Today we’re going to make the most satisfying carnivore chicken strips you’ve ever tried. They are SO good!
These strips have a perfect crunchy coating made from pork rinds instead of regular breadcrumbs, making them completely carnivore friendly while still delivering that satisfying crunch we all love in fried chicken.
What makes this recipe special is how simple it is to prepare, using just a handful of ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store.
The pork rind coating creates an amazingly crispy exterior that locks in all the juicy chicken flavor, and you won’t even miss the traditional flour-based coating.
You can either bake or fry these chicken strips, depending on what works best for you. Both methods give excellent results, though frying will give you that classic golden brown color and extra crispiness.
This recipe is perfect for anyone following a carnivore diet who misses having crispy fried foods. Let’s get started!
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Crunch: The pork rind coating creates an incredibly crispy exterior that’s even crunchier than traditional breadcrumbs. When you bite into these strips, you get that satisfying crackle that’s often missing from carnivore recipes.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe only needs three main ingredients – chicken, pork rinds, and eggs. Most carnivore dieters already have these ingredients in their kitchen, making it an easy recipe to try without extra shopping trips.
Great for Meal Prep: These chicken strips stay crispy even after being stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for meal preparation. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy crispy chicken throughout the week.
Easy Method: The double-coating technique used in this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll get great results because the method is so simple.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 6 oz Pork Cracklings / Pork Rinds Crumbs (I recommend these pork cracklings – amazon)
- 1 Pound Chicken Tenders
- 2 Eggs (large)
- pinch of Salt (you can also use smoked salt)
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Blend the pork cracklings until they are powdery, or use pre-made pork rind crumbs. Place them in a medium bowl.
Step 2
Cut the chicken into even-sized strips.
Step 3
Beat the eggs in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 4
Dip each chicken strip first in the pork powder, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the pork powder again. Ensure they are very well coated with a thick, even layer.
Step 5
For baking: Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
For deep frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot. Carefully lower the coated strips into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels before serving.
💡Tips
1. The Coating Technique
The key to a good coating is to use one hand for the dry ingredients (pork rind crumbs) and the other for the wet (egg mixture).
This prevents your fingers from getting too gunked up and helps maintain a clean coating process. When coating, press the pork rind crumbs gently but firmly onto the chicken.
This helps ensure a thick, even layer that will stick during cooking. After coating each piece, let it sit on a wire rack for a few minutes. This will help the coating adhere stick to the chicken before cooking.
2. Cooking Method
Whether you choose to bake or fry, there are ways to ensure the best results. If baking, preheat your oven and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. For even browning, flip the strips halfway through cooking.
If frying, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can test this by dropping a small piece of the pork rind coating into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and lowering the oil temperature too much. After frying, let the strips drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
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FAQ
1. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers work great for these strips. Spray the basket lightly with oil, place the strips in a single layer (don’t overcrowd), and cook at 380°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. The air fryer gives them an amazing crunch, maybe even better than deep frying.
2. What kind of oil is best for frying?
If you follow the carnivore diet, tallow (beef fat) or lard (pork fat) are the best choices. These fats can handle high temperatures without breaking down and add great flavor.
Carnivore Fried Chicken Strips
Print RecipeIngredients
- 6 oz Pork Cracklings / Pork Rinds Crumbs (I recommend these pork cracklings - amazon link)
- 1 Pound Chicken Tenders
- 2 Eggs large
- pinch of Salt (you can also use smoked salt)
Instructions
- Blend the pork cracklings until they are powdery, or use pre-made pork rind crumbs. Place them in a medium bowl.
- Cut the chicken into even-sized strips.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl until well combined.
- Dip each chicken strip first in the pork powder, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the pork powder again. Ensure they are very well coated with a thick, even layer.
- For baking: Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.For deep frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot. Carefully lower the coated strips into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels before serving.