Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy chicken tender that's not only delicious but completely gluten-free. Say goodbye to bland, dry alternative recipes and hello to the most irresistible gluten-free chicken tenders you've ever tasted! Whether you're managing celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply looking for a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, this recipe will revolutionize your dinner game and leave everyone at the table begging for more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into even strips, about 1 to
- 5 inches wide, to ensure they cook evenly.
- In a shallow bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk them until well combined. This will be your egg wash for the chicken tenders.
- In another shallow bowl, combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese (if using). Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
- Set up a breading station by placing the bowl of egg wash next to the bowl of the breadcrumb mixture. You may want to have a plate ready for the breaded chicken tenders.
- Take a chicken strip and dip it into the egg wash, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving to the next step.
- Next, transfer the egg-coated chicken strip to the breadcrumb mixture. Press it gently into the mixture to ensure it is well coated on all sides. Place the breaded chicken strip on the prepared plate and repeat this process with the remaining chicken strips.
- Once all the chicken strips are breaded, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough cooking spray or oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. If using oil, about 1/4 inch deep should suffice.
- When the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of breading into the oil; it should sizzle), carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the chicken tenders for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the gluten-free chicken tenders hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy your delicious homemade gluten-free chicken tenders!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your oil is at the right heat (around 350°F) for perfect, crispy coating without burning.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Before breading, pat the chicken strips with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick better.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to maintain the crispiness and ensure even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try adding herbs like dried thyme or oregano to the breading mixture for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- For Extra Crunch: Consider double-dipping in egg wash and breadcrumbs for an even crispier exterior.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 130mg
