Description
These Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried tenders. Coated in a flavorful blend of coconut and almond flours with aromatic spices, they bake to a crispy, golden perfection. Served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce, this recipe is perfect for a family-friendly meal that fits perfectly within a paleo lifestyle.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs)
- 4 tablespoons almond milk (or milk of choice, divided)
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 3/4 cup almond flour or almond meal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Coconut oil cooking spray
Honey Mustard Dip
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 tablespoon warm water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of almond milk (or your milk of choice) until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the coconut flour, almond flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of almond milk to the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until it forms a crumb-like texture.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture to coat, then into the egg mixture fully coating it, and back into the flour mixture again to achieve a crumb-coated texture. Place each coated tender on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Spray with Coconut Oil: Generously spray the tops of the coated chicken tenders with coconut oil cooking spray to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake the Tenders: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and warm water until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the baked paleo chicken tenders warm alongside the honey mustard dipping sauce and your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute the almond milk with any milk of your choice if not strictly paleo.
- Ensure chicken tenders are spaced apart on the baking sheet for even crisping.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount for spice preference or omit for milder flavor.
- The coconut oil spray helps achieve a crispy texture without frying.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and Paleo-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
