Like all of my recipes, these Barbecue Kale Chips are a breeze to make, with only 5 ingredients. To assemble them you’ll need kale, olive oil, macadamia nuts, nutritional yeast, and Primal Palate Barbecue Rub.
My boys and I love kale chips. We’ve been making them for quite some time, since around 2008. My younger son and I worked on this Barbecue Kale Chips recipe for around a year, testing it dozens of times, perfecting it until it was just right. We were driven to create perfect kale chips. It’s been super fun working on recipes with him and collaborating in the kitchen with a teenager!
I’m so happy to share this recipe with you after all of your requests for savory paleo snacks and low-carb recipes. So many of us in this community are now following a low-carb diet, which is very helpful for neurological conditions. If you need more support be sure to check out my Keto Diet Recipes page.
- 1 bunch curly kale (around 8 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons macadamia nuts
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons Primal Palate Barbecue Rub
- Tear kale into 3" pieces, discarding stems
- Place kale in a large bowl
- Massage oil into kale
- In a food processor, pulse macadamia nuts, yeast, and seasoning until ground into a paste
- Massage seasoning into kale
- Spread out kale on a baking sheet
- Bake at 300° for 30 minutes until kale is dark green and crispy
- Cool
- Serve
I use curly kale in this recipe because it crisps up quite nicely. The nutritional yeast gives these keto kale chips a wonderful cheesy, tangy flavor, and the olive oil and macadamia nuts add a nice helping of fat.
The amazing barbecue flavor in this recipe comes from the Primal Palate Barbecue Rub. I love this rub because its intense flavor is so delightful. I haven’t tried making Barbecue Kale Chips without this rub so not sure if, or how that would work. If you do experiment with creating your own flavor profile, or swapping out any of the other main ingredients please let us know how it goes!
Here are links to some of my healthy paleo dinner recipes that complement these kale chips!
Szuchi says
Hi Elana, Do you put the kale pieces directory on the cookie sheet to bake or you put on a baking mat/ parchment paper? Thank you!
Elana says
Szuchi, as indicated in the recipe, spread out kale on a baking sheet :-)
Anna @ Saltinmycoffee.com says
Hands-down, the most delightful kale chip recipe I’ve tried yet. LOVE it!!
Elana says
Anna, thanks for letting us know this was hands-down the most delightful kale chip recipe!!!
Clemma Nash says
Yum! Just made these and I can tell they will be gone in a snap! Love the Primal Palate spices.
Elana says
Thanks Clemma!
Jill says
The link that you give for the food processor, is that the actual one you use? I am in the market for one and would love to know how it has worked out for you.
Thanks!!!
Elana says
Jill, yes it is and I LOVE it :-)
Rebecca says
Can i have the link
Elana says
Rebecca, yes! If you click the green text in the instructions portion of the recipes that says “food processor” you will be given that info :-)
Jane says
Now I know why Kale chips are creating a lot of buzz lately. They’re truly a nice alternative to potato chips and corn-based chips. For people who are trying to be healthy, like me, this is a great recipe
Elana says
Thanks Jane, I totally agree. Kale chips are the perfect alternative to potato chips :-)
Laura says
I bet they taste great! But Elana…. it looks like your drying some MJ. Ha ha.
But seriously! I’m gonna make this recipe. Thanks!
Elana says
Laura, I wouldn’t have ever thought of that!
Stacy says
We have enjoyed kale chips since you posted them years ago. What a great variation! How fun.
Elana says
Thanks Stacy!
Kina says
Thanks, I was just trying to find a way to incorporate macadamia nuts into my diet that was keto friendly!
Elana says
You’re welcome Kina!
Ashley @ Balancedbabe says
Love this recipe! I am going to make these soon!
Elana says
Thanks Ashley!