This scrumptious Crispy Chicken Salad combines tender and juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a burst of refreshing flavors from the homemade dressing. Easy to make, this recipe is a salad experience that's completely irresistible.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You’ll Love this Crispy Chicken Salad
• 🛒 What’s in Crispy Chicken Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Crispy Chicken Salad
• Is Fried Chicken Allowed on a Low Carb Diet?
• What Kind of Lettuce is Best for a Fried Chicken Salad?
• How Many Carbs are in Crispy Chicken Salad?
• Can I Make the Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer Instead of Pan-Frying?
• What Other Vegetables Can I Add To This Salad?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Salads

❤️ Why You’ll Love this Crispy Chicken Salad

• Tender and juicy crispy breaded chicken
• Crisp romaine lettuce with fresh veggies
• Quick and easy sugar-free honey mustard dressing
• Hearty, filling and very satisfying
• Family friendly

Craving fried chicken, but want to stay on track with your low-carb goals? This recipe is the perfect answer! Pan-searing the chicken with a gluten-free coating creates a crispy exterior and locks in all the juicy goodness. The result is tender and incredibly flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with fresh, cool veggies.

While you can enjoy this delicious salad with any of your favorite sugar-free salad dressings, this includes a recipe for an easy, homemade honey mustard dressing. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this tangy and slightly sweet dressing gives this salad an explosion of flavor that you just won't get from any store-brought dressing.

Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch or simple weeknight dinner, you're going to fall in love with all the textures and flavors you get in every bite of this salad.

🛒 What’s in Crispy Chicken Salad

• Chicken breasts
• Almond flour
• Ground pork rinds
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic salt
• Smoked paprika
• Romaine lettuce
• Avocado
• Cherry tomatoes
• Baby cucumbers
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Parsley
• Olive oil
• Sugar-free honey
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet
• Mini chopper
• Salad spinner
• Food processor
• Salad bowl

🔪 How to Make Crispy Chicken Salad

To Make the Keto Honey Mustard Dressing

Add all of the dressing ingredients in the bowl of a mini chopper or immersion blender and blend until well combined and emulsified.  Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Tip: If you don't have a mini chopper, immersion blender or food processor, you can simply whisk the dressing together. I would whisk everything except for the olive oil, then slowly whisk it in at the end.

To Make the Keto Crispy Fried Chicken

Add the almond flour, pork rinds, parmesan cheese, dried parsley, smoked paprika and garlic salt to the bowl of a food processor and blend until finely ground.

Tip: If you don't have a food processor, you can whisk everything together in a mixing bowl instead.

Pour the breading mixture in a shallow bowl. Beat the egg in a second shallow bowl.

Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then into the breading, shaking off any excess.

Tip: Try to avoid pressing the chicken into the breading too much, you're only looking for a thin coating, not a super thick crust.

Heat a large skillet to medium, add in the oil and fry the chicken breasts for several minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

While the chicken is frying, prepare the salad ingredients.

To Assemble the Salad

Chop and wash the romaine lettuce, then dry it well. 

Add the lettuce in a large bowl or in 6 individual bowls.

Cut up your chicken into slices, then place them over the lettuce. 

Place groupings of the tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and avocado around the bowl.

Tip: Alternatively, you can arrange the ingredients in rows like in this Shrimp Avocado Salad, which also makes a nice presentation.

Spoon the feta cheese over the top and add in the parsley.

When you are ready to serve, pour the dressing over the top.

Is Fried Chicken Allowed on a Low Carb Diet?

Not all fried chicken is low in carbs, but this fried chicken recipe sure is! It is lightly dredged in a seasoned mixture of almond flour and ground pork rinds.

And the best thing is, with this recipe, it includes an amazing sugar-free honey mustard dressing that will make your mouth water.

What Kind of Lettuce is Best for a Fried Chicken Salad?

For this salad, you'll want to use a lettuce that is sturdy and has crisp leaves that hold up well with the chicken and dressing. Romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, baby spinach, or iceberg lettuce are great choices for a refreshing crunch and mild flavor.

How Many Carbs are in Crispy Chicken Salad?

The carb content of a fried chicken salad can vary depending on the breading and types of veggies you use. For this low carb crispy chicken salad recipe, there are 4 net carbs per serving.

Can I Make the Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer Instead of Pan-Frying?

You sure can! Here's an easy way to do it:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for frying chicken based on your model air fryer. This usually ranges between 375°F and 400°F.

Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure you don't overcrowd the basket.

Cook your chicken for the recommended time, usually around 15-20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway unless your model air fryer doesn't require that.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach a minimum of 165°F.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add To This Salad?

Have fun and play around with the veggies in the salad. Here are some great low carb options to consider:

• Spinach, shredded cabbage or kale (mixed in with the other salad greens)
• Shredded carrots
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets
• Zucchini slices or spirals
• Radishes
• Green beans (adds amazing flavor)
• Asparagus spears (diced small)
• Celery
• Artichoke hearts
• Sliced bell peppers

🍽️ More Healthy Salads

• Chopped Kale Salad
• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Chickpea Salad
• Smoked Salmon Salad
• Spinach and Arugula Salad