Easy Carnivore Diet Fried Chicken Strips
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Strips:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer darker meat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (this acts as the breading substitute)
- 1/4 cup finely ground pork rinds (for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for added flavor and crispiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- For Frying:
- 1 cup animal fat (like beef tallow or lard), or enough to cover the bottom of the pan
- 2 tbsp butter (optional for flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken:
- Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into strips of your desired size. A good size is about 1-inch wide, making them easy to fry and ensuring they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re using thighs, you can slice them similarly. Pat the chicken strips dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better.
- Set up the dredging station:
- In one shallow bowl, beat the two eggs. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, whisking until well combined.
- In another shallow bowl or plate, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, finely ground pork rinds, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken strips:
- Take each chicken strip and dip it into the beaten eggs first, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the Parmesan-pork rind mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it’s well-coated. Repeat for all chicken strips.
- Fry the chicken strips:
- Heat the animal fat (tallow or lard) in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough fat to cover the bottom of the pan, allowing the chicken strips to fry evenly.
- Once the fat is hot, carefully place the chicken strips in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook properly. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C), so use a meat thermometer if necessary.
- Add butter (optional):
- For extra flavor and richness, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of butter to the pan during the last minute of frying. This adds a nice buttery taste and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
- Drain and serve:
- Once the chicken strips are crispy and golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
- Serve and enjoy:
- These crispy carnivore-friendly chicken strips are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them on their own or with a side of your favorite carnivore dipping sauce (such as ranch, blue cheese, or a homemade mayo).
Tips:
- If you prefer to bake the chicken strips, you can place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden and cooked through.
- Feel free to experiment with the spices, such as adding cayenne for a spicy kick or some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
These Carnivore Diet Fried Chicken Strips are a deliciously crispy and satisfying meal, offering all the flavor and crunch you crave without any carbs! Enjoy this savory treat as a snack or part of a full meal.