Chicken nuggets are a family favorite, and this carnivore-friendly version offers a clean, delicious twist without any unwanted additives. Perfect for both kids and adults, these nuggets are made with pork panko for a crispy, flavorful coating.
Whether pan-fried in tallow or air-fried for convenience, this recipe ensures you can enjoy a protein-packed snack that’s easy to prepare.
How to Make Chicken Nuggets for a Carnivore Diet
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings for adults, 4 to 6 servings for kids
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1¼ cups pork panko
- Tallow or other heat-tolerant fat, for the pan
- Sugar-free ketchup or sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1- to 2-inch chunks and lightly sprinkle with salt. Be cautious with the salt, as pork panko is already salty.
- Place the whisked egg in a medium-sized bowl and the pork panko in another medium-sized bowl.
- Heat a thin layer of tallow in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip half of the chicken pieces in the egg, ensuring they are fully coated. Let excess egg drip off, then press the chicken pieces into the pork panko, coating evenly. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until crispy and golden, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Add more tallow to the skillet if needed between batches.
- Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite carnivore-friendly dipping sauce, such as sour cream or sugar-free ketchup.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 450°F on the air-fry setting.
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Nuggets
- Uniform Sizes: Cutting the chicken into evenly sized chunks ensures consistent cooking.
- Pork Panko Coating: For extra crispiness, press the pork panko firmly onto the chicken pieces.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, use the air fryer to restore the nuggets’ crispy texture.
Why These Nuggets Fit the Carnivore Diet
This recipe swaps traditional breadcrumbs for pork panko, making it grain-free and entirely carnivore-friendly. With a focus on clean, high-protein ingredients, these nuggets are both delicious and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Add Flavor: Mix a pinch of garlic or onion powder into the pork panko for extra depth of flavor if your diet allows.
- Side Pairings: Serve alongside bacon-wrapped asparagus or a dollop of whipped butter for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep: Double the recipe and store leftover nuggets in an airtight container for quick snacks or lunches.
These crispy, juicy chicken nuggets are a fantastic addition to your carnivore recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a snack, meal, or party dish, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. Give them a try today!
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Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 large egg whisked
- 1¼ cups pork panko
- Tallow or other heat-tolerant fat for the pan
- Sugar-free ketchup or sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1- to 2-inch chunks and lightly sprinkle with salt. Be cautious with the salt, as pork panko is already salty.
- Place the whisked egg in a medium-sized bowl and the pork panko in another medium-sized bowl.
- Heat a thin layer of tallow in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip half of the chicken pieces in the egg, ensuring they are fully coated. Let excess egg drip off, then press the chicken pieces into the pork panko, coating evenly. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until crispy and golden, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Add more tallow to the skillet if needed between batches.
- Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite carnivore-friendly dipping sauce, such as sour cream or sugar-free ketchup.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.