Hearty Chicken Keto Nuggets: A Healthy Low-Carb Option

A Brief History of Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets were first mass produced in the 1950s following innovations in processed meat technology. The first commercially sold frozen nuggets were marketed by Tyson Foods in 1983. These traditional breaded chicken nuggets became fast food staples.

Low-carb diets like keto later surged in popularity due to growing health concerns. To meet demand, companies and home cooks found ways to reimagine traditionally breaded chicken foods like nuggets to fit into clean eating plans.

The Rising Popularity of Keto Chicken Nuggets

Over the past decade, recipe sites, nutrition blogs and low carb food brands have responded to the high demand for keto-friendly nuggets. Making baked, broiled or air fried chicken nuggets with low-carb ingredients like almond flour has become common. Their great taste and macro-friendly nutrition make keto nuggets favorites among health-conscious home cooks.

Benefits of Keto Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets made with keto-approved ingredients offer these benefits:

High Protein

- Chicken provides lean, satiating protein

Low Carb

- No starchy coatings or fillers

Healthy Fats

- From avocado oil spray or olive oil

Kid Friendly

- Fun shape and mild flavor for picky eaters

How to Make Keto Chicken Nuggets

This easy homemade recipe delivers all the fun of chicken nuggets in a low carb way:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast, diced or ground
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Mix chicken, almond flour, eggs and seasonings until a thick batter forms.
2. Shape chicken mixture into nugget sized pieces.
3. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet sprayed with avocado oil.
4. Bake at 425F 15-18 minutes until cooked through.

Cooking and Serving Tips

For the perfect keto chicken nuggets, follow these tips:

• Use chicken breast or ground chicken thigh.
• Shape nuggets evenly for even cooking.
• Flip halfway through baking.
• Pair with low carb ranch, barbecue sauce, etc.
• Store baked nuggets in fridge for 5 days or freezer for 2-3 months.

Kid Pleasing Keto Nugget Meals

Keto nuggets make family meals easy. Serve with:

Sides

- Roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, zucchini fries

Dips

- Ranch, ketchup, honey mustard

Add-Ons

- Cheese, avocado, low carb marinara sauce

Conclusion

These hearty chicken keto nuggets prove you don't have to miss out on fun kid-friendly foods on a low carb diet. Baked with healthy ingredients, they satisfy cravings and deliver ample nutrition. Make a batch for quick protein-packed meals!

FAQs

Can you bread keto nuggets?

Yes, pork rind crumbs or almond flour breading can be used. But baking plain is often easiest.

Do keto nuggets need a binder?

The eggs act as a binder to help the nugget mixture hold its shape when baked.

How long do baked keto nuggets last?

They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and can be frozen for 2-3 months.

What's the best oil for baking keto nuggets?

Avocado oil has a high smoke point best for baking. Olive oil is also good.

Can almond flour be swapped for coconut flour?

Yes, you can use coconut flour 1:1 for almond flour in this recipe if desired.

Kid-approved and nutritionist-approved, these hearty baked chicken keto nuggets please the whole family. Enjoy guilt-free!