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    Home » Keto, Paleo, or Gluten Free

    Published: Sep 21, 2020 · Modified: Mar 6, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 37 Comments

    Grain/Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Nuggets (Keto & Low-Carb)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Chicken nuggets have never been more easy or delicious to make homemade thanks to this quick grain-free coating. gluten-free, keto, & low-carb too! No one will miss the traditional breading since these chicken nuggets come out crispy and kids just love them too.  You can also make homemade gluten-free chicken tenders from this same recipe, by simply cutting them into bigger strips and cooking them longer.

    Making your own chicken nuggets helps you control the ingredients you are eating.  You can use organic chicken if you want to for this recipe. You can use white breast meat, dark thigh meat, or both.  The beauty of this recipe is just that, you can alter it a bit to make it perfect for what you and your family like best.  The parmesan and almond flour coating for this recipe you will not want to change. It is the best and easiest way to ensure you have the crispiest and most delicious homemade grain-free/gluten-free chicken nuggets ever.

    No more running to McDonald's, Chic-fil-A, or Burger King to get the kids to eat dinner. These also taste so much better than any frozen store-bought chicken nuggets like those made by Tyson, Perdue, or Costco.  This is the only chicken nugget recipe you will ever need.

    Jump to Recipe
    Grain Free Fried Chicken Nuggets with Hot Honey

    Nuggets are great with Hot Honey to dip

    Best Dips for Chicken Nuggets

    Everyone has a favorite. I will be honest, my favorite dip to go with these grain-free chicken nuggets depends on my mood. Some days I just want them crispy and plain and then on a different day, I want to drizzle them with my Hot Honey for an addicting sweet and spicy combo. The good news is no matter what you choose to eat with these homemade nuggets, you cannot go wrong.  Here are some amazing recipes and ideas that I highly recommend:

    • HOT HONEY (seen above)  is sweet, sticky, and spicy goodness
    • HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING WITHOUT MAYO is cool and creamy
    • Blue Cheese dressing for tang and creaminess
    • Ketchup for the kid's favorite
    • Honey Mustard for some sweet and spicy kick
    • Red's Hot Sauce for buffalo-style nuggets

    Ingredients for Gluten-Free Nuggets

    You only need a few ingredients for this homemade recipe.  I like my chicken nuggets fried versus baked.  When on a keto or low-carb diet, fried food is not frowned upon as much but we do consider this a treat meal and by no means eat it often. About once a month I do make these since they are a favorite with the kids.

    It is not the norm to fry in olive oil as typically olive oil is thought of as fat to be enjoyed in its natural state like in salad dressing.  But I am not a fan of processed vegetable (soybean) or corn oils. I try and not to use them and frying these in something else like coconut oil just gives it a "coconutty" flavor that we just do not want.  Therefore, this recipe for homemade chicken nuggets is pan-fried in olive oil.

    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
    • Eggs
    • Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • Almond Flour
    • Seasonings & Olive Oil

    The Best Coating for Low-Carb Keto Chicken Nuggets

    The coating for grain-free chicken nuggets consists of equal parts of almond flour and parmesan cheese. It is the perfect low-carb and gluten-free yet still crispy coating that you want in a good chicken nugget. Seasoning is also added for additional flavor.

    I highly recommend super-fine almond flour for this.  Costco has a great Kirkland Almond Flour but you can also find some on Amazon.  This recipe will give you the best homemade coating (breading) for crispy and delicious gluten-free chicken nuggets.

    Ingredients for grain-free chicken nuggets with almond flour

    Almond Flour & Parmesan make the "breading" / coating for these nuggets

    Dip and Dredge Chicken Before Frying

    Once you have cut the boneless chicken breasts into equal-sized nuggets, get the rest of the ingredients ready. I like to use shallow pie pans for all my ingredients to dip from one item to the next.

    You will need 3 shallow plates or pie pans to have all the following ready to go.  The three include:

    • Whisked eggs with salt & pepper (and a splash of water)
    • Grain-free coating of parmesan, almond flour, and the seasonings
    • Chicken cut into chunks
    Grain Free Fried Chicken Nuggets ingredient

    Ready for the 2 step coating

    How to Pan Fry Homemade Chicken Nuggets

    Once the ingredients are ready, get a frying pan ready on the stove and add the oil. Heat on medium-high heat for a few minutes so the oil can come to temperature. You can check to see if it is ready for frying by sticking the end of a wooden spoon handle gently into the oil, is little bubbles form around the wooden spoon end, it is ready!

    Dip each chicken chunk into the beaten egg and then roll or toss gently in the grain-free coating mixture.  Place each nugget gently into the frying pan.  DO NOT overcrowd the pan, this recipe will make about 2-3 batches so you will only fit about some of the nuggets in about a 10-12" frying pan.

    They will cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side. It will depend on the size you make your nuggets. For the size seen here, 4 minutes was perfect. You can use a digital instant-read thermometer on them to be sure they cook to an internal temperature of 165°.   (if you are making bigger pieces like chicken tenders you will fry for longer, estimating about 6 minutes on each side but use your thermometer to be sure they are 165° in the center so they are cooked throughout)

    Grain Free Fried Chicken Nuggets golden brown

    Grain-Free Fried Chicken Nuggets golden brown

    Remove nuggets that are ready and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any remaining oil and keep crispy.  To keep nuggets warm as you cook other batches, you can put them on an oven-safe plate to keep warm in the oven on the lowest setting your oven allows.  Once all the batches are complete, serve with your favorite dips and side dishes.

    How Many Carbs in Gluten-Free Keto Chicken Nuggets?

    This recipe is for 6 servings.  Per serving, this low-carb nugget recipe is 249 calories with only 1.6 net carbs which is great for those on keto or diabetic diet.

    Who Invented the Chicken Nugget?

    And a final note and a bit of trivia to discuss while enjoying them.  It is always great to teach your kids a bit more about food and history, right?  Many think that McDonald's invented the chicken nuggets.  They sure did make them famous, but they did not invent them. Robert C Baker invented the chicken nugget.  He actually is credited with over 40 poultry-related innovations.  He made the recipe in the 1950s but didn't patent it. McDonald's later did, and it is all history from there. Learn more about him and his accomplishments on the Wikipedia page for Robert C Baker. 

    Grain Free Fried Chicken Nuggets Ready to Enjoy

    Grain-Free Fried Chicken Nuggets Ready to Enjoy

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    Grain Free Fried Chicken Nuggets PIN

    Grain-Free Fried Chicken Nuggets PIN

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    plated grain free gluten free keto chicken nuggets with ketchup

    GRAIN/GLUTEN-FREE FRIED CHICKEN NUGGETS (Keto & Low-Carb)

    Angela
    Chicken nuggets have never been more easy or delicious to make homemade thanks to this quick grain-free coating. Keto, low-carb, & gluten-free too! 
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6

    Equipment

    • 10-12" frying pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 large) cut into medium sized chunks
    • 2 eggs
    • ¾ C Parmesan Cheese grated
    • ¾ C Almond Flour super-fine
    • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • salt & pepper
    • water splash
    • olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • In 3 pie pans or shallow rimmed plates, prep the ingredients. In one pan place, the cut-up chicken.
    • In another pan, whisk together the eggs, add some salt and pepper. Then add a splash of water and whisk again.
    • In the final pan, add the parmesan, almond flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
    • Once the ingredients are ready, get a frying pan ready on the stove and add enough oil so that it is about ½' deep. . Heat on medium-high heat for a few minutes so the oil can come to temperature. You can check to see if it is ready for frying by sticking the end of a wooden spoon handle gently into the oil, is little bubbles form around the wooden spoon end, it is ready!
    • Dip each chicken chunk into the beaten egg and then roll or toss gently in the grain-free coating mixture.  Place each nugget gently into the frying pan.  DO NOT overcrowd the pan, this recipe will make about 2-3 batches so you will only fit some of the nuggets in about the frying pan.
    • They will cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side. It will depend on the size you make the nuggets. For the size shown above, 4 minutes was just right. You can use a digital instant-read thermometer on them to be sure they cook to an internal temperature of 165°.
    • Remove nuggets that are ready and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any remaining oil and keep crispy.  To keep nuggets warm as you cook other batches, you can put them on an oven-safe plate to keep warm in the oven on the lowest setting your oven allows. 
    • Enjoy with your favorite dips.

    Notes

    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 6
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 249
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 13.6g 16%
    Saturated Fat 5.2g 26%
    Cholesterol 103mg 34%
    Sodium 1019mg 44%
    Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
    Dietary Fiber 0.4g 2%
    Total Sugars 0.1g  
    Protein 26g  
    Vitamin D 5mcg 26%
    Calcium 259mg 20%
    Iron 0mg 2%
    Potassium 22mg 0%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword chicken, diabetic, easy, fried, gluten-free, grain-free, keto, kid favorite

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sabrina DeWalt says

      September 21, 2020 at 8:54 pm

      I always save the tenderloin when I break down whole chickens. When I have enough in the freezer I use them for nuggets. I love that this recipe is keto friendly.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 22, 2020 at 9:20 am

        That is a great usage of the full bird and making the best recipes from each cut. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    2. Alexis Farmer says

      September 22, 2020 at 5:01 am

      These look so good and a lot healthier, definitely want to try them!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 22, 2020 at 9:19 am

        They sure are and I hope you cook up some grain-free chicken nuggets soon to enjoy.

        Reply
    3. Nisha says

      September 22, 2020 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely delicious .Love that its grain free and almond flour is used and perfectly done!

      Reply
    4. Bonnie says

      September 22, 2020 at 11:34 am

      Wondering if the coating could be used for onion rings or other foods as well as chicken?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 23, 2020 at 10:50 am

        Yes, it can. I have used it for pork chops and for zucchini "fries" too. I have not yet tried it on onion rings but when I was making these to go with traditional onion rings, I thought of making the onion rings grain-free next time and hope the coating stays on when we drop them in our deep fryer.

        Reply
    5. Kendra says

      September 22, 2020 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      I made the mistake of ordering chicken and waffles for the family for dinner last weekend. Watching them nom on the fried chicken was so mean to myself! These grain free fried chicken nuggets would definitely be a great way for me to satisfy my fried chicken cravings! Yum!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 23, 2020 at 10:51 am

        Oh yes, you have to treat yourself too. These grain-free chicken nuggets are all the love and none of the guilt!

        Reply
    6. Emily Ackerman says

      September 22, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      This looks great!! dO you think it would do well in an air fryer?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 23, 2020 at 10:52 am

        I am not 100% sure but I think they would. I do not own an air fryer so I am not familiar with them. Another reader plans to try it out and will hopefully let us know how they turn out.

        Reply
    7. Sandra Barrett says

      September 22, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      Wonderful alternative to fast food option.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 22, 2020 at 7:52 pm

        Thank you.

        Reply
    8. Karie says

      September 22, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      Looks delicious. I bet that almond flour really gives it a great taste.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 22, 2020 at 7:52 pm

        Almond flour on chicken nuggets as great texture and flavor.

        Reply
    9. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      September 22, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      That whole plate looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party! Have a great week.

      Reply
    10. Amanda says

      September 22, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      Ohhh, I can't wait to try these! My toddler is going through that picky phase where she won't eat anything but somehow loves McDonald's. Maybe she will actually eat this! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 24, 2020 at 12:56 pm

        Oh, I hope your little girl likes these - much healthier than fast-food chicken nuggets.

        Reply
    11. Dee | Grammy's Grid says

      September 22, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 16.

      Reply
    12. Beth says

      September 23, 2020 at 5:13 am

      5 stars
      These look so tasty and such a great alternative to take-out nuggets. I also don't use corn or vegetable oils, but in playing with my new-ish air fryer I've been using avocado oil spray since it has such a high smoke point - I'd likely cook these nuggets that way.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 23, 2020 at 10:48 am

        I would love to hear how these turn out, especially if you make the grain-free nuggets in the air fryer. I do not own one but fellow readers would love to know your works out. Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Barbara says

      September 23, 2020 at 8:17 pm

      Sounds and looks scrumptious!

      Reply
    14. Cindy Mailhot says

      September 25, 2020 at 7:58 am

      Looks yummy. I love that it is grain free.

      Reply
    15. Beth Shields says

      September 29, 2020 at 9:55 am

      These look great and I love the use of the parmesan cheese and almond flour. Great way to keep it low carb! Thanks for sharing. Look delicious.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 30, 2020 at 8:19 pm

        You are welcome and I hope you enjoy the chicken nuggets recipe.

        Reply
    16. Tera says

      September 29, 2020 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      Prefect! Now I can make an easy chicken nugget meal everyone in the family can eat!

      Reply
    17. Leah says

      September 29, 2020 at 7:59 pm

      Fast food chicken nuggets really gross me out, like I want to know what the chicken looked like before it was covered and fried. I think these chicken nuggets would easily taste better and I’m loving that you’ve added parmesan cheese! Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 30, 2020 at 8:18 pm

        Yes, no mystery what is in these chicken nuggets. Just great real ingredients!

        Reply
    18. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

      September 30, 2020 at 3:13 am

      5 stars
      I love homemade nuggets and these were so good! They were a hit in my house Angela!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 30, 2020 at 7:49 pm

        I am glad the homemade chicken nuggets were a hit. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.

        Reply
    19. LaRena Fry says

      September 30, 2020 at 8:39 pm

      5 stars
      Love that this is a grain-free recipe. Chicken nuggets is a classic kid favorite. Even adults like them too. Yum!

      Reply
    20. saif says

      September 30, 2020 at 9:47 pm

      5 stars
      I love fried chicken nugget. It is so easy yet delicious. One of my favorite fried food. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    21. Ai says

      October 02, 2020 at 5:44 am

      5 stars
      YUM! I bet these would be so delicious with your hot honey!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        October 02, 2020 at 8:54 am

        They absolutely are!

        Reply
      • Angela says

        October 02, 2020 at 8:54 am

        They absolutely are!

        Reply
    22. Lathiya says

      October 07, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      The chicken nugget looks yummy. Can't wait to try.

      Reply
    23. Mary says

      February 15, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      Crunchy but without wheat is finally achieved. I have been using almond flour before it was bland and not really crispy. The parmesan was what I was missing. So excited to have this recipe for regular meals.

      Reply

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