Keto Chicken and Waffles – Low Carb

Keto Chicken and Waffles is a delightful twist with tender, crispy chicken thighs are paired with fluffy almond flour waffles, creating a savory-sweet combination that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Chicken and Waffles

Choose the Right Flour: Make sure you’re using blanched almond flour for the waffles. It has a finer texture and a less pronounced almond flavor than the coarser almond meal, making it ideal for waffle batter. If you don’t have almond flour, you could substitute with coconut flour, but the texture and taste may vary.

Season Well: The chicken is the star of the dish, so don’t skimp on seasoning! You’ll want to coat your chicken with a combination of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Double-Dip for Extra Crispy Chicken: For an extra crispy texture on the chicken, dip it first into the egg wash, then coat it with the almond flour and crushed pork rinds. You can also double-dip it for an even crunchier result!

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: It’s easy to overcook the chicken when you’re trying to get it crispy. To avoid dryness, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure the meat is cooked through without sacrificing juiciness.

What Type of Chicken To Use?

You can pretty much use any chicken piece, from boneless to bone-in, but here I am using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders.

Quick note: If you are using other chicken pieces then you may need to adjust the overall cooking time.

Ingredients to make the crispy fried chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
• Blanched Almond Flour
• Paprika
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Take three shallow bowls, place the almond flour in the first one and beaten egg into the other.
3. In the third bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the chicken pieces in almond flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and then coat in the seasoning mixture.
5. Place the chicken pieces to the baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through or until chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

How to Make Waffles if You Don’t Have the Waffle Maker?

Yes, you heard it right! You can make waffles without waffle maker, we will be using a grill pan, here’s how to make them:

• 1 batch of waffle batter
• Butter

Directions:

1. Heat the grill pan on medium heat and let it get really hot.
2. Brush the pan with butter and then spoon the batter and spread in evenly into a circle (or whatever shape you like)
3. Reduce heat to low to avoid burning on the outside and cook until it forms bubbles on the top and the edges look dry
4. Flip the waffle using a spatula and press down (with the back of your spatula) so that your waffle stick to the ridges in the pan
5. Cook for a few minutes or until done, transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve Keto Chicken and Waffles

This dish is perfect for any meal of the day! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve the chicken and waffles stacked high, with a drizzle of keto-friendly maple syrup or sugar-free honey.
• Pair with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh cucumber salad to balance out the richness.
• For a more indulgent option, top with a dollop of whipped cream (make sure it’s sugar-free if you’re keeping it low-carb) and some berries.

How to Store Keto Chicken and Waffles

If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

• Chicken: Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or a skillet to keep the coating crispy.
• Waffles: Waffle leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or waffle maker for that fresh, crispy texture.
• Freezing: You can also freeze both the waffles and the chicken. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make the waffles dairy-free? Yes! Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or ghee, and use almond milk or another dairy-free milk of your choice.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Can I make the waffles ahead of time? Yes, you can make the waffles ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat them before serving to get them crispy again.

4. What is the best oil for frying chicken? For frying, it’s best to use oils with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or coconut oil. These oils are not only keto-friendly but also ensure a crispy, non-greasy chicken.

5. Can I make these waffles in advance? Yes, you can prepare the waffles ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

Still Hungry! Try these other keto chicken recipes:

• Keto Chicken Tacos
• Low Carb Chicken Soup Instant Pot
• Low Carb Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
• Keto Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Final Thoughts

Keto Chicken and Waffles are a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved dish while sticking to your low-carb or keto diet. The combination of crunchy, well-seasoned chicken with fluffy waffles and sugar-free syrup is truly irresistible. With these simple modifications, you get all the flavors you love from the original recipe, but in a keto-approved version. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings!