Craving the crunch of golden-brown chicken tenders but aiming to keep it low carb? This low-carb crispy chicken tenders recipe is just for you, providing all the satisfaction of this classic comfort food without the guilt. With a delicious coating of almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of spice, these tenders are baked to crispy perfection in your oven.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a healthier option, these chicken tenders are here to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and delicious to eat, they’re a family-friendly option that won’t compromise your nutritional goals. Follow a step-by-step guide on how to make these delightful, crunchy delights that will have you craving more after one bite.
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Technique for Golden Perfection
Roasting your low-carb chicken tenders isn’t just about choosing the right ingredients. It’s all about the art of deep frying. The right technique can make the difference between tender, delicious tenders and tenders that leave your guests begging for more.
- The first thing you want to do is make sure you have a clean and well-heated frying pan. The deep fryer and skillet are both great options, but it’s important to make sure you don’t have any leftover flavors or food particles at the bottom of the pan. This will help ensure that your tenderloins cook evenly and don’t overcook.
- Next, it is important to control the temperature of the oil. It is essential to keep the oil at a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. An overheated chicken will burn the coating before it cooks inside. On the other hand, too low a temperature causes the tenders to absorb too much oil and become greasy. Stick to a 350°F/175°C oil temperature to achieve the perfect balance.
- Once you’ve reached the right temperature, it’s time to add your chicken to the skillet. Place each piece in tender hot oil, but do not overcrowd it. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and cause the chicken to cook unevenly. Give each tender plenty of room to cook evenly and get a golden-brown coating.
- While your chicken tenders are cooking, resist the urge to flip them every few minutes. Let each side cook for a few minutes, then flip them over to give the coating a nice golden glow and to avoid sticking to the surface of the tenders.
- While frying the tenders, keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed to keep them at that perfect temperature. This ensures that the tenders have a crispy outside and juicy meat inside. Remember that cooking times for chicken tenders can vary depending on their size and thickness, so it’s always best to use visual cues rather than a preset timer.
- Once your low-carb chicken tenders are golden brown, take them out of the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. The plate will absorb the excess oil and leave the outside crispy.
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Delicious Variations of Your Chicken Tenders
You can find many variations of these crispy chicken tenders in many places, but I have a few favorites, so here are a few. You can choose your favorite variation and try it out.
- Adding herbs and spices to the breading mixture can add a lot of flavor to tender chicken. For example, you can add paprika and garlic powder to your almond flour mixture along with a teaspoon of onion powder. This combination of delicious herbs and spices will add a kick to your chicken tenders that will make your taste buds go wild.
- If you’re a Heat fan, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking for a spicy twist to your breading mix, try adding a little cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder. The fiery kick will add a new layer of flavor to your low-carb chicken tenders.
- Grated Parmesan cheese can be added to your breading mixture to make your chicken even tastier. Combine a quarter cup of Parmesan with your almond flour to create a delicious cheesy coating that will add extra flavor to your chicken tenders. The crispy exterior and melty cheese make these tenders irresistible.
- Lemon zest is a great way to add a bit of freshness to your breading. Grate one lemon and add it to your almond flour mixture. The lemon zest will give your breading a bright, tangy flavor that will go great with your low-carb chicken tenders.
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Low Carb Chicken Tenders Recipe with Step-by-Step Guide
- To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Make sure you have a clean work surface and preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Next, prepare your breading mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin, even strips. This will ensure that the tenders are evenly cooked and have a consistent texture.
- Once the chicken is cut, dip each strip into the breading mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Press the mixture gently onto the chicken so that it sticks.
- Place the breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each. This will allow them to cook evenly and become crispy all over.
- Finally, it’s time to bake your low-carb chicken tenders. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tenderloins are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Some Great Sides with Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve prepared your low-carb chicken tenders, it’s time to add some tasty sides. What good are crispy, juicy chicken tenders if you can’t get enough of them? Whether you’re looking to add some freshness, some savory flavor, or just a hint of creaminess, there are many aspects that can enhance your tender chicken recipe.
- A green salad is a great accompaniment to chicken tenders. It’s a refreshing combination of fresh, crunchy lettuce and juicy tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s a great way to contrast the tenderness of the chicken tenders with the freshness of the green salad. You can add your favorite dressing to the salad to make it more flavorful. Whether it’s tangy vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing, it’s sure to pair perfectly with your tender chicken.
- Try adding roasted vegetables to chicken tenders. Roasted vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, as well as Brussels sprouts, are known for their natural sweetness, but roasted vegetables can add a caramelized flavor that will take your plate to the next level. Tender chicken tenders are a great source of protein and paired with roasted vegetables, you have a meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
- Mashed cauliflower and cauliflower rice are low-carb alternatives to mashed potatoes and rice. Whether you’re looking for a creamy side dish or a fluffy side dish, you’ll find a side dish that’s just as good for your overall health. Crispy cauliflower or mashed cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option for those looking for a quick and easy meal that won’t take up too much room in your stomach. It’s a great alternative because it’s similar to regular mashed potatoes and rice in texture and flavor, but it’s lighter and healthier.
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Baked vs Air Fryer Recipe
There are a few different ways to make chicken tenders crispy and delicious. One of the most popular ways is to bake them in the oven. Another popular way is to use an air fryer to make them crispy and delicious. Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a closer look at them.
| Bake in Oven | Air Fryer |
|---|---|
| There are many ways to cook chicken tenders, but one of the most popular is by baking them in the oven. This method involves coating the chicken tenders with a crispy breading, and then placing them on top of a baking sheet. The hot air circulating around the chicken tenders creates a golden and crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Baking tenders to be a bit drier than other methods of cooking, but it’s a healthier option because it uses less oil. | Air fryers, on the other hand, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to create crispy and flavorful foods with much less oil. Air fryers work by moving hot air around your food, much like a convection oven, but on a much smaller scale. Using very little oil, or even no oil at all, an air fryer can give your chicken tenders that crunchy outside while keeping them moist inside. It’s also a faster cooking method, so if you’re short on time, air fryers are the way to go. |
Ultimately, the best way to prepare chicken tenders is to bake or air fry them. If you’re looking for a healthier option and don’t mind spending a little extra time in the oven, you may prefer the oven-roasted option. However, if you’re a fan of the crunchier air fryer option, you might want to give it a try. Either way, you can rest assured that you’re getting a delicious and satisfying chicken.
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Baked Chicken Tenders with Broccoli Slaw
Low Carb Crispy Chicken Tenders: A Delightful and Healthy Fast Food
Low Carb Crispy Chicken Tenders are a delicious, low carb and keto treat you won't want to pass up. It's an irresistible crunchy treat that's easy to make and doesn't make you feel guilty.
When you're looking for tasty and low-carb fast food, you can't go wrong with low-carb crispy chicken tenders. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delicious party appetizer.
This delicious treat is made with tender chicken strips coated in almond flour and a mixture of parmesan cheese and aromatic spices. Bake for 15 minutes and your fast food is ready.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Roll the coated chicken tenders in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray. This will help achieve a crispier texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your guilt-free, low carb crispy chicken tenders!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite dried herbs to the coating mixture.
- These tenders pair well with a low-carb dipping sauce or a side of fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 771Total Fat: 48gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 35gCholesterol: 182mgSodium: 1888mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 45g
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Creative Serving Ideas to Amp Up Your Meals
Now let’s see some delicious serving ideas to make your meal even better. Whether you’re having a dinner party with friends or just want to spice up your weeknight meal, these ideas will make your low-carb chicken tenders amazing.
- One of the best ways to make your chicken tenders taste even better is to serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Ketchup and mustard go together famously, but why not try something a little different? For a tangier honey mustard sauce, mix Dijon mustard with honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For a spicy mayonnaise dip, mix chipotle peppers with adobo sauce and lime juice. For a creamy and spicy dip, add Greek yogurt with lemon zest and dill.
- If you want to add some crunch and flavor to your dish, serve your chicken tenders on a bed of mixed greens. To make a simple salad, add cherry tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and lemon juice. Top with homemade vinaigrette or your favorite dressing. Or, you can make a wrap by adding avocado slices, shredded lettuce, and ranch dressing to your chicken tenders and wrapping them in a low-calorie tortilla.
- Here’s an idea to make your chicken tenders even more unique, turn your tender chicken breast into a delicious sandwich. Toast your favorite whole wheat bread or your low-carb favorite and spread it with your favorite sauce or spread of choice. Layer crunchy lettuce on top, then top with juicy tomato slices and thin slices of red onion. Finally, top with the crunchy chicken tenders topped with your choice of cheese and let the broiler heat up a bit.
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FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
A: You can use chicken tenders in this recipe, but you can use turkey tenders, lean pork strips, or anything else to change the flavor. Adjust the cooking time to your preference, as different meats take different amounts of time to cook.
Q: Are these chicken tenders spicy?
A: The spice content of these tender chicken tenders can vary from person to person. The recipe uses a mild spice blend that adds a little kick to the tender chicken. However, if you are a spicy lover, you can adjust the spice content of the chicken tenders to your liking. For example, you can increase the amount of pepper or chili powder in the recipe. If you are someone who doesn’t like spicy food, you can reduce the spice content in the recipe.
Q: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
A: These chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep or make-ahead cooking. Once prepared, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until they become crispy again.
Q: Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
A: Certainly! These chicken tenders can be frozen for future use. After baking them, allow the tenders to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.
Q: What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
A: The possibilities are endless when it comes to dipping sauces for these crispy chicken tenders. Classic options like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce always work well. For a tangy twist, try a lemon aioli or buffalo sauce. If you prefer a creamy dip, opt for garlic mayo or chipotle sauce. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your perfect pairing.
Q: Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
A: To make these gluten-free chicken tenders, all you need is panko bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative. You still get that delicious crunch without sacrificing taste. Make sure all other ingredients (such as condiments and sauces) are gluten-free to meet your dietary needs.
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Fall Breakfast Ideas
Low-carb chicken tenders are a great way to enjoy crispy goodness without sacrificing your diet. Mix and match on the side to add another layer of deliciousness. This recipe is ideal for a low-carb lifestyle. Experiment and see what works best for you!
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