Crispy Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe to Savor

Crispy and golden low carb baked chicken tenders have become the ultimate game-changer for health-conscious food enthusiasts.

These delectable morsels pack a punch of flavor without the guilt of traditional breaded versions.

Seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, the chicken tenders offer a satisfying crunch that rivals any deep-fried alternative.

Each bite promises a delightful experience that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

The recipe transforms simple chicken into a mouthwatering meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Packed with protein and low in carbohydrates, these baked chicken tenders are a smart choice for anyone watching their diet.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 336 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Select fresh, high-quality tenders with minimal visible fat for lean protein and smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps breading adhere to chicken while creating a creamy coating.

• Almond Flour: Provides low-carb, gluten-free crispy coating with nutty undertone and excellent texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty flavor and helps create golden-brown crust with extra crunch.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces deep, savory flavor profile without added moisture.
• Onion Powder: Enhances overall seasoning with subtle sweet-sharp notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky, warm complexity and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and aromatic complexity.

• Egg: Serves as binding agent to help breading stick and create crispy exterior.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures even browning and additional crispness.
• Olive Oil: Optional alternative for creating golden, crisp surface with heart-healthy benefits.

Gear For Making Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders

• Baking Sheet: Key for cooking and catching drips.
• Parchment Paper or Wire Rack: Creates crispy exterior and prevents sticking.
• Shallow Bowls (2): Essential for egg wash and breading mixture.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending egg and cream smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying chicken tenders.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure spices accurately.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Ensures golden, crispy exterior.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Confirms chicken is fully cooked.

Steps To Cook Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a wire rack for extra crunch. The goal is golden, crispy goodness that’ll make mouths water.

• Breading Blend

Mix up a magical coating by combining almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of spices. Think garlic powder, smoky paprika, and a dash of pepper to create a flavor explosion that’ll dance on your taste buds.

• Chicken Transformation

Gently bathe each tender in a whisked egg bath, then lovingly roll it through the spiced flour mixture. Make sure every inch gets a delicious coating. Arrange these flavor-packed beauties on the prepared baking sheet with care.

• Crispy Golden Finish

Give the tenders a light mist of cooking spray or a gentle olive oil drizzle. This helps them turn a beautiful golden brown that’ll make everyone’s eyes light up. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispiness.

• Serving Celebration

Pull out those sizzling tenders and let them rest for a moment. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce – maybe a zesty ranch or a spicy mayo that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Helpful Tips For Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders

• Seasoning Switch-Up: Experiment with different herbs like dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood or meal.
• Keto-Friendly Crunch: For extra crispy texture, add crushed pork rinds to the almond flour mixture, which provides additional crunch without adding carbs.
• Protein Powerhouse Alternatives: Swap chicken tenders with turkey or fish fillets for a different protein option while maintaining the same low-carb breading technique.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the recipe completely dairy-free and still deliciously crispy.

Serving Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders Made Simple

• Dip and Dive: Pair these crispy chicken tenders with zesty ranch dressing for a classic flavor explosion that brings out the best in every bite.
• Meal Matcher: Create a complete low-carb dinner by serving alongside roasted broccoli or cauliflower rice to keep the meal nutritious and satisfying.
• Sauce Sensation: Whip up a quick spicy mayo by mixing mayo with sriracha or hot sauce for a kick that elevates these tender chicken bites to a whole new level.
• Quick Lunch Hero: Pack these tenders in a lunchbox with some cucumber slices and a small container of dipping sauce for an easy, protein-packed midday meal that beats any fast food option.

Keep And Plan Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders

• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated tenders stay delicious for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Revive crispy texture by using an air fryer or oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Microwave heating can make breading soggy, so avoid this method.
• Smart Prep Ahead: Prepare chicken tenders in bulk and freeze uncooked breaded strips between parchment paper layers. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
• Dipping Sauce Storage: Keep homemade low-carb sauces in sealed glass containers in the refrigerator. Most dipping sauces maintain quality for 5-7 days when chilled properly.

Crispy Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Crispy low carb baked chicken tenders bring a healthier twist to classic comfort food. Almond flour coating and bold seasonings create irresistible crunch without excess carbohydrates.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (453 g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• ½ cup (60 g) almond flour
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Activate oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or wire rack for optimal crispiness.
2. Moisture Removal: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry chicken tenders, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee a crunchy exterior.
3. Coating Preparation: Whisk egg and heavy cream in one shallow bowl; mix almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in another bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
4. Breading Process: Dip each tender into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then meticulously coat with seasoned almond flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Positioning: Strategically place breaded tenders on prepared baking sheet, maintaining spacing to facilitate uniform cooking and crisp development.
6. Pre-Baking Enhancement: Lightly spray or drizzle tenders with cooking spray or olive oil to promote golden browning and textural complexity.
7. Cooking Technique: Roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent coloration and thorough cooking.
8. Doneness Verification: Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
9. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately alongside preferred low-carb dipping sauces like ranch, sugar-free ketchup, or spicy mayo for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before breading to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Breading Technique: Press coating gently but firmly onto chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage for consistent crunch and flavor distribution.
• Temperature Accuracy: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches exactly 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juiciness.
• Spacing Strategy: Arrange tenders with small gaps between pieces on baking sheet to promote air circulation and achieve uniform golden-brown exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 336
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 412 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg