Description
Enjoy these delicious Chick-fil-A Bites that are Whole30 and Keto friendly. Tender chicken chunks marinated in pickle juice, coated in a flavorful almond flour mixture, and fried to crispy perfection. Served with a creamy special sauce, these bites make a perfect snack or appetizer with the option to bake or air fry for a healthier twist.
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 chicken into 1-inch chunks and place in a bowl with 1 cup pickle juice. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, beat together 1 large egg, 1 tbsp canned unsweetened coconut milk, and 1 tbsp pickle juice. Set aside; this mixture will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika. This seasoned coating adds flavor and crunch.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each marinated chicken chunk first into the egg mixture, then transfer to the almond flour mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Place coated pieces on a separate plate. Repeat until all chicken chunks are coated.
- Cook the chicken bites: Heat 1/2 cup coconut or avocado oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add chicken pieces without crowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Fry for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the special sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tsp coconut aminos, 1/2 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well until smooth. Optionally, add 1 1/2 tsp Monk Fruit syrup or maple syrup if not following Whole30.
- Serve: Place cooked chicken bites on toothpicks with pickle slices and serve alongside the special sauce for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer not to fry, bake the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet at 425°F for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Alternatively, air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- To substitute almond flour, use 1/3 cup coconut flour plus 2 1/2 tbsp arrowroot flour mixed together.
- Nutrition facts provided reflect chicken bites only, excluding the special sauce.
