Keto Fried Chicken

A Crispy and Flavorful Low-Carb Chicken Recipe with Pork Rind Coating

Chicken is one of the most versatile and popular meats, often featured in various dishes across the world. If you’re looking for a delicious yet low-carb alternative to breaded chicken, this recipe will certainly catch your attention. With its crispy texture and juicy interior, this chicken recipe takes the classic breaded chicken to a new level by using pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. The result? A flavorful and crispy outer layer with a tender, juicy chicken center, perfect for those on low-carb, keto, or paleo diets.

Pork rinds are the star of the show in this recipe. When finely crushed, they provide a satisfying crunch and golden-brown crust that rivals traditional breading, without the excess carbs. This low-carb alternative ensures that you don’t have to compromise on taste or texture while maintaining a healthy eating plan. The combination of seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme enhances the flavor profile of the chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness.

Why Choose Pork Rinds for Coating?

For those following low-carb or keto diets, pork rinds serve as an excellent substitute for traditional bread crumbs. They are naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making them a great option for breading or coating meats and vegetables. Unlike regular bread crumbs, which are made from refined flour, pork rinds are made from fried pig skin and have a crunchy texture that mimics breadcrumbs, providing the same satisfying crispiness. Additionally, they offer a rich, savory flavor that can transform any dish.

Health Benefits of Pork Rinds: Pork rinds are an excellent source of collagen and protein, both of which play crucial roles in promoting healthy skin, joints, and muscles. Unlike high-carb coatings, pork rinds don’t spike blood sugar levels, making them an ideal choice for individuals managing blood sugar levels or following a low-carb diet. Additionally, pork rinds are naturally gluten-free, which means they can be used by people with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.

This recipe also incorporates eggs and mayonnaise to create a moisture-packed coating for the chicken. The eggs bind the pork rind mixture to the chicken, while the mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and tender throughout the cooking process.

 Simple Seasonings

This recipe uses basic yet impactful seasonings that elevate the flavor of the chicken without overpowering its natural taste. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano provide a balance of earthy, smoky, and aromatic notes, while dried thyme adds an herby richness. A little salt and black pepper round off the seasoning mix, ensuring that the chicken is perfectly seasoned both on the outside and inside.

When preparing this dish, it’s essential to ensure that each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, well-seasoned crust that complements the chicken’s moist interior.

How to Make This Crispy Chicken Recipe

This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, so even those with busy schedules can prepare a delicious low-carb meal in under an hour. The steps are simple: prepare the coating mixture, dip the chicken in egg and mayonnaise, coat it with the pork rind and seasoning blend, and bake it to crispy perfection. The oven-baked method also reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying, making this dish healthier while maintaining that crispy exterior we all crave.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and step-by-step instructions that will guide you through making this easy and satisfying dish.

 Recipe for Crispy Pork Rind-Coated Chicken Thighs

This is a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free recipe that takes only a few simple ingredients and steps to prepare. The result is a deliciously crispy and juicy chicken that’s perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
• 1 cup pork rinds, finely crushed
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lightly spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare Pork Rind Coating: In a medium-sized bowl, crush the pork rinds into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and thyme to the crushed pork rinds. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and mayonnaise until smooth. This mixture will help the pork rind coating adhere to the chicken.
4. Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg and mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the pork rind mixture and press down gently to coat the chicken evenly with the crumbly, seasoned pork rinds. Repeat with each chicken piece.
5. Arrange Chicken on Rack: Place the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and becomes crispy on all sides.
6. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake the chicken for 40 to 45 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite low-carb side dishes like roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 617 kcal
• Total Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29g
• Cholesterol: 394mg
• Sodium: 1149mg
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 62g

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy pork rind-crusted chicken—a guilt-free, low-carb meal that is sure to become a family favorite!