Discovering the ultimate guilt-free indulgence with these Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders. This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for those seeking a delicious and satisfying meal without the gluten.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or firm tofu, cut into tenders)
- 1 cup finely ground almonds (almond flour or blanched ground almonds)
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (made from gluten-free bread, toasted and processed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or other milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for cooking
How to Make Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that’s remarkably easy and incredibly satisfying. These tenders boast a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the tender protein within, making every bite a flavor explosion. They’re ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, ready to impress in approximately 30 minutes of prep and 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you’re using whole almonds, pulse them in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs. Be careful not to over-process into almond butter.
- Create the Almond Coating: In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the finely ground almonds, gluten-free breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. This mixture will form the irresistible crunchy coating.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and two tablespoons of almond milk. This will create a smooth and effective binder for the almond coating to adhere to.
- Coat the Tenders: Working with one chicken tender (or tofu tender) at a time, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. Then, transfer the coated tender to the almond and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure a generous and even coating on all sides. You can use your hands to pat the crumbs onto the tender, ensuring good coverage.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the tenders are not overlapping to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Drizzle or lightly brush the tops of the coated tenders with olive oil or avocado oil. This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your tenders and your oven. They are ready when they are golden brown, crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). If using tofu, bake until golden and firm.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, a creamy sriracha mayo, or a fresh avocado ranch.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders
Get ready to fall head over heels for these Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders, boasting a sensational, naturally gluten-free almond crust that’s wonderfully crispy and flavorful. Not only do they deliver an incredible taste and texture, but they’re also a fantastic budget-friendly option, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal or appetizer at home for a fraction of the cost of restaurant versions. The unique blend of finely ground almonds and savory spices creates a depth of flavor that’s truly memorable, making these a standout dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Forget the bland, dry gluten-free alternatives you might have tried in the past. These tenders offer a satisfying crunch and a succulent interior that rivals their traditional counterpart, proving that gluten-free can be absolutely delicious. So, ditch the impulse buys and embrace the joy of homemade! We wholeheartedly encourage you to gather your ingredients and experience firsthand how incredibly easy and rewarding it is to create these Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders in your own kitchen.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
For optimal freshness, allow the Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Reheating:
To reheat and regain that delightful crispiness, the best method is to use your oven or a toaster oven.
- Oven/Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chilled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. This method helps preserve the crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Freezing for Future Meals:
If you wish to freeze them for longer storage, it’s best to do so before cooking for the ultimate quality, though cooked leftovers can also be frozen.
- Freezing Uncooked Tenders: Prepare the tenders up to the step of placing them on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the tenders are firm. Then, transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 400°F (200°C) for a slightly longer time, around 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
- Freezing Cooked Tenders: Once cooked and completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat using the oven method described above. While they can be frozen after cooking, the texture might be slightly less crispy upon reheating compared to freezing uncooked.
Final Thoughts
These Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders are a flavorful and satisfying option for everyone, making healthy and delicious eating an absolute joy. Give them a try today and taste the difference homemade can make!
Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you’re using whole almonds, pulse them in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs. Be careful not to over-process into almond butter.
- In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the finely ground almonds, gluten-free breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. This mixture will form the irresistible crunchy coating.1 cup finely ground almonds (almond flour or blanched ground almonds), 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (made from gluten-free bread, toasted and processed), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- In a separate shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and two tablespoons of almond milk. This will create a smooth and effective binder for the almond coating to adhere to.2 large eggs, beaten, 2 tablespoons almond milk (or other milk of choice)
- Working with one chicken tender (or tofu tender) at a time, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. Then, transfer the coated tender to the almond and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure a generous and even coating on all sides. You can use your hands to pat the crumbs onto the tender, ensuring good coverage.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or firm tofu, cut into tenders)
- Place the coated tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the tenders are not overlapping to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Drizzle or lightly brush the tops of the coated tenders with olive oil or avocado oil. This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the crispiness.2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your tenders and your oven. They are ready when they are golden brown, crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). If using tofu, bake until golden and firm.
- Once cooked, remove the Irresistible Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, a creamy sriracha mayo, or a fresh avocado ranch.