If you’re craving a crispy, carnivore-friendly alternative to regular fried chicken, these Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips are the perfect solution! This recipe uses pork cracklings to create a rich and crunchy breading, making it a great choice for those following the carnivore diet.
How to Make Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips
Step 1: Make the Breading
First, I prepare the breading. I take the pork cracklings and blend them until they reach the consistency of an oily powder. You can also use pork rinds if you prefer, but I found that pork cracklings give a thicker, crunchier coating.
Once blended, I place the pork crackling powder into a medium-sized bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Strips
Next, I cut chicken thighs into strips. I like to cut mine into strips that are about 4 inches long and 1/2 to 1 inch wide, but you can adjust the size to your preference.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
Now it’s time to coat the chicken strips. I beat two eggs in a small bowl and dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture. After that, I immerse the coated chicken into the pork crackling powder, rolling it around until it’s fully coated with a thick layer. The powder should stick easily and form a nice, oily coating on the chicken.
For an extra crispy layer, I like to sprinkle on a bit more pork crackling powder after the first coat. The breading should be thick, so don’t be shy with the powder!
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Strips
I place the coated chicken strips on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and salt them liberally. Then, I bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, I flip the strips over and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
The coating should be hard to the touch and crispy once they’re finished baking. For a quicker option, I made these in my air fryer, and the same time and temperature worked perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips are done, I serve them up with some Onion-Free Guacamole, Honey Mustard, or Duck Fat Ranch Dressing for dipping. They make a delicious, low-carb meal or snack that’s both crispy and satisfying!
If you plan on saving them for later, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for 2-3 days.
Tips to Make the Best Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips
- Thick breading is key! Make sure the pork crackling powder is nice and thick. The combination of pork skin and fat creates a perfect oily powder that adheres well to the chicken. I always make sure to coat the chicken well and even add an extra layer of powder to ensure it’s as thick and crunchy as possible.
- Pork rinds work in a pinch, but for the best result, I recommend using pork cracklings. The thicker texture of the cracklings gives a superior coating.
These Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips are a great addition to your list of carnivore chicken recipes. Enjoy them as a snack, meal, or dip them in your favorite sauces for a satisfying treat!
