What is Chicken Flour? Your Complete Guide to This Protein-Packed Ingredient

Ever wondered what that mysterious “chicken flour” ingredient is that you’ve been seeing in recipes lately? Well, you’re not alone! As more people explore alternative flours for both health reasons and culinary adventures, chicken flour has gained popularity, especially in the keto, low-carb, and carnivore diet communities.

I’ve been experimenting with different flour alternatives in my kitchen for years now, and chicken flour has been one of the most fascinating discoveries. So let’s dive into everything you need to know about this unique ingredient!

What Exactly is Chicken Flour?

Simply put, chicken flour (also called chicken powder or carnivore flour) is finely ground, dehydrated chicken meat. It’s basically chicken that has been thoroughly cooked, completely dehydrated, and then ground into a fine powder that resembles traditional flour.

Commercial dehydrated chicken powder is typically produced by first cooking chicken meat, then removing the moisture through various dehydration methods such as freeze-drying or spray drying. The resulting dried chicken is ground into a fine powder or flour.

Unlike regular baking flours like wheat or almond flour, chicken flour isn’t primarily used as a base for baked goods (though it can be!) Instead, it serves as a concentrated source of protein and nutrients that can be incorporated into various recipes.

How Chicken Flour is Made

Making chicken flour involves a fairly straightforward process, though it does take some time. Here’s how it’s typically done:

1. Cooking the chicken – The process begins with thoroughly cooking skinless, boneless chicken breasts until they’re completely cooked through and dry.

2. Dehydration – The cooked chicken must be dehydrated to remove all moisture. This can be done through:

   • Oven drying
   • Freeze-drying
   • Spray drying (for commercial production)
   • Dehydrator machines

3. Processing – Once fully dehydrated, the dried chicken is ground into a fine powder using a food processor, blender, or industrial grinders.

4. Refining – For the finest texture, the powder is often sieved to remove larger particles and processed again until a flour-like consistency is achieved.

It’s worth noting that chicken flour is almost always made from chicken breasts rather than other parts of the chicken This is because chicken breasts have lower fat content and moisture levels, making them ideal for dehydration without the risk of spoilage from fats becoming rancid.

Nutritional Profile of Chicken Flour

One of the most impressive aspects of chicken flour is its nutritional profile

Chicken flour is:

• Extremely high in protein (about 80% protein by weight)
• Virtually carbohydrate-free
• Low in fat
• Rich in B vitamins and minerals
• A complete protein source with all essential amino acids

When compared to other low-carb flours, chicken flour stands out for its protein content. Almond flour typically contains about 21g of protein per 100g, and coconut flour has around 20g per 100g.

Uses for Chicken Flour

Chicken flour is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways:

For Low-Carb and Carnivore Baking

• Carnivore bread (using just chicken flour and eggs)
• Crackers
• Waffles and chaffles
• Pizza crusts
• Chicken flour “pancakes”

As a Protein Supplement

• Added to smoothies
• Mixed into yogurt
• Incorporated into protein bars

As a Flavor Enhancer

• Substitute for chicken bouillon or stock
• Added to soups and stews
• Used in gravies and sauces
• Sprinkled on dishes for extra protein and flavor

For Breading

• Used to coat chicken, fish, or vegetables before frying or baking
• Mixed with spices for a protein-rich breading alternative

Chicken Flour vs. Other Protein Powders

While chicken flour might sound similar to protein powders you find at health food stores, there are significant differences:

• Chicken flour is made solely from chicken meat with no additives
• Whey protein comes from dairy and often contains sweeteners and flavorings
• Plant-based proteins (like pea or rice protein) are processed vegetable proteins

The main advantage of chicken flour is its purity – it’s literally just chicken, with no additives, fillers, or processing agents.

How to Store Chicken Flour

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of chicken flour:

• Keep in an airtight container with a good seal
• Store in the refrigerator for maximum freshness
• Can last up to 6 months when stored properly
• Always check for any off smells before using

Making Your Own Chicken Flour at Home

While you can purchase chicken flour commercially, many people prefer to make it at home. Here’s a simplified process:

1. Start with skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2. Cook thoroughly until dry and overcooked (this is one time you WANT to overcook chicken!)
3. Cool completely
4. Process in a food processor until pulverized
5. Spread on a baking sheet and dry in a 350°F (175°C) oven, removing every 10 minutes to mix
6. Continue baking and mixing until no more moisture vapor appears
7. Cool completely
8. Process again in a food processor and sift through a fine mesh sieve
9. For extra fine flour, process any larger pieces in a spice grinder

A good rule of thumb: expect to get about 1/4 the weight of chicken flour compared to the raw chicken you started with. So 28 ounces (800g) of chicken breasts will yield about 7 ounces (200g) of chicken flour.

FAQs About Chicken Flour

Is chicken flour the same as chicken bouillon?
No. Chicken bouillon typically contains salt, MSG, and other flavorings. Chicken flour is pure dehydrated chicken.

Can I use chicken flour as a direct substitute for regular flour?
Not exactly. Because it lacks gluten and has different properties, you’ll need to adjust recipes. It works best in recipes specifically designed for it.

How much chicken flour does a recipe usually call for?
This varies widely, but here’s a handy conversion: 1 cup of chicken flour weighs approximately 150 grams or 5.3 ounces.

Is chicken flour suitable for people with allergies?
It’s not suitable for those with chicken allergies, but it is gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free.

Where can I buy chicken flour?
While it’s still a niche product, some specialty low-carb and carnivore diet suppliers sell it online. Brands like Carnivore Crisps offer chicken flour, though many people prefer to make their own.

Recipes to Try with Chicken Flour

Here are a few simple recipes to try if you’ve got some chicken flour on hand:

Basic Carnivore Bread

• 1 cup chicken flour (150g)
• 4 large eggs
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Mix ingredients, pour into a loaf pan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Chicken Flour Crackers

• 1/2 cup chicken flour (75g)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• Seasonings to taste

Mix, roll thin between parchment paper, score, and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes until crisp.

Chicken Chaffles

• 1/4 cup chicken flour (35g)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons shredded cheese (optional)

Mix and cook in a waffle iron until crispy.

Conclusion

Chicken flour is a fascinating, protein-rich ingredient that’s becoming increasingly popular in low-carb, keto, and carnivore diets. Whether you’re looking to add more protein to your diet, reduce carbs, or just experiment with new ingredients, chicken flour offers a unique solution.

While it may seem unusual at first, the culinary possibilities are surprisingly extensive! I’ve found it to be an amazing addition to my kitchen toolkit, especially when I’m cooking for friends who follow specialized diets.

Have you tried chicken flour yet? I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions in the comments below!