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Gluten-Free Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders - featured image

Gluten-Free Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Almond Crust

  • Author: Marissa
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, 20-minute dinner recipe for crispy baked chicken tenders using an almond flour crust instead of traditional wheat flour. This gluten-free, high-protein meal is kid-approved and requires no deep fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 2 large eggs plus 1 yolk
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 1 cup finely ground blanched almond flour
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • Gluten-free all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat chicken strips completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt. Stir well.
  4. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with a light dusting of gluten-free flour (optional), one with whisked eggs and buttermilk, and one with the almond mixture.
  5. Dip chicken strips in flour, then egg wash, then press firmly into the almond mixture to coat.
  6. Place coated strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  7. Lightly spray or brush the tops with avocado oil.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and crust is golden brown.
  9. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to prevent soggy crust. Use finely ground almond flour, not chunky almond meal. Do not crowd the pan to ensure even browning. Reheat in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness; do not microwave.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 380
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: gluten-free, chicken tenders, almond crust, baked chicken, healthy dinner, kid-friendly, high protein, low carb, 20-minute meals

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Find it online: https://aboutdinnerideas.com/gluten-free-crispy-baked-chicken-tenders-easy-20-minute-recipe/