Crispy Fried Chicken without Flour | Easy Recipe

Crispy fried chicken without flour allows you to enjoy an old classic food in a new way, without any guilt! Made with wholesome, nourishing ingredients, you can eat this on its own, in sandwiches, salads, casseroles and much more!

I never even thought about making fried chicken for years! I wasn't sure what fats were healthy to fry in, or what healthy options were for coating the chicken. So I just wrote it off as something I couldn't make.

Then I saw someone else use shredded coconut for the breading and by then I knew what fats I was comfortable frying in, so presto! Now I can make tender, flavorful chicken with a crispy crust!

This recipe is as easy as any regular fried chicken, but you can eat it knowing it's actually nourishing your body, not destroying it. Plus the slight sweetness from the coconut complements the salty coconut flour coating and the savory chicken so nicely.

Eat this on its own, with your favorite dipping sauce, in a salad and more! It's really easy to find ways to use any leftover fried chicken.

I really enjoy it in a caesar salad with this healthy caesar salad dressing (I can't rave enough about this dressing recipe!!). It's fantastic for lunch the day after having fried chicken for dinner.

So, go ahead! Make it and indulge without any guilt.

Can You Fry Chicken without Flour?

Many of us are trying to reduce our gluten consumption. For me that's true, especially if I can't use sourdough or sprouted whole wheat.

You can use many gluten-free substitutes to bread your chicken. I found using coconut flour and shredded coconut particularly delicious, effective and the most healthy option, but you can also use corn starch, crushed cereal or small pork rinds (I did this once- amazing!!).

WHy Wouldn't you want to use flour?

All-purpose flour is ultra-processed, so much so that companies have to add synthetic vitamins back into it so it's fit for consumption.

Whether you use all-purpose or whole wheat flour, most wheat is also sprayed with nasty chemicals and those end up in the flour as well.

Wheat also contains an anti-nutrient, phytic acid, which prevents the body from absorbing vitamins and minerals. There's just no good reason to use regular flour unless it's organic and sprouted or soured!

Is Fried Chicken without Flour Healthy?

This recipe is made with wholesome ingredients and fried in healthy fat, so you can feel good about feeding it to your family!

Fried Chicken without Flour Ingredients

Chicken - Grass-fed, grass-finished chicken will be the healthiest option, but even storebought chicken is high in protein, niacin, selenium and contains smaller amounts of many other nutrients.

Tallow (or coconut oil/avocado oil) - Again, using tallow from grass-fed cows or sheep will be much more nutrient-rich. These animals lived happy, healthy lives, so their meat and fat is naturally healthier too! Grass-fed beef tallow is high in Vitamins A, D, K and E. It has a very high smoke point, so is a healthy (and delicious) choice for frying in.

Coconut oil and avocado oil are also healthy options for deep frying. Don't use vegetable oil or seed oil such as peanut oil, canola oil or safflower oil as these are hazardous to everyone's health.

Coconut flour - Gluten-free and high in nutrients, including fibre, protein, healthy fats and iron!

Shredded coconut - High in fat and protein and a few minerals, such as manganese, iron and copper. Coconuts also contain antioxidants which can help in the prevention of disease. They may also stabilize blood sugar and improve heart health!

Eggs - Packed with vitamins, calcium and zinc. Eggs can be considered a superfood because they are so perfectly designed to be a complete source of protein.

Seasonings - Sea salt, ground pepper, garlic powder and rice vinegar are all simple ingredients that add to the flavor of this dish. You could also add other seasonings if desired, such as onion powder or cayenne pepper for some kick.

Ways to use Fried Chicken

• On their own
• With your favorite dipping sauce
• In a sandwich or wrap
• Sliced in a salad (fried chicken caesar salad, anyone?!)
• In a favorite chicken casserole
• In a favorite chicken pasta dish
• Chicken quesadillas
• In fried rice

Can You Fry Chicken Thighs

You can use any piece of boneless chicken with this recipe and method as long as each of the pieces of chicken is about ½ inch thick or a little less.

White meat cooks faster than dark meat, however, chicken thighs are smaller in size than chicken breasts. Cook thighs for the recommended 3 minutes first, 2 minutes next, then check with a meat thermometer that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it's cooked all the way through.

Tools You May Need

Cast iron skillet

Tongs

Wire rack

How to Make Fried Chicken without Flour

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup coconut oil, tallow or avocado oil
• ½ cup coconut flour
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions:

Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, producing two thin cutlets. Hold the top corner on one side of the chicken and carefully slide the knife across. Each piece should be ½ inch thick or less.

Set out 3 shallow dishes.

Combine coconut flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in one dish. Whisk eggs and rice vinegar together in the second dish and put shredded coconut in the third dish.

Heat oil or tallow in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.

Coat chicken in flour mixture (shaking off any excess flour), then egg mixture, then shredded coconut.

Add two chicken cutlets to the hot oil in the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, flip with the tongs and cook another 2 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown.

Remove carefully with tongs and hold upright for a moment to allow excess oil to drip back into the skillet.

Set on cooling rack or a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels, then fry the rest of the chicken pieces in batches of two.

Deep Fryer Instructions

Set the oil temperature to 350°F. You'll know it's ready when you place the tip of a wooden spoon in the oil and you see bubbles. Add breaded chicken and don't overcrowd the fryer.

Cook for 3 minutes on the first side, then 2 minutes on the second side. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. This should result in juicy meat that's fully cooked.

How to Store Fried Chicken without Flour

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Adding a layer of paper towel to the container will absorb some moisture, however, the chicken still won't be as crispy as when it was first fried. Still delicious, though!

How to Reheat Fried Chicken

Fry in a pan to reheat, or bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Did you try this recipe? If so, I would really appreciate a 5-star rating and your comments below! Thanks!

Side Dish Ideas

• Baked French Fries
• Pan-Fried Asparagus
• Sauteed Kale and Spinach
• Garlic Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

More Main Dishes

• No Bake Shepherd's Pie
• Ham and White Bean Soup
• Creamy Chicken with Spinach
• Baked Pesto Salmon
• Butternut Squash and Sausage Casserole