Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you’re craving something crispy, savory, and indulgent—but you still want to stay on track with your health goals. You open your fridge, spot some chicken thighs, and think, “Can I really make something exciting with these again?” The answer is a resounding YES.
These carnivore fried chicken strips are your ticket to guilt-free comfort food that feels as indulgent as your favorite takeout, minus the carbs and all those mystery ingredients.
Secret Ingredient You’ll Love
Here’s the kicker—did you know that pork cracklings aren’t just zero-carb, but also packed with collagen?
That means these chicken strips don’t just taste amazing; they actually support your skin, hair, and joint health. Yep, fried chicken that doubles as self-care—who knew?
“Fried Chicken on a Carnivore Diet? No Way!”
I was skeptical too. When I first stumbled across the idea of pork crackling breading, I thought, “There’s no way this will work!” But one bite changed everything. The breading crisps up perfectly, creating a crunchy, golden coating that rivals (dare I say, beats!) traditional fried chicken.
Even my kids—my toughest critics—were obsessed. One of them even declared, “Mom, this is better than nuggets!” And in my house, that’s basically a Michelin star.
So, whether you’re here for the crunch, the collagen boost, or just an easy way to make weeknight dinners exciting, these carnivore fried chicken strips deliver on all fronts.
Trust me—your taste buds (and your family!) will thank you. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
Here’s why these carnivore fried chicken strips deserve a spot in your kitchen:
- Crispy Perfection Without the Carbs
Forget breadcrumbs—pork cracklings create a rich, crunchy coating that’s not only zero-carb but also packed with flavor. - Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
With just chicken, eggs, and pork cracklings, you’ll have a dish that’s easy to make but tastes like a gourmet treat. - Versatile Cooking Options
Whether you prefer baking, air frying, or deep frying, these chicken strips adapt beautifully to your kitchen setup. - Healthy Comfort Food
High in protein, full of satiating fats, and completely gluten-free, these strips are a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. - Family-Friendly
My kids adore these! They’re picky eater-approved and perfect for family dinners, snacks, or even meal prep for the week. - Collagen-Rich Goodness
Thanks to the pork crackling breading, you’re also sneaking in some collagen benefits—hello, stronger hair, skin, and joints! - Quick and Easy Cleanup
Minimal prep, minimal mess, and maximum flavor. What more could you ask for?
If you’re craving something crispy, satisfying, and perfectly carnivore-friendly, this recipe checks all the boxes. 🐔✨
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: Tender thighs or lean tenders work equally well.
- Pork Cracklings: Blended into a fine, oily powder for the breading.
- Eggs: Act as the binder to ensure a thick breading layer.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor of the breading and chicken.
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Onion-Free Guacamole
- Honey Mustard
- Duck Fat Ranch Dressing
How to Make Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips
Making these low-carb chicken strips is straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort.
Prepare the Breading:
- Blend pork cracklings or pork rinds into a fine, oily powder. This serves as your breading. Cracklings yield a thicker crust, making them the ideal choice.
Cut the Chicken: - Slice the chicken thighs or tenders into strips approximately 4 inches long and ½–1 inch wide.
Bread the Strips: - Dip each chicken strip into the pork crackling powder, then into a beaten egg mixture, and back into the crackling powder. Coat generously for a thick, crunchy layer.
Cook Your Strips: - Oven Method: Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20 minutes. Flip, then bake for another 20–25 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, flip, and air fry for an additional 20 minutes.
- Deep Fryer Option: Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Pair with your favorite carnivore-friendly dipping sauces or eat them plain for a satisfying snack or meal.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips:
- Fridge-Friendly:
Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful while the coating retains its crunch. - Freeze for Later:
Want to meal prep? Freeze cooked chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. - Reheat Like a Pro:
Skip the microwave—it’ll make the breading soggy. Instead, pop them into an oven or air fryer to bring back that irresistible crispiness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dip, Dip, Hooray:
Pair these crispy strips with carnivore-approved dips like onion-free guacamole, duck fat ranch, or even a tangy honey mustard. The flavor combinations are endless! - Carnivore Charcuterie Board:
Make them the star of a meat-lover’s platter by serving alongside bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy sausage bites. - Family Dinner Hero:
Add these to your dinner rotation as the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Pair them with roasted veggies (if you’re not strictly carnivore) or serve them on their own for a simple, hearty meal. - Snack Attack Solution:
Keep them on hand for quick, protein-packed snacks that crush hunger and keep you on track. - Meal Prep Magic:
These strips make excellent leftovers for lunchboxes or meal-prep bowls. Toss them in with some leafy greens for a salad or eat them straight from the fridge—they’re that good!
Whether you’re saving them for later or serving them fresh out of the oven, these carnivore fried chicken strips are a winner every time. The hardest part? Not eating them all at once! 🐔✨
Tips & FAQs
Can I use pork rinds instead of cracklings?
Yes! Pork rinds work as a substitute, but the coating may be thinner since cracklings provide more natural oils for a thicker breading.
What’s the best cooking method for this recipe?
All methods work well, but here’s a quick guide:
- Oven or Air Frying: Healthier options that yield an even, crispy coating.
- Deep Frying: Ideal for the crunchiest result but adds more fat.
Can I freeze these strips?
Absolutely! Once cooked, let the strips cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
How can I customize the flavors?
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the pork crackling breading. You can also season the chicken with garlic powder or smoked paprika before breading.
Health Benefits of Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips
- High in Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein that supports muscle repair and energy.
- Zero Carbs: Perfect for managing blood sugar and staying in ketosis.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: The pork crackling breading provides natural, satiating fats.
- Gluten-Free Fried Chicken: This recipe is completely free of grains or gluten, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions.
How These Chicken Strips Fit into Your Diet
These zero-carb fried chicken strips are perfect for carnivore, keto, and low-carb lifestyles. By using pork cracklings instead of traditional breadcrumbs, the recipe eliminates carbs entirely, making it a smart choice for those focusing on high-protein chicken recipes.
- Carnivore-Friendly: Focuses on animal-based ingredients only.
- Keto-Compatible: The high-fat, zero-carb profile aligns beautifully with keto macros.
If you’re seeking healthy fried chicken alternatives, this recipe checks all the boxes without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Crispy Thanksgiving Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips – Low-Carb Delight
Description
Crispy carnivore fried chicken strips are a low-carb, high-protein treat with a crunchy pork rind breading—perfect for keto and carnivore diets.
Ingredients
Optional Dipping Sauces:
Instructions
Prepare the Breading:
-
Blend pork cracklings or pork rinds into a fine, oily powder. This serves as your breading. Cracklings yield a thicker crust, making them the ideal choice.
Cut the Chicken:
-
Slice the chicken thighs or tenders into strips approximately 4 inches long and ½–1 inch wide.
Bread the Strips:
-
Dip each chicken strip into the pork crackling powder, then into a beaten egg mixture, and back into the crackling powder. Coat generously for a thick, crunchy layer.
Cook Your Strips:
-
Oven Method: Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20 minutes. Flip, then bake for another 20–25 minutes until crispy.
-
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, flip, and air fry for an additional 20 minutes.
-
Deep Fryer Option: Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
-
Pair with your favorite carnivore-friendly dipping sauces or eat them plain for a satisfying snack or meal.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Protein 27g54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
When I first whipped up these carnivore fried chicken strips, I wasn’t sure how my family would react. My husband, a die-hard fried chicken fan, raised an eyebrow at the idea of no breadcrumbs. But the moment he took his first bite, he nodded and said, “Better than the real thing!” My kids? They practically fought over the last strip, declaring it “way better than nuggets.”
That’s when I knew this recipe was a winner. It’s not just about the crunch or flavor—it’s about creating something the whole family loves while sticking to our healthy eating goals. 🐔❤️
