Who doesn’t love a plate of crispy, golden chicken tenders? They’re the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from a family dinner to a quick snack. This Classic Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders recipe lets you enjoy all the crispy goodness without worrying about gluten. With a simple yet delicious coating of gluten-free breadcrumbs, these tenders are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Whether you’re dipping them in your favorite sauce or serving them with a side of veggies, these gluten-free chicken tenders are a tasty and healthier alternative to the classic fried version. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible chicken tenders right at home!
Why You’ll Love These Classic Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free breadcrumbs, these chicken tenders are perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Crispy & Tender: The outside is perfectly crispy while the inside stays juicy and tender, creating the perfect balance.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Customizable: You can dip them in your favorite sauces, serve them with a side of veggies, or enjoy them as a snack.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making them a great meal for the whole family.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenders (boneless, skinless) | 1 lb (16 oz) |
| Gluten-free breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Almond flour | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Olive oil (or cooking spray) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you want your chicken tenders extra crispy, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Breading:
In one shallow bowl, mix together the gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the breaded chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out evenly. If you’re using a wire rack, place the tenders on the rack so the heat can circulate for a crispier finish.
5. Bake the Chicken Tenders:
Drizzle the tenders with olive oil or spray them lightly with cooking spray for extra crispness. Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30 grams |
| Total Fat | 12-15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2-3 grams |
| Cholesterol | 75-90 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15-18 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-3 grams |
| Sugar | 2-4 grams |
| Vitamin A | 2% of the daily value |
| Vitamin C | 2% of the daily value |
| Calcium | 6% of the daily value |
| Iron | 10% of the daily value |
| Potassium | 400-500 mg |
These Classic Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and flavorful. Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare, they’re a great option for a quick weeknight meal, a weekend snack, or even meal prep. Whether served with dipping sauces or enjoyed as is, these chicken tenders will become a favorite in your gluten-free recipe collection.
So, the next time you’re craving a crispy, juicy chicken meal, give these gluten-free chicken tenders a try—you won’t be disappointed!
