The Crunch that Everyone Craves
There’s something about the crispy crunch of chicken tenders that just makes the heart sing, right? Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned piece of chicken, coated in golden breadcrumbs, with a savory aroma wafting through the kitchen. Oh, yes, please! These Gluten Free Chicken Tenders aren’t your average chicken strips; they’re quick to whip up, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “dinner!”
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you add this recipe to your weeknight rotation?
- Super Easy Cleanup: Seriously, you only need three bowls and a skillet. Who doesn’t love a meal that doesn’t require a Ph.D. in dishwashing?
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken tenders are often on sale, so you can pamper your taste buds without breaking the bank.
- Kid-Approved: They’re crispy, tender, and perfect for tiny hands. Good luck getting the kids to watch their portion sizes!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil for frying (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
Directions
- In a shallow bowl, combine gluten free flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Place gluten free breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Make Gluten Free Chicken Tenders (Overview)
Alright, let’s break this down into relaxed, bite-sized pieces! Start by setting up your assembly line of bowls: flour mix, egg bath, and breadcrumb shower (sounds messy but you got this!).
- Pro Tip: Always make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken—this ensures that perfect golden crunch!
- Dip, coat, and fry those tenders until you can’t resist the aroma. Let them rest on paper towels to soak up the excess oil, just like a spa day for chicken.
How to Serve Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
When it comes to serving these bad boys, think color and crunch!
- Serve them with a zesty honey mustard dip or a classic ** BBQ sauce**.
- Pair with a refreshing side salad or crispy veggies to add that extra crunch.
- Picture this: golden tenders next to vibrant green lettuce, maybe a splash of color from some roasted red peppers… Yum!
How to Store Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
Got leftovers? No problem! These chicken tenders keep well.
- Fridge: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze them for up to 3 months for a quick meal option.
Reheating Tip: Pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to recrisp that coating. Nobody likes soggy chicken, am I right?
Tips to Make Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
- Timing is Key: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches to get that nice even cook.
- Swap out the seasonings! Feel like a little heat? Add some cayenne or chili powder to the flour mix!
- Texture Alert: For extra crunch, try double-coating your tenders—just go for that flour, egg, breadcrumb, then repeat!
Variation
Feeling adventurous?
- Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper or cajun seasoning for a kick—who doesn’t love a little spice?
- Vegan: Swap the eggs for a mixture of ground flaxseed and water, and try chickpea flour instead of regular flour!
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead?
You can, but then they wouldn’t be gluten free! Stick to the gluten-free flour for awesome results.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and coat the tenders, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
How do I freeze these?
Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to ensure they don’t stick together.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- to taste cooking oil for frying (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a shallow bowl, combine gluten free flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Place gluten free breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serving
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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