Keto Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Keto Fried Chicken Tenders offer a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional fried chicken without the carbs. Marinated in dill pickle juice and coated with a crunchy pork panko crust, these tenders are perfect for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Ingredients
- 8 chicken tenderloins
- 24 oz jar dill pickles (use only the juice)
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups pork panko
- Avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken tenderloins into a food container and pour the pickle juice over them. Close the lid and shake well to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the pork panko into a third bowl.
- Step 5: Remove each chicken tenderloin from the pickle juice. Coat it first with the almond flour mixture, then dip it into the whisked eggs, and finally press it into the pork panko. Repeat with all the tenderloins.
- Step 6: Pour about 2 inches of avocado oil into a pan and heat over medium-high until hot. You’ll know it’s ready when a pinch of the leftover almond flour mixture sizzles upon contact.
- Step 7: Carefully place the coated chicken tenderloins into the hot oil. Fry for 3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: Remove the tenders from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite low-carb sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, try double-dipping the tenders in the egg and pork panko before frying.
- Swap pork panko with crushed pork rinds if you prefer an even lower carb coating.
- Use other seasoning blends like Cajun or Italian herbs to change up the flavor.
- Marinating longer enhances tenderness and tanginess from the pickle juice.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of pork panko?
Regular bread crumbs contain more carbs and are not keto-friendly, so pork panko or crushed pork rinds are better low-carb alternatives.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in pickle juice?
While optional, marinating in pickle juice adds moisture and a tangy flavor that makes the chicken more tender and flavorful.
PrintKeto Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Keto Fried Chicken Tenders are a low-carb, high-protein delight perfect for keto and low-carb diets. Marinated in dill pickle juice for tangy flavor, coated with a crispy almond flour and pork panko crust, and fried in avocado oil for a golden, crunchy exterior, they make a delicious and satisfying meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
- Yield: 8 chicken tenders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 chicken tenderloins
- 24 oz jar dill pickles (use only the pickle juice)
Coating Mix
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Others
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups pork panko
- Avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins into a food container and pour the pickle juice over them. Close the lid and shake the container to ensure all pieces are coated. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare Coating Mixtures: In a small bowl, mix together almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, pour in the pork panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat Chicken: Set the three bowls in a line for easy assembly. Take each marinated chicken tenderloin and first thoroughly coat it with the almond flour mixture. Then dip it into the whisked eggs, ensuring it is fully covered. Finally, coat it evenly with the pork panko crumbs. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders.
- Heat Oil: Pour enough avocado oil into a pan to cover about 2 inches depth and place it over medium-high heat. Heat the oil until it reaches the frying temperature; test by dropping a pinch of the almond flour mixture into the oil—it should sizzle and fry immediately.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken tenderloins into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are evenly golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and drain on paper towels if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use avocado oil as it has a high smoke point ideal for frying.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Pork panko is a low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs suitable for keto diets.
- These tenders can be paired with sugar-free ranch, buffalo sauce, or a garlic aioli for extra taste.
Keywords: Keto fried chicken, low carb chicken tenders, keto recipes, fried chicken, keto dinner, gluten free fried chicken

