Are you craving the satisfying crunch of chicken fingers but watching your carb intake? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the juicy, crispy goodness of classic chicken fingers, without the guilt. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a delicious dish the whole family will love. Get ready to enjoy a healthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even when you're sticking to a low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
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Create the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
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Dip and Coat: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring they're fully coated. Then, dredge each strip in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken fingers from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce – a low-carb option like sugar-free ketchup or a creamy avocado dip works perfectly.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy chicken fingers. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or some dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
- Double the recipe: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger families or meal prepping.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Fingers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken Fingers: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Parmesan-only Coating: For a simpler version, omit the almond flour and just use grated parmesan cheese as the coating.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using 1 lb of chicken breasts and is an estimation, depending on portion size. Always consult a nutrition calculator for accurate values.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-7g
This low-carb chicken fingers recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, satisfying, and guilt-free dinner. This easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation! Enjoy!