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High Protein Keto Chicken Crack Bites - Crispy, Cheesy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground chicken (1.5 pounds; 85–93% lean)
  • Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (1.5 cups)
  • Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened)
  • Large eggs (2)
  • Ranch seasoning (2 tablespoons; look for no-sugar-added)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Paprika or smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Almond flour or crushed pork rinds (1/3 cup; binder for texture)
  • Fresh chives or green onions (2 tablespoons, finely sliced)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Avocado oil or olive oil spray (for the baking pan)
  • Optional dips: sugar-free ranch, chipotle mayo, or buffalo sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly spray with oil.
  2. Cook the bacon. Pan-fry or bake until crisp, then cool and crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat if you want extra flavor in the mix.
  3. Soften the cream cheese. Let it sit at room temp 15–20 minutes or microwave in short bursts until just pliable. This helps it mix smoothly.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, almond flour (or pork rinds), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Add the wet and proteins. Add ground chicken, eggs, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and chives. If using, add the reserved bacon fat.
  6. Combine gently. Use a spatula or clean hands to mix until just combined. Don’t overwork or the bites can turn dense.
  7. Portion the bites. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide) onto the tray. You should get roughly 28–32 bites. Lightly flatten the tops for even browning.
  8. Bake. Place on the center rack and bake 14–18 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Optional crisp. For extra crunch, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  10. Rest and serve. Let them sit 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with extra chives and serve with your favorite keto-friendly dip.