Popeyes Chicken And Keto: What You Need To Know

Popeyes is a fast-food fried chicken joint that has gained popularity for its delicious food. But is it keto-friendly? The short answer is yes and no. While their signature fried chicken is definitely not keto-friendly due to the batter and breading, they do offer some low-carb options that can fit into a ketogenic diet. These include their blackened chicken tenders, which are not breaded, and their green beans and bacon side dish.

Blackened chicken tenders are keto-friendly

The tenders are coated in a signature blackened chicken seasoning and then fried to perfection. Despite being fried, they are a breading-free option, so you don't have to worry about the carbs that come with breading.

The macros for the blackened chicken tenders are as follows:

• 3 pieces: 2 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fat, and 26 grams of protein
• 5 pieces: 3 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fat, and 43 grams of protein
• 10 pieces: 6 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 86 grams of protein

As you can see, the carb count remains low even as you increase the serving size. This makes it easy to fit an order of blackened tenders into your daily carb intake, regardless of how hungry you are.

When ordering keto at Popeyes, it's important to be mindful of what sides and sauces you choose to accompany your tenders. Green beans and bacon are a good low-carb side option, as they only have 4 grams of net carbs per regular order.

When it comes to sauces, it's best to choose those with lower carb counts and avoid those with added sugars. Some keto-approved sauces at Popeyes include blackened ranch dressing, buttermilk ranch, Mardi Gras mustard, and tartar sauce.

So, if you're following a keto diet and craving some fast food, don't worry—Popeyes has got you covered with their blackened chicken tenders!

Green beans and bacon are a good side

While fried chicken may not be the first thing you think of when looking for a keto meal, you can still enjoy a complete meal at Popeyes. The blackened chicken tenders are a keto meal option that the fast-food chain has to offer. These tenders are not breaded, making them suitable for a low-carb diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of thick-cut bacon
• 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• Salt to taste

Directions:

• Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and break or cut into crumbles. Set aside.
• Leave the bacon grease in the skillet and add the green beans, onion, garlic, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the green beans are tender.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the bacon.
• Serve and enjoy!

This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it's a flavorful and family-friendly side dish. Green beans and bacon are a tasty and healthy option that can be enjoyed as part of a keto meal.

Avoid fried chicken sandwiches

Fried chicken sandwiches are a big no-no if you're following a keto diet. The bread, the breading, and the bun will all kick you out of ketosis faster than you can say "carbs".

Fried chicken sandwiches are a triple threat to your keto diet.

Firstly, the breading on the chicken is a big no-no. It's usually made with flour, which is high in carbohydrates. Even if you remove some of the breading before eating, as some people suggest, it's still risky. Those carbs can add up quickly and ruin your whole day.

Secondly, the bun. Bread is definitely not keto-friendly, with its high carb content. Even if you're tempted to try a "keto bun", it's best to avoid it if you're on a strict keto diet.

Finally, the sandwich itself. Even if you manage to find a keto-friendly chicken patty, putting it between two slices of bread immediately makes it unsuitable for a keto diet.

If you're craving some chicken, there are keto-friendly options available at fast-food restaurants like Popeyes. The blackened chicken tenders at Popeyes are a great low-carb option. They're breading-free and have only 2-6 grams of carbs per serving, depending on the size. You can pair them with a side of green beans and bacon for a well-rounded keto meal.

When it comes to drinks, stick to unsweetened options like unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, or good old-fashioned water.

So, while you might need to avoid fried chicken sandwiches, there are still plenty of tasty keto-friendly options out there!

Avoid breaded chicken

While Popeyes is known for its fried chicken, it may not be the best place to go if you're on a keto diet. That's because their biggest draw, fried chicken, is battered, breaded, and high in carbohydrates.

However, if you're craving some fast-food chicken and want to stick to your keto diet, there are a few options at Popeyes that you can consider. But first, let's talk about what you should avoid.

When following a keto diet, it's important to avoid breaded chicken as it is typically high in carbohydrates. At Popeyes, this includes their classic menu items like fried chicken thighs, breaded chicken breasts, breaded chicken tenders, and their famous chicken sandwich, which is also served on a bun. These breaded options are not suitable for a keto diet and should be avoided.

So, what can you order at Popeyes if you're on a keto diet? Let's take a look at some alternatives.

Drink options include diet soda, unsweetened tea, and water

When it comes to drink options, you can't go wrong with a classic—diet soda. It's a well-known, reliable choice for those watching their carb intake, and you can find it at Popeyes. Opt for a Diet Pepsi or Diet Coke to satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugars.

If you're not in the mood for a soda, unsweetened iced tea is another excellent option. It offers a bit more intrigue than plain water but still keeps your drink choice on the healthy side. And if you're craving something warm, coffee is always an option—just be sure to sweeten it with stevia instead of sugar.

Water, of course, is always a healthy and refreshing choice, guaranteed to quench your thirst. So, whether you're pairing your meal with a drink or taking it to go, these options will help you stay on track with your keto goals.

Frequently asked questions