There aren’t many things better than a hot, crispy, juicy, chicken sandwich accompanied by fries at the end of a long day. Chick-fil-A used to satisfy that craving EVERY time for me, but since I made the switch to keto, I’ve been missing it. Obviously, I don’t want to have to miss out on my favorite foods because of my lifestyle change – so after a lot of trial and error, I’ve perfected my keto Chick-fil-A copycat recipe! These sandwiches are truly a family favorite in my house and I’m sure they will be yours too.
The key ingredient in any crispy fried chicken recipe is the flour dredge – it’s what gives it that delicious crunch and flavor. I used a mix of lupin flour and protein powder in place of AP flour to ketofy this recipe – and it worked SO well. I’m literally drooling just thinking about it!
This recipe took several attempts to perfect; I’ve tried with coconut flour, but it burns too fast, almond flour is too gritty, lupin flour on its own has a bit of a bitter taste, and just protein powder will put you over your daily protein limit. The key to lupin flour is to mix it with another flour/other flavors to mask that bitterness. I used a mix of lupin flour and protein powder, and it gives the chicken that delicious, crunchy exterior that I was craving.
This sauce is SO delicious and so easy – most of the ingredients are basic pantry staples that you already have lying around. I use Pyure sugar-free honey. I use this https://amzn.to/3eDjXZm, but you can use also use sugar-free maple syrup like this one https://amzn.to/3mXWEwc to give the sauce that delicious sweet flavor and to help cut some of the spice from the chicken. As always, you can adjust any of the spice levels to your liking!
Sure you can use any kind of keto/low carb bread of choice. I like to make buns once a week because I am gluten intolerant and commercially baked goods have wheat gluten in them. which means I can’t eat them. Here’s the recipe link to the buns https://ketowithmona.com/2020/09/07/easy-keto-bread/
Keto/ Low Carb/ Gluten-Free Copycat Chick-Fil-A Deluxe Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 chicken breast
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup water
- For the sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp mustard I like spicy brown but yellow works well.
- 1 tsp sugar free BBQ sauce https://amzn.to/38mrjzx
- 2 tsp sugar free honey or maple syrup https://amzn.to/3mXWEwc https://amzn.to/3l94jHR
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp lemon juice
For the Dredge
- 1/2 cup lupin flour https://amzn.to/3l4vmnv
- 1/4 cup flavorless protein powder https://amzn.to/3p7EbPT
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2-1 tsp cayenne pepper you can use more or less to your taste
- 1 egg beaten with salt & pepper
- coconut or avocado oil for frying
- 2 keto buns https://ketowithmona.com/2020/09/07/easy-keto-bread/
- 2 slices melting cheese
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 2 tomato slice
- pickles
Instructions
- Slice the chicken in half
- Add the pickle juice and water in to a container along with the chicken
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Meanwhile, whisk all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate
- In a shallow container, combine the lupin flour, protein powder and all the spices
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with salt & pepper
- Drain the chicken, coat it in egg and dredge in the flour
- Place the chicken back in the egg and then the flour again
- Rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes
- Heat the oil in a heavy bottom pan or dutch oven
- Fry the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side
- Remove and place on wire rack
- Add the cheese slices on the hot chicken
- Toast the buns with butter
Assembly
- Spread the sauce on the undersides of the buns
- Add pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, and then the top bun
- Serve immediately