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Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders

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4.3 from 2 reviews

Enjoy crispy, flavorful Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders made with almond flour and shredded coconut. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these gluten-free, Whole30-friendly tenders are a healthy alternative to fast food favorites.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders

Breading Mix

  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup dessicated coconut (very small pieces; if only flakes available, pulse in food processor)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne powder (adjust to taste)

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Rinse chicken tenders under cold water and gently pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the breading sticks properly.
  3. Mix Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk one egg until smooth. This will help the breading adhere to the chicken.
  4. Create Breading Mixture: In another bowl, combine almond flour, dessicated coconut, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne powder. Mix well until evenly distributed.
  5. Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then press the tender into the almond flour and coconut mixture, flipping and pressing multiple times to ensure full coverage.
  6. Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded tenders onto the prepared baking sheet. After all are coated, sprinkle a little extra breading mix over each to enhance crispiness.
  7. Bake: Bake the tenders for 15 to 17 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  8. Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven to broil and broil tenders for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a crispy golden crust. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hot tenders and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
  10. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Notes

  • Use dessicated coconut rather than large flakes for best texture; pulse flakes in a food processor if needed.
  • Adjust cayenne powder quantity to control spice level.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F for safe consumption.
  • For extra crispiness, broiling at the end is essential but monitor closely to avoid burning.
  • Reheating in the oven or air fryer helps retain the crispy crust better than microwaving.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/baked-paleo-chicken-tenders/