If you’re eating healthy but craving a tub of the Colonel’s finest, we’ve got you covered with this Low Carb Copycat KFC Chicken recipe seasoned with 11 herbs and spices just like the original recipe!

Low Carb Breaded Chicken Recipe

I’ve hit that point with healthy eating where often when I indulge in some unhealthy food that I used to love, it doesn’t taste anything like what I remember!

Does that happen to you?

Recently, I was at a potluck and one of the parents brought a giant tub of KFC. It looked and smelled amazing, so I decided that I was going to let myself have some rather than feel deprived. 

But once I got past that golden, crispy skin… I wasn’t enjoying it.

I mean, the skin always was the best part, but I couldn’t even finish my piece – it was that bad.

So, for my next “treat meal” (because I don’t believe in “cheat meals”) I decided to attempt my own copycat, low-carb version of KFC chicken. This recipe is full of flavor and has that same glorious crunchy skin (thanks for a double coating in almond flour).

I felt so satisfied after this meal – and at 2g net carbs per piece, you can eat your KFC Keto Chicken and feel good about it!

I’ve included directions below for both fried KFC copycat chicken and Baked KFC Chicken, so pick whichever one is more in line with your health goals. (Hint: if you’re feeling lazy, go for the baked version.)

Crispy, juicy, low-carb “KFC” style chicken thighs with a double almond flour coating and 11-herb seasoning give you all the crunchy comfort of a bucket of fried chicken without the carb crash, perfect for a weeknight treat meal at home. With both fried and baked options and just 2g net carbs per piece, this easy keto-friendly chicken is a fast, family-approved way to satisfy those drive-thru fried chicken cravings while staying on track.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• All the KFC vibes, fewer carbs. You still get that iconic, herb-loaded crispy coating with only about 2g net carbs per piece so you can indulge without blowing your low-carb goals.
• Flexible cooking methods. You can fry it for maximum crunch or bake it for a lighter, hands-off option so it works for both “treat meal” nights and cleaner eating days.
• Simple ingredient list. It uses basic pantry herbs, almond flour, and chicken thighs, so you can skip specialty flours and complicated steps and still get big, nostalgic flavor.

What Makes This a Low Carb KFC Copycat?

Traditional KFC chicken is coated in wheat flour and deep-fried, which makes it high in carbohydrates and unsuitable for keto or low-carb diets. This version recreates the same flavor profile and crispy exterior using:

• Almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, dramatically reducing net carbs
• A homemade KFC-style seasoning blend, inspired by the classic mix of herbs, spices and peppery heat
• Oven baking instead of deep frying, for a lighter but still crunchy finish

The result is a baked “keto KFC” chicken that delivers familiar fried-chicken flavor and texture with a fraction of the carbs.

Why This Baked Chicken Still Gets Crispy

Almond-flour breading behaves differently than wheat flour, but with the right technique it can still form a crunchy crust in the oven. This recipe works because:

• The chicken is lightly coated in egg to help the breading adhere
• The almond-flour mixture includes spices and salt that draw out surface moisture
• A hot oven temperature allows the coating to toast rather than steam
• A light oil spray encourages browning without deep frying

The finished chicken should have a dry, golden crust that audibly crunches when sliced, while staying juicy inside.

How to Tell When It’s Perfectly Done

• The coating should look deep golden and matte, not pale or damp
• When tapped with tongs, the crust should feel firm and lightly brittle
• Cutting into a piece should release clear juices, not milky liquid
• You should hear a soft crackle as the crust breaks

Keto KFC Chicken FAQs

Low Carb KFC Chicken Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and nutritional info.

• Chicken thighs, deboned and cut into 2-3 pieces each – thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, and cutting them into 2–3 pieces each gives more surface area for crunchy coating.
• Almond flour – finely ground almond flour creates a golden, low-carb “breading” and double-coating gives you that thick, KFC-style crunch.
• KFC seasoning, to taste *recipe below
• Eggs
• Oil of choice – a neutral, high-heat oil (like avocado, refined coconut, or light olive oil) keeps the coating from burning and helps it crisp evenly when frying.

Homemade KFC Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt
• Thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Celery salt
• Black pepper
• Dried mustard
• Paprika
• Garlic salt
• Ground ginger
• White pepper

Tip: I like to triple the seasoning recipe and have it ready on hand for the next time I have a “fried” chicken craving. (This recipe is 100% accurate based on KFC’s actual sharing of the recipe.)

Easy Swaps and Variations

• Extra-Crunch Option: Replace half the almond flour with finely crushed pork rinds.
• Spicy KFC-Style Chicken: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.
• Air-Fry instead of Deep-Frying: Mist coated pieces lightly with oil and cook at about 375F until crispy and cooked through, checking around the 12–15 minute mark.
• Air-Fryer Finish: After baking, air-fry at 400°F for 3–5 minutes to intensify crispness.
• Dark meat budget-friendly swap: Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or bone-in thighs, adjusting cook time until an instant-read thermometer hits 165F.
• White meat swap: Use chicken tenders or breast strips if you prefer white meat, checking early so they don’t dry out.
• Add dips: Make it dairy-free and gluten-free as written and serve with keto-friendly dipping sauces like sugar-free BBQ or ranch for extra variety.
• Add a cheesy twist: Parmesan or 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.

How to Make Fried Keto KFC Chicken

To Prep: Place oil in a heavy pan or deep fryer and set heat to medium.

1. Mix the coating: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup almond flour with 1 teaspoon (or more, to taste) of the KFC seasoning.
2. Prep the egg wash: Crack the eggs into a second bowl and whisk for about 30 seconds until smooth.
3. Double-dredge the chicken: Coat each piece in the almond flour mixture, dip into the eggs, then return to the almond flour for a second coating. Work in batches as the almond flour will become wet and clumpy over time.
4. Cook until golden: Heat oil in a skillet, add 3 pieces of chicken at a time and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining chicken.

How to Make Baked KFC Chicken

To Prep: Preheat oven to 350F.

1. Mix the coating: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of the almond flour with 1 teaspoon or more of the KFC seasoning.
2. Prep the egg wash: Crack the eggs into a second bowl and whisk for 30 seconds.
3. Dredge the chicken through the almond flour mixture, then the eggs, then repeat through the almond flour.
4. Bake the chicken on a cookie sheet 15-20 minutes until an inserted thermometer reads 165F or the chicken is completely cooked through.

 Success Tips:

• Double-dredge properly: almond flour, egg, then almond flour again so the coating is thick enough to mimic classic fried chicken.
• Work in batches and refresh the almond flour mixture as it gets clumpy so each piece gets an even, crisp coating.
• Use a thermometer: whether frying or baking, pull the chicken when it reaches 165F so it stays moist but fully cooked.

Pin this Low Carb KFC Copycat recipe for the next time you need a “treat meal”:

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Yield: 10 pieces

Low Carb KFC Chicken Copycat

Print

A super simple step-by-step recipe for making KFC-style fried and breaded chicken that is low-carb friendly! This easy keto chicken recipe is a family favorite with finger-lickin' flavor!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, deboned and cut into 2-3 pieces each
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 3 teaspoons KFC seasoning, to taste
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups oil of choice

Homemade KFC seasoning:

• 2/3 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/3 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard
• 4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

1. Place oil in a heavy pan or deep fryer.
2. Set heat to medium and allow to heat as you prepare the chicken tenders.
3. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of the almond flour with 1 teaspoon or more of the KFC seasoning.
4. Crack the eggs into a second bowl and whisk for 30 seconds.
5. Dredge the chicken through the almond flour mixture, then the eggs, then repeat through the almond flour.
6. I had to do this in 3 batches as the almond flour gets wet and clumpy after a while (more so than all-purpose flour).
7. When the oil is hot, add 3 pieces of chicken at a time and allow to cook for 4-5 minutes each, until cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
8. Remove the chicken to a paper-towel lined plate or tray and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Notes

To bake the chicken instead of frying, bake at 350F on a cookie sheet 15-20 minutes until an inserted thermometer reads 165F or the chicken is completely cooked through.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring cups and spoon
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowls (for dredging)
• Cookie sheet or heavy stockpot/dutch oven

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 631Total Fat: 62gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 53gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 735mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 18g

This low carb chicken recipe is perfect for when you want to feel indulged yet stay on track.

For more delicious low carb chicken recipes, check out our Cheesy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken and Cauliflower or our Spicy Indian Grilled Chicken recipe.