I’ve always loved chicken nuggets, but the carb count always stressed me out, and I can’t be the only one. Then I tried this mary-hail of a recipe for low-carb carnivore baked chicken nuggets, and I feel accomplished!
These nuggets are just as crispy and flavorful as the classic version, but without all the guilt. Plus, like most of my recipes, they’re surprisingly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch whenever you’re craving a satisfying snack. (I just finished prepping one and I cannot wait to bake after wrapping this blog up).
What’s deliciously unique about this recipe is that it uses ground chicken and parmesan cheese as the base instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps the carb count way down while making the nuggets high in protein, a win-win! And to add even more flavor, the recipe uses a variety of spices you probably already have in your pantry.
But wait! I forgot to call-out my favorite type of audience for this treat. MOMMIES!
Because this is going to free you from dreading the dreaded “what’s for lunch” question, followed by a tantrum to get junk-food on the way to school. These low-carb carnivore baked chicken nuggets will be your lifesaver! I’d often use cookie cutters to shape them into stars, dinosaurs, or even little hearts, making lunch time a fun and exciting experience for my kids.
If you’re looking for not just healthy, but a creative and easy dish to satisfy your family’s cravings on a lazy evening or a midnight snack, look no further.
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1- Food Dehydrator
Ideal for making homemade beef jerky, biltong, or dried meats.
Recommended Product: Nesco Snackmaster Pro Dehydrator.
2- Meat Slicer
Perfect for cutting precise slices of meat for jerky or snacks.
Recommended Product: Chef’sChoice Electric Meat Slicer
3- Vacuum Sealer
Keep homemade carnivore snacks fresh for longer.
Recommended Product: FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine.
4- Cast Iron Skillet
Great for searing meats or frying up crispy snacks.
Recommended Product: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet.
5- Air Fryer
Quickly cooks crispy snacks like pork rinds or chicken wings.
Recommended Product: Instant Vortex Air Fryer
6- Meat Grinder
Allows you to grind your own meat blends for fresh carnivore snacks.
Recommended Product: KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder Attachment (if you own a KitchenAid mixer).
7- Jerky Gun
- Simplifies making uniform strips or sticks of jerky.
- Recommended Product: Cannon Meat Gun Stainless Steel Jerky Gun.
8- Heavy-Duty Cutting Board
Essential for prepping meats safely and efficiently.
Recommended Product: Extra-Large Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove.
9- Sharp Chef’s Knife
A high-quality knife is indispensable for slicing and trimming meats.
Recommended Product: Stahl 19 Piece High Carbon Exclusive German Steel Knife.
10- Meat Thermometer
Ensures meat is cooked to the right temperature, especially for recipes like baked pork rinds or meat chips.
Recommended Product: ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer
11- Tallow or Fat Render Kit
Great for rendering your animal fats for snacks or frying.
Recommended Product: Stainless Steel Fat Separator.
These tools can enhance the experience of preparing, storing, and enjoying carnivore snacks while aligning with the carnivore diet’s simplicity.
Ingredients
1. Chicken
This goes without saying that the main ingredient of this recipe is chicken, but it should be ground. I prefer grinding my chicken at home instead of getting the market processed one.
2. Eggs
Eggs are what hold these nuggets together, the universal food binder ensuring that the mixture stays cohesive even after cooking. I remember one time when I was out of eggs, and I tried using flax eggs as a substitute. It was a total disaster! Sounds dumb right? But that’s how you learn to cook.
3. Cheese
I use both, parmesan and mozzarella cheese for this recipe. Parmesan is a personal choice that adds a delightful crunch to these nuggets. Plus, I love the sharp, tangy flavor of Parmesan.
Mozzarella, on the contrary, is a must-have because it adds a gooey, cheesy center to these nuggets. It melts beautifully, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the crispy exterior. Mozzarella is truly the best cheese for this recipe.
4. Spices
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, and Salt! This power combo works together to create a complex flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly spicy. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s important to taste your food as you go and adjust the salt accordingly.
Recipe
In a large bowl, combine all these ingredients. I like to use my hands to really get in there and mix everything together. It’s a bit messy, but it’s worth it. Once everything is well-combined, form the mixture into bite-sized nuggets.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together some more Parmesan cheese, potato starch for that perfect crunch, a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky flavor, and some dried parsley for a touch of freshness.
One time, I forgot to add the potato starch, and let me tell you, it was a disaster! The nuggets turned out soft and mushy. So, don’t skip this step!
I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Place the breaded nuggets on the sheet, making sure they’re not too crowded.
Pop them into a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving. I like to serve these low-carb chicken nuggets with a side of my favorite dipping sauce, like a spicy ketchup or a creamy ranch dressing.
Saucy Pairings
I’m a big believer that the right dipping sauce can elevate any dish, and I have a few favorites to share that you can easily whip up at home, and it doesn’t involve ketchup:
Spicy Mayo: This tops my list and I make it by mixing mayonnaise and yogurt in equal parts with a pinch of freshly ground garlic cloves. Mix them together and you have a fiery dip that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
Avocado Crema: This creamy, dreamy dip is made with avocados, lime juice, and a touch of spice. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of healthy fat with their crunch.
Zesty Ranch: A homemade ranch dressing, made with Greek yogurt, mayo, herbs, and spices, is a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought ranch.
Tips & Tricks
Tip # 1 – Creative & Healthy Coatings
Tired of the same old breadcrumb coating? Experiment with different options like crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or even crushed tortilla chips. These alternatives add unique textures and flavors to your nuggets.
Tip # 2 – Extra Crunch
To get an extra crispy coating, dip your nuggets in the wet mixture, then roll them in the dry coating, and dip them back in the wet mixture before rolling them in the dry coating again.
Tip # 3 – Airfryer
For a healthier and quicker cooking method, try air frying your nuggets. They’ll come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
FAQs
Can I fry these nuggets instead of baking them?
While frying can add extra crispiness, baking is a healthier option. However, if you must fry, use a light, neutral oil and fry for a short time.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan cheese adds a unique flavor and nutritional boost, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
How can I make these nuggets gluten-free?
Ensure that all ingredients, including the breading, are gluten-free. Look for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for any dipping sauces.
Carnivore Baked Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese for coating
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- ½ teaspoon paprika for coating
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley for coating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, eggs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
- With your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized nuggets.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the parmesan cheese, potato starch, paprika, and dried parsley. Dredge each chicken nugget in the coating mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Place the breaded nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as spicy ketchup or ranch dressing.
