Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders are wonderfully crispy, flavor-packed morsels that are surprisingly easy to whip up. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a healthier, homemade version of a takeout favorite, making it a must-try for anyone seeking delicious, gluten-free comfort food.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (panko-style work best for extra crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- Cooking spray or 2-3 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or canola) for baking
How to Make Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
Whipping up these Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders is a breeze, promising a satisfying crunch and incredible flavor in every bite. This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes of preparation and 20-25 minutes of cooking time, making it a perfect, quick option for families and individuals alike. The secret lies in the simple yet effective gluten-free coating that creates an exceptionally crispy exterior without any deep-frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you prefer, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or a little oil.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Create three shallow dishes or bowls for your breading process.
- In the first dish, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- In the second dish, pour the beaten eggs.
- In the third dish, mix the gluten-free breadcrumbs and the nutritional yeast (if using). Stir to ensure the nutritional yeast is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender strip and first dredge it in the seasoned gluten-free flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Egg: Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip back into the dish. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Bread the Tenders: Finally, transfer the egg-dipped chicken tender to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to all sides, creating a good coating. Place the coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the chicken strips.
- Arrange for Baking: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching each other too much, as this allows for better air circulation and crispier results.
- Bake to Perfection: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken tenders with cooking spray. This is an optional step but helps achieve an even crispier, golden-brown exterior. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders rest for a minute or two before serving. They are delicious served hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or a creamy ranch.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
You’ll fall head over heels for these Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders because they deliver that sought-after crispy texture and savory flavor that’s often missing in gluten-free alternatives. Unlike some store-bought options that can be dry or bland, these homemade tenders are exceptionally juicy on the inside and wonderfully crunchy on the outside with every single bite. Plus, the subtle nutty flavor from the gluten-free breadcrumbs and the optional nutritional yeast adds a depth that truly elevates them.
Beyond their amazing taste and texture, making these chicken tenders at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to purchasing pre-made gluten-free options or dining out. You have full control over the quality of ingredients used, ensuring a healthier meal without compromising on that classic fried chicken taste. They are a fantastic canvas for flavor, perfect for pleasing picky eaters or for a healthier indulgence. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of these Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders today – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled chicken tenders. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen tenders will last for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven (Recommended): For the crispiest results, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for refrigerated tenders, or 15-20 minutes for frozen tenders, until heated through and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat refrigerated tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or frozen tenders for 10-12 minutes, until warmed and crispy.
- Stovetop: You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until warmed and crispy, but this method takes more attention.
- Microwave: While the quickest, microwaving can make the tenders soggy. If you must use a microwave, reheat in short intervals, checking for warmth.
Final Thoughts
These Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders are a testament to how delicious and satisfying gluten-free cooking can be. They’re a fantastic go-to recipe for a healthy, homemade meal that everyone will love. Give them a try at home – you won’t be disappointed!
Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you prefer, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or a little oil.2-3 tablespoons neutral oil or cooking spray
- Create three shallow dishes or bowls for your breading process. In the first dish, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until well combined. In the second dish, pour the beaten eggs. In the third dish, mix the gluten-free breadcrumbs and the nutritional yeast (if using). Stir to ensure the nutritional yeast is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Take each chicken tender strip and first dredge it in the seasoned gluten-free flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip back into the dish. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 large eggs
- Finally, transfer the egg-dipped chicken tender to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to all sides, creating a good coating. Place the coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the chicken strips.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ¾ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching each other too much, as this allows for better air circulation and crispier results.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken tenders with cooking spray. This is an optional step but helps achieve an even crispier, golden-brown exterior. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2-3 tablespoons neutral oil or cooking spray
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Irresistible Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders rest for a minute or two before serving. They are delicious served hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ketchup, or a creamy ranch.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts