If you’re a fan of simple, healthy, and delicious chicken dishes, you’re in for a treat with this Best Paleo Chicken Tenders Recipe. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken tenders are perfect for anyone following paleo, Whole30, or keto diets. Not only are they easy to make at home, but they’re also packed with flavor. Made with chicken breast, almond flour, and a blend of spices, these tenders are a far healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Whether you’re preparing a nutritious family meal or looking for an impressive dish to serve at gatherings, these paleo chicken tenders are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Paleo Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Easy Paleo Recipe: Perfect for beginners looking for easy paleo dishes.
- Quick Preparation: Only 30 minutes to make!
- Healthy and Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, this recipe is perfect for those looking for gluten-free alternatives.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a main dish or a snack.
- Great for Meal Prep: Keep them in the fridge for a quick meal on busy days.
Ingredients for Paleo Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup almond flour (For a nut-free option, try coconut flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (Adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (avocado oil or coconut oil work well)
Substitutions and Dietary Swaps
- For a nut-free variation, use coconut flour instead of almond flour.
- If you’re not on keto, you can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Vegetarians can substitute tofu or tempeh strips for chicken.
How to Make Paleo Chicken Tenders – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into 1-inch strips for even cooking.
- Beat Eggs: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Coating
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and additional salt and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip and Coat: One by one, dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Flour Mix: Next, press each strip into the almond flour mixture, making sure it’s well covered.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Oil: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough cooking oil to cover the base.
- Fry Chicken: Once the oil is shimmering, gently place the coated chicken strips in the skillet. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil. Serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Best Paleo Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy and Flavorful Pro Tips for Making the Best Paleo Chicken Tenders
- For Extra Crispiness: After coating, let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to set.
- Can I Make This Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the coating step, then refrigerate until ready to fry.
- What is the Secret to the Best Paleo Chicken Tenders? Using fresh, high-quality chicken and not overcrowding the pan ensures even cooking and perfect texture.
Best Ways to Serve Paleo Chicken Tenders
The best way to serve these paleo chicken tenders is with a side of freshly chopped vegetables or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, pair them with our delicious cauliflower rice recipe. Don’t forget an appetizing dipping sauce such as a homemade avocado dip or spicy aioli!
Nutritional Information for Paleo Chicken Tenders
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Method: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain their crispiness.
4 FAQs for Paleo Chicken Tenders
- Can I freeze paleo chicken tenders? Yes, they freeze well and can be reheated in the oven.
- What can I use instead of almond flour? Coconut flour is a great alternative for a nut-free version.
- How do I keep the coating from falling off? Press gently when coating and allow them to sit for a few minutes before frying.
- What’s the key to crispy chicken tenders? Make sure the oil is hot before you start frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Related Recipes for Paleo Chicken Tenders
- Scallion Chicken Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner Idea
- Cheesy Beef and Noodles Skillet – Easy Family Dinner
- Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe
Paleo Chicken Tenders (Whole30, Keto)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Crispy and delicious Paleo Chicken Tenders made with almond flour, perfect for Whole30 and Keto diets.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and additional salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken strip with the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough cooking oil to coat the bottom.
- Once the oil is hot, fry the coated chicken strips in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken tenders and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Can be served with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: Paleo Chicken Tenders, Whole30, Keto, Healthy Chicken Recipes