Keto Omaha

Craving crispy, juicy fried chicken without the carbs? This Keto Chicharrón de Pollo is a Dominican-style fried chicken recipe, featuring golden, crunchy bites of marinated chicken, fried to perfection in a low-carb coating! Serve it with keto-friendly tostones (fried smashed zucchini), a simple slaw, or avocado salad for a true Caribbean experience.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

🍗 For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

🥚 For the Coating:

• 2 eggs (beaten)

• 1 cup crushed pork rinds (or almond flour for a softer crust)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)

🔥 For Frying:

• 1 ½ cups avocado oil (or coconut oil)

🍋 For Garnish & Serving:

• Fresh lime wedges

• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

• Keto-friendly dipping sauce (sugar-free garlic aioli or spicy mayo)

Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with lime juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

• Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).

2️⃣ Prepare the Coating:

• In one bowl, whisk eggs.

• In another bowl, mix crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, and baking powder.

3️⃣ Coat the Chicken:

• Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then coat with the pork rind mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a crispy crust.

4️⃣ Fry the Chicken:

🔥 Pan-Fry Method:

• Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F).

• Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown.

• Drain on paper towels.

🔥 Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F.

• Spray the basket with oil and place chicken in a single layer.

• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

🔥 Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Spray lightly with oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Plate Keto Chicharrón de Pollo with fresh lime wedges and cilantro.

• Serve with keto tostones (fried zucchini slices) or a side of slaw!

🔥 Pro Tip: Want extra heat? Drizzle with sugar-free hot sauce or add more red pepper flakes!

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 1/4 of the Recipe)

• Calories: ~450

• Protein: ~40g

• Fat: ~30g

• Net Carbs: ~3g