Carnivore Crispy Popcorn Chicken Nuggets

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  • prep time

    prep time

    15 min

  • cook time

    cook time

    30 min

  • ready time

    ready time

    45 min

Carnivore Crispy Popcorn Chicken Nuggets

5 ratings

Popcorn chicken nuggets get their name from their bite-size appearance which makes them great for sharing or movie nights in! You can make this Keto carnivore recipe into strips for crispy goujons, or thicker cut nuggets for another variation, just adjust the cooking time accordingly as needed. This carnivore diet recipe serves 2 for a main (9oz per person), or 4-6 as an appetizer, and makes the ultimate party snack. Whoever said the carnivore diet is uninspiring hasn’t tried this carnivore chicken thigh recipe!

What can I serve these popcorn chicken nuggets with?

Serve alongside sour cream for a carnivore option, or mayo, Keto-friendly BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or ketchup if following a Keto diet.

What's the difference between pork scratchings, pork crackling, and pork rinds?

Pork scratchings, crackling, and rinds are all pretty similar but the main difference between them is their fat content and in the way in which they are cooked.

Pork Scratchings are made from pigskins and always have some fat under the skin. They are cooked once and result in a traditional meaty hard snack.

Pork Crackling is also made from pigskin and often has some fat under the skin, but usually less than pork scratchings. They are cooked twice which results in a lighter, bubblier version of a traditional pork scratching.

Pork rinds are made from the pigskin only and there is no fat. Pork rinds are also cooked twice, but at a higher temperature, resulting in a lighter, fluffier snack compared to pork crackling.

Pork crackling is commonly called "cracklins" in the US, and "oreilles de crisse" in Canada. You can use either of these pork snacks to make this recipe.

What chicken is best for this chicken nugget recipe?

This recipe calls for skinless and boneless chicken thighs as they hold so much flavor and are more moist in texture, but feel free to use chicken breast fillets if that’s what you have. Try to source organic chicken as this meat comes from animals that have been naturally fed and raised ethically, without drugs and hormones. This type of meat will always be healthier and more nutritious especially on a limiting carnivore diet.

  • Net Carbs

    0.3 g

  • Fiber

    0 g

  • Total Carbs

    0.3 g

  • Protein

    48 g

  • Fats

    32 g

491 cals

Carnivore Crispy Popcorn Chicken Nuggets

#1 Low Carb & Keto Diet App Since 2010

Track macros, calories, and access top Keto recipes.

Download on the App Store
Get in on Google Play

Ingredients

  • Chicken thigh

    Chicken thigh

    14 oz

  • Pork Scratching / Crackling (Salted)

    Pork Scratching / Crackling (Salted)

    6 oz

  • Raw egg

    Raw egg

    2 medium

  • Black pepper

    Black pepper

    0.13 tsp

Recipe Steps

steps 4

45 min

  • Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 400F/ 200C and line a baking tray with baking paper. Dice the chicken thighs into strips or nugget-sized pieces and place into a large bowl. Add the pork scratchings to a blender or food processor and blitz to an oily powder. Transfer the scratchings to a large bowl and stir through the black pepper. Pork scratchings are generally salted, but if yours are unsalted, add in ¼ tsp sea salt.
    Step 1
  • Step 2

    Beat the eggs in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Pour the eggs in with the chicken pieces. Stir to ensure every piece of chicken is coated.
    Step 2
  • Step 3

    With one hand drop in the egg-coated chicken chunks into the pork cracking powder. With the other dry hand, coat well each of the chicken pieces and place them onto the baking tray. Keep each of your hands dedicated to a bowl as this will prevent a build-up of batter on your hands. Repeat with all the chicken pieces and arrange across the baking tray.
    Step 3
  • Step 4

    Bake in the center of the oven for 15-18 minutes depending on the size of your nuggets then flip them over and bake for a further 12-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The coating should be crisp to the touch and crunchy when the chicken nuggets are done. Serve hot with sour cream or mayo and enjoy!
    Step 4

Comments 10

  • UpbeatArugula933136

    UpbeatArugula933136 3 months ago

    What can we use instead of pork crackling??

    • GrandAuntReeree

      GrandAuntReeree a month ago

      Pork King Good Pork Panko, ground up pork rinds... If you want the "breading" to crisp and crunch you have to use pork rinds. Almond flour or coconut flour might cost, but it changes the texture and flavor. And almond flour is notorious for flaking off during cooking.

  • Rocker76

    Rocker76 9 months ago

    Oh my goodness this was fabulous. Feel like I'm cheating

    • MirthfulRadish950892

      MirthfulRadish950892 a year ago

      Do you have to use parchment paper to keep them from sticking to the baking sheet?

      • GrandAuntReeree

        GrandAuntReeree a month ago

        Non stick Reynolds Wrap should work, too. Be sure to use the dull side!

    • LilacMom61

      LilacMom61 a year ago

      Very good recipe. I used pork rinds, and added a pinch of garlic powder and a pinch of paprika for a bit more flavor. Yummy!

      • Joys

        Joys a year ago

        So good! A family staple. Used ground chicken with this recipe to make the nuggets as well as chicken patties. Easy peasy and very yummy!

        • SplendidRadish653398

          SplendidRadish653398 2 years ago

          Honestly I quite liked these. Normally I hate pork rinds - I used Old Dutch pork rinds for this, and added garlic powder and paprika to the ‘breading’ mix. Barely got that pork rind flavour I hate… the final result felt like I used Panko crumbs.

          • DayBreak Lizzie

            DayBreak Lizzie 2 years ago

            These turned out really well - tender, juicy, and crispy on the outside. But I don’t care for the flavor of the pork crackling. I prefer the almond flour breaded nuggets. They were definitely quick and easy to make, though…😬

            • FavorableMacadamia154992

              FavorableMacadamia154992 2 years ago

              For chicken breading I use half pork rind half almond flour. Season breading as I used to using the old flour versions. These turned out great. No pork rind taste.