The Secret Underground Keto Chicken Nugget Recipe That’s Making Carb-Lovers Switch Sides!

Craving the crispy, golden nuggets you love but want to keep keto? These Keto Chicken Nuggets are the answer to your snack-time or dinner-time dreams!

With a perfectly seasoned almond flour coating, they’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor—no breading required. They’re quick, easy to make, and perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.

The first time I made these nuggets, I was amazed by how well the almond flour and Parmesan cheese mimic traditional breading. They became an instant favorite in our house, whether served as a weeknight dinner or a shareable snack for game night.

The best part? They’re baked or air-fried, making them healthier without compromising on that satisfying crunch.

Pair these nuggets with a creamy aioli for dipping, and wash it all down with a refreshing glass of iced tea for the ultimate guilt-free treat. These nuggets are not only keto-friendly but also kid-approved, making them a win for the whole family!

What’s your favorite keto-friendly dip for chicken nuggets? Let’s share some ideas in the comments!

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

A small serving plate is filled with a neatly arranged stack of golden brown keto chicken nuggets. The nuggets are crispy and inviting, set against a simple white marble countertop that highlights their appetizing appearance.

  • Low-Carb and Delicious: All the flavor and crunch you love, without the carbs.
  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu snacks.
  • Versatile: Serve them with a variety of dips like aioli to switch things up.
  • Kid-Friendly: A healthy version of a classic that even picky eaters will love.
A top-down view of a plate of golden brown keto chicken nuggets arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, placed on a white marble countertop. The nuggets have a crispy, golden coating, showcasing their crunchy texture and rich, savory appearance. The background is minimal, drawing all focus to the nuggets as the centerpiece.

Keto Chicken Nuggets Recipe

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. Perfect for low-carb lifestyles, they make a great snack or appetizer. Pair them with refreshing iced tea and creamy coleslaw for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Large baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (2)
  • Whisk
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 2 large eggs whisked
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup keto bread crumbs or almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
    A large baking tray lined with neatly arranged parchment paper is displayed in a top-down view on a white marble countertop. The tray is empty, and the scene is minimal and clean, emphasizing readiness for the next step.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together celery salt, salt, pepper, and eggs.
    A clear glass mixing bowl containing a frothy light yellow mixture of whisked eggs, celery salt, regular salt, and pepper is shown from a top-down perspective. The bowl sits on a white marble countertop, with labeled ingredient containers visible in the background.
  • Add the chopped chicken and mix to coat evenly.
    Bite-sized pieces of raw chicken are coated in the pale yellow egg mixture inside a clear glass bowl. The chicken glistens and has a speckled appearance from the spices. The bowl is positioned on a white marble countertop, surrounded by ingredient containers for celery salt, salt, and pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the parmesan cheese and keto bread crumbs.
    A granular pale yellow mixture of parmesan cheese and keto bread crumbs is shown in a clear glass mixing bowl. The bowl is on a white marble countertop, with small, labeled containers of parmesan cheese and keto bread crumbs neatly placed beside it. The scene is clean and focused.
  • Dip the coated chicken pieces into the dry mix, ensuring all sides are fully coated.
    A breaded piece of chicken is dipped in a bowl containing the dry keto bread crumb and parmesan cheese mixture. The piece is golden from the coating, ready for baking. The clear bowl sits on a white marble countertop, with the wet mixture bowl slightly visible in the background.
  • Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared tray.
    Breaded chicken pieces are evenly spaced on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each nugget is golden and uniformly coated, ready to bake. The tray is positioned on a white marble countertop, with the dry mixture bowl visible in the background.
  • Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
    Golden brown keto chicken nuggets fresh out of the oven are displayed on a parchment-lined baking tray. The nuggets have a crispy, textured surface and are placed on a white marble countertop, emphasizing the perfectly baked crust.
  • Remove the nuggets from the oven and serve immediately.
    A small serving plate is filled with a neatly arranged stack of golden brown keto chicken nuggets. The nuggets are crispy and inviting, set against a simple white marble countertop that highlights their appetizing appearance.

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories180kcal
Carbohydrates2g
Fibre1g
Fat6g
Protein29g
Calcium66g

10 Expert-Level Variations for Keto Chicken Nuggets

  1. Herbed Delight: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra aroma and flavor.
  2. Spicy Kick: Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the egg mixture for nuggets with a fiery twist.
  3. Cheesy Upgrade: Incorporate shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the bread crumb mix for a gooey, cheesy interior.
  4. Zesty Citrus: Add lemon or lime zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a refreshing citrus burst.
  5. Asian Fusion: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, and mix in a teaspoon of five-spice powder for a savory, aromatic twist.
  6. Garlic-Parmesan Boost: Increase the parmesan cheese to 1/4 cup and add garlic powder for a bold and savory coating.
  7. Smoked Paprika Coating: Sprinkle smoked paprika into the bread crumb mixture for a smoky depth of flavor.
  8. Coconut Crunch: Replace half the breadcrumbs with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical and crispy variation.
  9. Mustard Marinade: Before coating, marinate the chicken pieces in Dijon mustard and a touch of olive oil for a tangy kick.
  10. Buffalo-Style: Toss the baked nuggets in keto-friendly buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist perfect with a side of blue cheese dip.

These variations elevate classic keto chicken nuggets, ensuring they’re versatile and delicious for any palate!

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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