If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect crunch on a weeknight but want to steer clear of the usual fast-food suspects, I’ve got just the thing for you! Picture this: juicy chicken tenders wrapped in a golden, crispy crust that’s not only incredibly satisfying but also keto-friendly. My journey to discovering these Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips began on a day when I was rummaging through my pantry, looking for a way to shake up my dinner routine.
Using crushed pork rinds gives the chicken an exceptional texture alongside a savory kick from garlic and paprika, making them the ideal snack for both kids and adults alike. These strips are so versatile; whether you’re whipping them up for game day or needing a quick family dinner, they promise to be a hit every time. With just 15 minutes of prep and a total cooking time of no more than 35 minutes, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that brings the best flavors of home right to your kitchen!
Why are Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips a Must-Try?
Indulgent Crunch: These chicken strips offer an incredible crispy texture that will satisfy your cravings without the carbs.
Savory Kick: Enhanced with garlic and paprika, each bite bursts with flavor, bringing excitement to your plate.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love these tasty tenders, making them the ideal crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or dinner alongside your favorite dipping sauce for endless enjoyment.
Healthier Choice: Skip the fast food and treat yourself to homemade goodness that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle!
Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips
• 1 pound chicken tenders – choose tender, juicy pieces for the best texture.
• 2 cups crushed keto pork rinds – these create a delightful crunch while keeping carbs low.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a rich, cheesy flavor that complements the pork rinds beautifully.
• 2 large eggs – used for binding the coating to the chicken tenders.
For the Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – infuses a delicious aroma and taste into the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – adds depth and enhances the savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – brings color and a subtle hint of smokiness.
• Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing flavors and enhancing overall taste.
For Cooking
• Oil for frying (optional) – use your favorite oil for frying if you prefer a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips
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Combine the ingredients for the coating by mixing crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. This will give your chicken a deliciously crunchy and flavorful exterior.
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Beat the eggs in another bowl until well combined. This egg mixture will help the coating adhere wonderfully to the chicken tenders, ensuring they’re deliciously crispy.
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Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Thoroughly coat it in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick. This process is key to achieving that perfect crunch!
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Fry or Bake:
- For frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated tenders on it. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn crispy.
- Rest the chicken tenders for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring every bite is both tender and juicy. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce!
Optional: Serve with a side of ranch or spicy mayo for an extra flavor kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize these delicious chicken strips with your own twist!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the coating mix for an extra spicy punch that heat lovers will enjoy.
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Herb-Infused: Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite dried herbs, like oregano or thyme, to enhance the aroma and flavor of the crust.
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Cheesy Delight: Substitute regular Parmesan with smoked Gouda for a rich, smoky flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
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Nuts About Nuts: Swap half of the pork rinds with finely chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for added crunch and a unique flavor twist.
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Zesty Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over cooked chicken strips for a refreshing, zesty flavor that brightens the dish.
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Ranch Seasoning: Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning into the coating for a creamy, herby explosion that’s sure to delight the whole family.
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Vegan-Friendly: Use tempeh or tofu instead of chicken and substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture to create a satisfying plant-based version.
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BBQ Flavor: Brush cooked strips with sugar-free BBQ sauce right before serving for a delightful sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
Make Ahead Options
These Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance by breading them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This ensures they stay fresh and ready for cooking without compromising quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply fry or bake as instructed, adding an extra minute or two if they were refrigerated before cooking to ensure they heat through properly. With this prep, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal ready in no time!
How to Store and Freeze Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips
Fridge: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Enjoy that delicious crunch again!
Expert Tips for Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips
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Proper Coating: Ensure each chicken tender is thoroughly coated in the pork rind mixture; this secures that delightful crunch and flavorful bite.
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Egg Drip Off: Allow excess egg to drip off before coating the chicken; this helps prevent sogginess and encourages crispy perfection.
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Oil Temperature: If frying, make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before adding the chicken. This prevents the strips from absorbing excess oil and becoming greasy.
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Skip Overcrowding: Cook chicken strips in batches if necessary; overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature, resulting in uneven cooking and less crunch.
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Resting Time: Always let the chicken strips rest after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
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Think Dipping: Pair with keto-friendly dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo to enhance the overall flavors of your keto pork rind crusted chicken strips!
What to Serve with Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips?
Nothing pairs better with crispy, keto-friendly chicken strips than a selection of delightful sides that enhance their fantastic flavor and texture.
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Creamy Avocado Salad: The creamy texture and fresh flavors of avocado add a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken. It’s a perfect way to lighten up your meal.
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Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sauteed green beans coated in garlic and butter bring a savory note that complements the pork rinds while adding a delicious crunch.
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Zesty Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy coleslaw balances the savory chicken strips, adding a refreshing crunch. The hint of acidity cuts through the richness, making each bite a delight.
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Cauliflower Mash: Whip up smooth cauliflower mash as a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Its creamy texture beautifully contrasts with the crunch of the chicken.
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Spicy Dipping Sauce: A homemade spicy mayo or zesty ranch dressing not only elevates the taste but adds an exciting kick to the meal.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts for a nutty, slightly sweet explosion make a perfect pairing. Their crispy edges echo the crunchiness of the chicken.
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Lemon Herb Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs offers a healthy, nutty flavor and provides a lovely base for your chicken strips, balancing out the meal.
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Crispy Zucchini Fries: Maintain that crunchy theme with zucchini fries, dusted with Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch that pairs exquisitely with the chicken.
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Chilled Sparkling Water with Lime: To wash it all down, enjoy a refreshing glass of sparkling water kissed with lime. It’s light, bubbly, and revitalizing, perfect for complementing a flavorful dinner.
Embrace the variety and create your perfect plate alongside these Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips!
Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for chicken tenders that are plump and free from dark spots or abnormalities. Fresh chicken should have a light pink color and be firm to the touch. Avoid any packages with liquid pooling at the bottom, as it may indicate freshness issues.
What’s the best way to store leftover chicken strips?
After enjoying your delicious chicken strips, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They remain good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I freeze Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips? How?
Yes, you can definitely freeze them! To freeze, first, let the chicken strips cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What should I do if my coating doesn’t stick?
Very common! If you find the coating isn’t sticking, try patting the chicken tenders dry first. This helps the egg to adhere better. Ensure you’re using enough egg – give those tenders a good dip to ensure they’re well-coated. Also, pressing the pork rind mixture firmly onto the chicken can help secure it in place.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for the chicken strips?
Certainly! This recipe is keto-friendly, but always check for allergies related to pork rinds, especially if serving to guests. Additionally, the chicken can be seasoned to suit various dietary preferences, such as gluten-free. Just make sure all ingredients, especially the pork rinds, are labeled free of gluten if that’s a concern.
How can I reheat the chicken strips to maintain their crispiness?
To reheat and keep that lovely crunch, bake the frozen or refrigerated chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will revive their crispy texture without making them soggy like a microwave would! Enjoy your delicious chicken strips just as you did fresh from the pan!
Crispy Keto Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Strips You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the coating ingredients: pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Beat the eggs in another bowl until well combined.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat in the pork rind mixture.
- For frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.