Savory Keto Fried Chicken Bites (Crispy, High-Protein & Flavorful!)
Whip up a batch of these Savory Keto Fried Chicken Bites for a quick snack, appetizer, or light meal! Made with canned chicken, crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onion, these flavorful patties are pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. They’re a super easy, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free option that’s a delightful addition to your health journey!
Yields: Approximately 8-10 bites Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-ounce) can chicken breast, thoroughly drained (ensure it’s very dry by pressing out excess water)
- ½ teaspoon onion salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup chopped green onion (green parts only, for color and mild flavor)
- ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon bits (ensure they are crispy)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil), for frying
Optional Keto-Friendly Dipping Sauces (for serving):
- Sugar-free ranch dressing
- Sugar-free BBQ sauce (check for low-carb compliance)
- Spicy mayo
- Garlic aioli
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large non-stick frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Plate lined with paper towels (for draining)
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: Open and thoroughly drain the canned chicken breast. It’s crucial to press out as much moisture as possible using a sieve or paper towels. Once drained, shred the chicken into very fine pieces in your mixing bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: To the finely shredded chicken in the bowl, add the onion salt, smoked paprika, chopped green onion, cooked bacon bits, egg, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until well combined. The mixture should be cohesive enough to form into patties.
- Form Patties: Take small portions of the chicken mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons each) and form them into small, flat patties, roughly 1.5-2 inches in diameter and ½-inch thick.
- Fry Bites: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken patties in a single layer in the hot pan. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on both sides, and heated through.
- Drain & Serve: Remove the cooked chicken bites from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
- Serve warm with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Drain Chicken VERY Well: This is the most important step for crispy bites. Excess moisture will lead to soggy results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Medium Heat: Maintain medium heat to cook the bites through without burning the exterior.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded works, freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and can contribute to a better texture.
- Customization: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or a tiny bit of garlic powder to the mix for more depth.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
These Fried Chicken Bites are a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken, bacon, and cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided your bacon bits and cheese don’t have added starches (which is rare).
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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