Keto Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Crispy Low-Carb Recipe

Have you ever found yourself craving that perfectly crispy, juicy fried chicken but worried about breaking your keto diet? After a long day, there’s something deeply satisfying about biting into crunchy, well-seasoned Keto Fried Chicken that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health benefits. This Keto Fried Chicken recipe combines the nostalgic comfort of traditional fried chicken with keto-friendly ingredients that won’t kick you out of ketosis. The aroma of herbs and spices fills your kitchen as the chicken sizzles, creating that unmistakable golden crust that crackles between your teeth while keeping the meat tender and moist inside. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or simply treating yourself to a satisfying weeknight dinner, this easy Keto Fried Chicken recipe will become your go-to low-carb comfort food.

Why You’ll Love

• ✅ Perfectly crispy Keto Fried Chicken with zero guilt and only 2g net carbs per serving
• ✅ Easy Keto Fried Chicken with almond flour creates an authentic crunchy coating without the carbs
• ✅ Best seasonings for Keto Fried Chicken provide maximum flavor with minimal ingredients
• ✅ Gluten-free Keto Fried Chicken options make it perfect for multiple dietary needs
• ✅ Juicy Keto Fried Chicken thighs baked to perfection for a healthier alternative
• ✅ Quick Keto Fried Chicken for weeknight dinners ready in under 40 minutes
• ✅ Keto Fried Chicken with herbs and spices that rivals your favorite restaurant version

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 4 lbs.)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup almond flour (the best low-carb flour for Keto Fried Chicken)
• 1 1/2 cups finely crushed pork rinds (essential for crispy homemade Keto Fried Chicken breading)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (ensure it’s sugar-free for keto-friendly fried chicken dipping)
• 1 1/2 tsp. hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Substitute pork rinds with more almond flour for a pork-free option
• Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version
• Try coconut flour instead of almond flour (use 1/3 cup as coconut flour is more absorbent)
• For extra heat, add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to your Keto Fried Chicken breading

How to Make Keto Fried Chicken – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. This setup ensures air circulation for crispy Keto Fried Chicken without deep frying.

Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, helping your Keto Fried Chicken coating stick better and become crispier.

Step 3: Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to absorb the seasonings.

Creating the Coating

Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined. This rich mixture helps the breading adhere to your Keto Fried Chicken.

Step 5: In a separate shallow dish, combine the almond flour, crushed pork rinds, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create your keto-friendly fried chicken breading.

Step 6: Set up your breading station: chicken pieces, egg mixture, and dry coating mix, in that order.

Coating and Baking Process

Step 7: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat in the dry mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well.

Step 8: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.

Step 9: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the Keto Fried Chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Preparing the Spicy Mayo

Step 10: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the mayonnaise and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

Step 11: Allow the cooked Keto Fried Chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with the spicy mayo dipping sauce.

Pro Tips

• Double-dredging technique: For extra crispy Keto Fried Chicken, dip the chicken in the egg mixture, then the dry coating, then back in the egg and dry coating again.
• Don’t overcrowd: Arrange the chicken with space between pieces to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
• Spray with oil: Lightly spray the coated chicken with olive oil or avocado oil before baking for an extra-crispy finish.
• Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your Keto Fried Chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
• Rest before serving: Let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute for the most flavorful Keto Fried Chicken.
• Air fryer option: For crispy Keto Fried Chicken in an air fryer, cook at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Best Ways

This versatile Keto Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with many low-carb sides. Try serving it with:

• Cauliflower mash (as a keto-friendly alternative to mashed potatoes)
• Fresh green salad with avocado and a high-fat dressing
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Keto coleslaw for a classic fried chicken pairing
• Steamed broccoli with butter
• Zucchini noodles in garlic butter

For a complete keto meal, serve your Keto Fried Chicken with a vibrant side of Keto-Friendly Coleslaw and finish with our popular 5-Minute Keto Chocolate Mousse for dessert.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving – 1 chicken breast with coating)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 47g
• Total Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Total Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg

This low-carb Keto Fried Chicken recipe makes it perfect for maintaining ketosis while enjoying the satisfaction of crispy, flavorful chicken.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Keto Fried Chicken will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating:

• Oven method (recommended): Preheat to 375°F and heat chicken on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
• Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for wonderfully crispy leftover Keto Fried Chicken.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

To freeze, place cooled Keto Fried Chicken pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen pieces will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked

What is recipe  made of?

Keto Fried Chicken is made with bone-in chicken pieces coated in a low-carb breading of almond flour, crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, rather than traditional wheat flour or breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy exterior similar to regular fried chicken but with significantly fewer carbohydrates.

How many carbs are in Keto Fried Chicken?

This Keto Fried Chicken recipe contains approximately 2g net carbs per serving, making it an excellent option for those following a ketogenic diet. Traditional fried chicken can contain 15-30g of carbs per serving by comparison.

Can you make Keto Fried Chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! Crispy Keto Fried Chicken in an air fryer works exceptionally well. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, place the coated chicken in a single layer (you may need to work in batches), and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Is Keto Fried Chicken healthy?

Keto Fried Chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken as it’s lower in carbohydrates, contains no inflammatory vegetable oils when baked, and provides good protein and healthy fats. It’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this Keto Fried Chicken recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice taste while following a ketogenic diet. The combination of almond flour and pork rinds creates that satisfying crunch you crave, while the perfectly seasoned meat stays tender and moist. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or impressing guests at a gathering, this Keto Fried Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Keto Fried Chicken? Do you prefer it spicy or mild? Share your experience and variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time those fried chicken cravings hit!

Print