Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp canned unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup coconut or avocado oil for frying
- 1 cup pickle slices for serving
Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tsp coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- OPTIONAL: 1 1/2 tsp Monk Fruit syrup or maple syrup (not Whole30)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks and place them in a bowl. Pour in 1 cup of pickle juice, ensuring the chicken is submerged, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, beat together 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of canned unsweetened coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon of pickle juice. Set this mixture aside; it will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Mix the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat the Chicken Bites: Dip each marinated chicken chunk first into the egg mixture, then dredge in the almond flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Place the coated chicken on a separate plate. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1/2 cup of coconut or avocado oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken bites in a single layer without crowding the pan. Fry each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayo, 2 teaspoons coconut aminos, 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly. Optionally, add 1 1/2 teaspoons Monk Fruit syrup or maple syrup if not adhering strictly to Whole30.
- Serve: Arrange the chicken bites on toothpicks with pickle slices for easy eating and serve alongside the special sauce for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer not to fry, bake the chicken bites on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- For an air fryer option, cook the chicken bites at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- If you need a substitute for almond flour, use 1/3 cup coconut flour mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot flour as an alternative coating.
- The provided nutrition facts pertain only to the chicken bites, not including the special sauce or pickle slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto