As self-proclaimed waffle fanatics at PorkRinds.com HQ, we're always looking for ways to incorporate waffles into our diet. We've tried them with ice cream, syrup and even peanut butter; but the best way to enjoy these delicious treats is by pairing them with fried chicken.

This keto-compliant recipe makes for the perfect appetizer (or main dish), and you can't go wrong with all of your favorite Southern food staples in one.

What is Nashville Hot Chicken?

Nashville Hot Chicken is a Southern dish that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It consists of fried chicken (usually thighs or drumsticks) that's been marinated in buttermilk and then coated in a spicy seasoning blend. The chicken is then fried until golden brown and served with pickles and a side of hot sauce!

You can technically make this recipe with drumsticks, thighs, or wings; but we recommend using breasts because they're easier to chop into bite-size pieces! You may also want to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper if using breast meat because it won't absorb as much heat from the spice blend compared to darker meat options like leg quarters or wings.

Want a keto-friendly, made-from-scratch version of your favorite hot chicken recipe? We've got you covered.

The History of Nashville Hot Chicken

It is generally believed that the modern version of Nashville Hot Chicken was created in the 1970s by the owner of Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, a historic Nashville restaurant.

The dish has become popular among locals and tourists alike because of its unique flavor profile; it's been called one of America's most iconic regional foods.

Historically speaking, Nashville Hot Chicken is not compliant with low-carb diets. That's because the chicken is typically breaded in carbohydrate-dense flour.

How To Make and Eat Nashville Hot Chicken (The Keto Way)

Now that you're all set up and ready to go, it's time to cook!

First, grab your chicken breast and chop it into bite-sized pieces. You can do this by hand or use a sharp knife. Just make sure they're small enough to fit on a waffle quarter.

Next, dip the chicken in an egg wash and coat each piece with a keto-friendly breading made from pork rinds (crushed up), spices, and almond flour (blended together). This helps give the chicken its signature spicy coating while keeping everything nice and crispy when air fried.

Afterward, just air fry those bad boys until golden brown on both sides - about 5 minutes total should do it, depending on how thickly coated your chicken is and your air fryer size.

Next, we brush a delicious hot sauce mixture onto the fresh fried chicken.

We like to serve Nashville Chicken on a keto-compliant waffle. It makes a great finger food for tailgates, but there's nothing stopping you from turning this into a main course!

Where do I find Keto Waffles?

To simplify the recipe, we recommend purchasing a pre-made, keto-friendly waffle from your local grocery store. Oftentimes, these are available in the frozen food aisle.

More recently, grocery stores have begun carrying keto-friendly waffle mix that you can make and cook up on your own.

Feeling adventurous? They're are many keto waffle recipes available online to make your own, including our waffle recipe made from pork rinds.

Nashville Hot Chicken & Waffle Sliders Keto Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of Southern Recipe Small Batch Pineapple Ancho Chile pork rinds, crushed
• 2 skinless chicken breasts
• 24 keto waffles, cut into quarters
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp keto brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• Sliced pickles for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare two bowls to coat the chicken. In the first bowl, place egg, heavy cream, and hot sauce, and whisk until well combined. In the second bowl, combine Southern Recipe Small Batch Pork Rinds, and almond flour.
2. Cut each chicken breast into 4-inch pieces (the same size as the cut waffles) and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F.
4. Coat the chicken in the pork rind mixture, then egg mix, then back into the pork rind mixture, and place in the air fryer. Repeat until all the pieces of chicken are coated.
5. Air fry until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Cook times will vary depending on your air fryer.
6. In another bowl, combine cayenne, chili powder, garlic, and keto brown sugar, along with 1/2 cup of warm avocado oil. Stir well, then brush the mixture over the air-fried chicken pieces.
7. Cut waffles into quarters and then warm them. Top each one with a piece of chicken. Garnish with pickles.

Conclusion

These sliders are the perfect keto-friendly treat for your next party! They're full of flavor, easy to make and will have everyone asking for more.