Xanthan Gum Free Paleo Almond Flour Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden chicken tenders that skip the breadcrumbs entirely — this oven-baked version uses almond flour as the coating, and the results are genuinely impressive. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne gives every bite a bold, savory punch that makes these feel anything but "diet food." Because the coating is built entirely from whole-food ingredients, there's no need to scan labels for hidden additives or stabilizers — what you see is exactly what goes in. Baking on a wire rack is the real trick here: hot air circulates all the way around each tender, so the crust cakes up deep and golden without a drop of frying oil. A drizzle of avocado oil over the top before they hit the oven helps the almond flour coating crisp up beautifully and develop that satisfying crunch. Serve them straight from the oven with a squeeze of lemon and they disappear fast — whether you're feeding picky kids or a crowd that just wants something delicious.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the chicken
- 1 ½ lb chicken tenders (about 12 pieces)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the coating
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and brush or spray the rack lightly with avocado oil.
- 2
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then season all over with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
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