Let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to enjoy chicken – these low carb baked chicken tenders! Seriously, they’re a game changer. If you’re like me and love the crispy texture of fried chicken but want to keep things healthy, this recipe is your new best friend. The combination of almond flour and Parmesan creates a golden, crunchy coating that’s just bursting with flavor, while the chicken inside stays juicy and tender. I remember making these for a family gathering once, and they were gone in minutes! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients for Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
How to Prepare Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get cooking! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because we want those chicken tenders to bake up nice and crispy!
While the oven is heating, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mix is what gives your tenders that amazing crispy crust. Make sure everything is well combined; it should smell fantastic!
Next, take your chicken breast strips and dip each one into the beaten eggs. This is what helps the coating stick. Then, roll them in the almond flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they’re well-coated. Oh, and don’t be shy with the coating—this is where the flavor lives!
Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place your coated chicken tenders on it. Give them a little spritz with cooking spray; this helps them get that golden brown color. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Just imagine that crispy goodness!
Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest for a minute or two before serving. You’ll want to savor every juicy, crunchy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing flavor.
- Crispy, golden coating thanks to almond flour and Parmesan.
- Juicy chicken inside that keeps you coming back for more.
- Low in carbs, making it a great choice for various diets.
- Versatile and pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
To ensure your low carb baked chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your chicken strips are evenly cut; this helps them cook evenly. If you want an extra crunch, try double coating them—just dip in egg and coat with the almond flour mixture again before baking. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Keep an eye on the baking time. Depending on your oven, they might take a little longer or shorter than 25 minutes, so check them around the 20-minute mark. If you want to serve them with a bang, pair these tenders with a zesty dipping sauce like a spicy mustard or a tangy ranch. They’re perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious dinner!
Nutritional Information for Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders
When you’re enjoying these low carb baked chicken tenders, it’s nice to know that they not only taste amazing but are also a healthy option! Each serving, which is about 4 tenders, contains approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 450mg
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, dig in guilt-free and enjoy the crunch!
FAQ About Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get about these low carb baked chicken tenders.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even juicier tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since they may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of almond flour? If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can try coconut flour, though you’ll want to use less since it’s more absorbent. Just keep an eye on the texture while mixing!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the chicken tenders and coat them in advance. Just store them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. They make for a quick dinner solution!
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese? While I love the flavor it adds, you can substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders? Oh, so many choices! I recommend a spicy mustard, homemade ranch, or a zesty avocado dip. They’re all a hit and elevate those crispy tenders even more!
Variations of Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders
One of the best things about these low carb baked chicken tenders is how versatile they are! You can easily switch up the flavors to keep things exciting. For a zesty kick, try adding some lemon zest and a dash of cayenne pepper to the almond flour mixture. It gives a delightful brightness that’s just fabulous!
If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean twist. You could even add some finely chopped spinach or kale to the coating for an extra veggie boost—just blend it in with the dry ingredients. And for those who love a little sweetness, a sprinkle of paprika combined with a touch of brown sugar can create a sweet and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist!
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combo—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To keep your low carb baked chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they’re so tasty that they might not last that long! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to prevent moisture buildup.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes if you have one—it works wonders for restoring that crunch! Just avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make them a bit soggy. Enjoy every bite!
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Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders That Will Delight You
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Low carb baked chicken tenders are a healthy alternative to fried chicken. They are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip in the beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray the chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- You can serve these tenders with your favorite low carb dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: low carb baked chicken tenders
