Ingredients For the chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Ingredients For the waffles:
- 2 cups of almond flour
- 4 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Ingredients For the coating:
- 1/2 cup of protein powder (whey or pea)
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- Sugar-free maple syrup
- Butter
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix together the protein powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and coat each piece in the protein powder mixture.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, make the waffle batter. In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, cream cheese, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Cook the waffles according to the instructions of your waffle maker.
- Serve the crispy chicken with the waffles, butter, and sugar-free maple syrup.
Nutrition Information (per serving, without toppings):
- Calories: 705
- Total Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 284mg
- Sodium: 945mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 43g
Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the type and amount of toppings used.
Brining the Chicken for Extra Tenderness
One of the secrets to achieving perfectly tender and juicy chicken is brining it in buttermilk. By allowing the chicken to soak in a mixture of buttermilk and seasonings, the flavors seep deep into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. So, let the chicken marinate in the brine for a few hours or overnight before proceeding to the next step.
Creating Fluffy Waffles with Almond Flour and Cream Cheese
While the chicken is brining, it’s time to make the waffle batter. Our gluten-free waffles are not only fluffy but also packed with flavor. We use almond flour and cream cheese to give the waffles a delicate texture and a slightly nutty taste. Combine these ingredients with eggs, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract, and mix until you have a smooth batter.
Coating the Chicken with a Protein-Packed Mixture
To achieve that delightful crispiness in our fried chicken, we have a unique twist. Instead of using traditional breading, we coat the chicken with a mixture of protein powder and Parmesan cheese. This not only adds a delicious flavor profile but also ensures that our dish remains low carb and gluten-free. The protein powder adds an extra depth of flavor while the Parmesan cheese creates a golden and crispy coating.
Perfectly Cooking the Chicken and Waffles
Now comes the exciting part – cooking our chicken and waffles to perfection. We start by frying the coated chicken in a preheated skillet until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This gives the chicken its crispy exterior. To finish the cooking process, we transfer the chicken to the oven to ensure it is cooked through and stays moist.
While the chicken is in the oven, we cook our waffles using a waffle maker. The waffles will gradually turn a gorgeous shade of golden brown, and their fluffy texture will complement the crispy chicken perfectly.
Serving with Sugar-Free Maple Syrup for the Ultimate Flavor
To enhance the flavors of our crispy chicken and waffles, we serve this delectable combination with sugar-free maple syrup. The sweetness of the syrup perfectly balances the savory and crispy chicken, adding an irresistible layer of flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our ultimate recipe for crispy and gluten-free low carb fried chicken with waffles is a must-try for all food enthusiasts. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and fluffy, golden waffles is simply unbeatable. By following our step-by-step instructions, you can easily recreate this dish in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family. So, get ready to indulge in a savory and delicious meal that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of flour for the waffles?
- Yes, you can experiment with different flours, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and taste of the waffles.
- Can I use regular syrup instead of sugar-free maple syrup?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use regular syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
- While baking the chicken is an option, it may affect the crispy texture we aim to achieve. However, you can give it a try and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I use a different protein powder for the chicken coating?
- Certainly! You can use your preferred protein powder, but make sure it complements the flavors of the dish.
- Are there any alternative cooking methods for the waffles?
- If you don’t have a waffle maker, you can try cooking the batter in a pan as pancakes, although the texture will differ slightly.
