmesan cheese makes the base for the crispy breading. The pork rinds will add a porky flavor and extra crispiness to the breading. To make it gluten-free and keto-friendly, it is important that you use finely ground pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
The Recipe How-To
We all love fried chicken, but not everyone likes the high carbs that come with it. That’s why I came up with this low-carb southern fried chicken strip recipe that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your diet on track. I use chicken breast strips instead of the traditional whole chicken pieces and almond flour instead of regular flour to reduce the carb count.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon season salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
- Canola oil for frying
The Breading Process
To start, you will need three separate bowls, one for the almond flour, one for the beaten eggs and milk mixture, and the third for a mixture of seasonings.
In a bowl, mix together the almond flour and half of the seasoning mix until well combined.
In another bowl, beat two eggs and add in one cup of 1% low-fat milk. Mix well until it becomes an evenly incorporated liquid base.
In a third bowl combine the remaining half of the seasoning mix so that it is ready to be added to each raw chicken stripe.
Chicken Preparations
Season your chicken strips with salt then dredge each strip first in almond flour mixture and then in egg mixture coating it evenly.
For an extra crispy crust we can repeat the process twice by dipping them again alternatively back and forth between flour mixture and egg-milk mixture until fully coated.
Frying
Pour canola oil into deep frying pan/ dutch oven or preheat air fryer at mentioned temperature.
Fry or air fry until the chicken turns golden brown and cooked through. Fry them in small amounts so that the temperature does not drop too low, leading to greasy results.
Sides Recommendations
Serve with your favorite low-carb sides and sauces such as ranch dip or buffalo sauce.
This recipe is a game changer for anyone looking for low-carb southern fried chicken strips recipe. You can enjoy healthy, delicious southern-style chicken without sacrificing taste or your health goals.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, we come to the fun part: making the recipe your own. There are a few substitutions you can make for this recipe without sacrificing the delicious taste of southern-style chicken strips.
For a gluten-free option, swap out the regular flour for almond flour in equal amounts. If you’re watching your carb intake, use ground pork rinds instead of flour for a keto-friendly breading. Additionally, you can add some sweet and spicy to your keto fried chicken by incorporating some cayenne pepper into the breading mixture.
If you prefer chicken tenderloins instead of chicken breasts, go ahead and use those instead. You can also bake these low-carb southern fried chicken strips in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if you don’t want to fry them in canola oil.
For an even lower carb option, you can swap out the 1% low-fat milk for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. And if you want to skip the eggs altogether, Feel free to replace egg with heavy cream or buttermilk in a 1:1 ratio.
As with any recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Try adding different spices like lemon pepper or poultry seasoning to change up the flavor profile or try dipping them in a variety of dips like ranch or hot sauce.
No matter how you choose to customize it, these low carb southern fried chicken strips are sure to please your palate while keeping your diet on track!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing your low carb southern fried chicken strips, there are endless possibilities. But first and foremost, let’s talk about the star of the show – the chicken! The crispy, flavorful strips are perfect on their own as a main dish, but you can also consider making them as part of a larger meal. Here are few suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
1. Southern-style sides: Take your meal up a notch by serving your chicken with classic southern-style sides such as mac and cheese, cornbread, collard greens, baked beans, or mashed potatoes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
2. Salads: For those out there who want something lighter and healthier, pair your chicken with a fresh and vibrant salad such as a green salad with vinaigrette dressing, coleslaw or potato salad.
3. Dipping sauces: Consider adding some dipping sauces to enhance the flavor of your fried chicken strips. Ranch dressing, honey mustard sauce or buffalo sauce would be perfect for this recipe!
4. Pairing with Drinks: Nothing pairs better with southern fried chicken than sweet tea, lemonade or unsweetened iced tea which balances out the richness of the dish very well.
This low carb southern fried chicken strips recipe adapts perfectly to any side dish or dipping sauce you want to serve with it so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect way to enjoy this delicious recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve mastered this delicious Low Carb Southern Fried Chicken Strips Recipe, you’ll want to know how to save your work of art.
Make-Ahead: These chicken strips are best when served fresh and warm, but if you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After coating the chicken strips, cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge until ready to cook. Pro tip: Allow the chicken to come back up to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Storing: If you have any leftovers, which is unlikely as these are just so good, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for that crispy texture. The microwave isn’t recommended because it will cause your chicken strips to become soft and chewy.
Reheating: You can reheat chicken strips in the air fryer at 375°F for three minutes or until heated through, but be warned that they may not be as crispy as they initially were right out of the oven. Another option is reheating them in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes or until heated through. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that food is reheated properly and safe to eat!
With these tips, you can make sure that any leftover Low Carb Southern Fried Chicken Strips are just as delicious as when they were first cooked.
Tips for Perfect Results
Fried chicken might seem like a simple dish to make, but getting it just right can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect low-carb, Southern-style fried chicken strips:
1. Use a mix of almond flour and ground pork rinds for coating
Traditional fried chicken is coated in all-purpose flour, which is high in carbs. For this low-carb version, I recommend using a mixture of almond flour and ground pork rinds for your coating. The pork rinds add an extra crunch, and the almond flour helps hold everything together.
2. Season your coating well
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning! I like to use a combination of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in my coating mix. You could also try adding lemon pepper or poultry seasoning for some added flavor.
3. Double-dip your chicken
For extra crispy chicken strips, double-dip them in the coating mixture. Dip them in the egg wash first, then the coating mixture, then back in the egg wash, and finally back in the coating mixture. This will give you a thicker and more flavorful crust.
4. Use a shallow pan for frying
To prevent the chicken from becoming greasy or mushy, use a shallow pan for frying rather than a deep fryer. This allows excess oil to drip off the chicken as it cooks.
5. Fry at the right temperature
The ideal temperature for frying chicken is around 350-375°F (175-190°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will be greasy and soggy.
6. Don’t overcrowd the pan
When frying your chicken strips, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can cause them to stick together and cook unevenly. Fry them in batches if necessary.
By following these tips, you can make delicious and crispy low-carb Southern-style fried chicken strips that even your carb-loving friends and family will enjoy!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions or concerns regarding ingredients, cooking techniques, and substitutions. In this section, we’ve put together some commonly asked questions (FAQ) to help you navigate any confusion or uncertainties you may face when making these low carb southern fried chicken strips. So let’s dive in and get all your queries answered!
Can you eat southern fried chicken on keto?
Fried chicken without breading is keto-friendly due to its low carb content. However, regular fried chicken is not suitable for a keto diet.
How many carbs are in fried chicken strips?
A portion of chicken tenders serves up around 499 calories and 31.7 grams of carbohydrates. Their crispy breading may contain roughly 2.2 grams of fiber and a bit of sugar, although the quantity may depend on the specific brand used.
Is fried chicken good for a low carb diet?
When it comes to the carbohydrate count in fried chicken, both the wings and the breasts from KFC have only 4 grams. Therefore, it is a dish that is high in protein and low in carbs.
How many carbs are in 6 fried chicken strips?
The nutrition information for a serving of 6 Fried Chicken Tenders (6 pieces) from Shane’s Rib Shack indicates that it contains 65g total carbs, 63g net carbs, 30g fat, 131g protein, and 1080 calories.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this low carb southern fried chicken strips recipe is a true game-changer in the world of fried chicken. Not only is it keto-friendly and gluten-free, but it also doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The perfect combination of seasonings, almond flour, and ground pork rinds create a crispy and delicious coating on the succulent and juicy chicken strips.
By following the detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations in this recipe article, you will be able to achieve perfect results every time. Whether you decide to fry them in canola oil or use an air fryer to reduce the oil amount, these chicken strips will surely satisfy your craving for fried chicken without ruining your low-carb diet.
Moreover, with our make-ahead, storing and reheating tips, you can always have some ready-made keto-friendly fried chicken tenders whenever you need them. They are perfect for a quick snack or as part of a meal that you can pair with different sides depending on your taste and preference.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and join the many satisfied customers who have discovered the best low-carb southern fried chicken recipe out there. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Low Carb Southern Fried Chicken Strips Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 -6 cups canola oil (depends upon how much to fill your LARGE pot 1/4 full, I use my Wok)
- 3 lbs chicken tenders or 3 lbs chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 3 eggs, scrambled
- 1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
- 1 1/2 cups soy flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Variations
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper (instead of Black Pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon season salt (instead of regular salt)
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, for a kick
Instructions
- Heat your oil to 350 degrees, very important to maintain this temperature, do not overcrowd!
- Combine sifted flour and seasonings in a pie plate.
- Scramble eggs and milk in another pie plate.
- Dip a tender first in the soy flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into milk mixture, making sure it's coated all over, then back into soy flour mixture.
- Make sure it's covered good!
- Lay slowly away from you in the hot oil!
- DO NOT OVERCROWD YOUR PAN, YOUR CHICKEN WILL BE GREASY!
- Fry just until the coating gets good and golden brown.
- Lay on newsprint to drain well.
- Sometimes the chicken will brown before the chicken is cooked all the way.
- If this happens, spread it out on a cookie sheet and put in a preheated 350 degree oven until done.
- USUALLY this will not happen with tenders as they're thin and cook quickly.
- Enjoy!