How do you make paleo chicken tenders crispy?

The best way to make crispy chicken tenders using paleo flours is to use a starchy flour for the coating, like cassava, tapioca, or even arrowroot flour. Also, you want to cook your tenders directly in oil instead of baking them. The end result is a perfectly crispy tender that tastes just as good as the real thing!

Why won't my breading stick to my tenders?

You need to dredge your chicken in an egg wash first. Make sure to coat the chicken tender entirely, then shake off any excess so it's coated evenly.

Can you use almond flour for chicken tenders?

While you can, it's not the best option because it can burn easily and doesn't crisp up. The best way to get crispy chicken tenders using gluten free flours is to use a flour with more starch, like cassava, tapioca, or arrowroot flour.

What oil should I use for cooking tenders?

I like to use a neutral oil with a higher smoke point, like avocado oil. Avocado oil has a smoke point of 500°F+ so it's is great when you're going to be frying or browning something on the stovetop.

Paleo Chicken Tenders

Name: Paleo Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenderloins; 2 large eggs (3 medium), whisked; ½ cup cassava flour; 2 tablespoons coconut flour; 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 6 tablespoons oil, divided; Primal Kitchen Foods ketchup, for serving

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest!

Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews

Paleo Chicken Tenders

Paleo chicken tenders that are actually crispy! These tenders are delicious, easy to make, and cook up in one pan! A fantastic family friendly weeknight dinner.

Prep: 5Cook: 18Total: 23 minutes

Servings: 6 1x

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenderloins
2 large eggs (3 medium), whisked
½ cup cassava flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
6 tablespoons oil, divided
Primal Kitchen Foods ketchup, for serving

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Instructions

Prep: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs together. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cassava flour, coconut flour, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and black pepper.
Dredge: One by one, dredge each chicken tender in the egg bowl, and then the flour mixture until coated on both sides. Transfer the chicken tenders to a clean plate.
Cook: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Once the oil is warm, use a fork or metal tongs to place the chicken tenders in the pan. Fill the skillet as space allows. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each tender and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken tenders from the pan and set aside.
Repeat: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to the pan and cook the remaining chicken tenders.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, ketchup, or mustard!

Notes

I like to use avocado oil as the neutral cooking oil
You can also swap the cassava flour for a simple gluten free flour blend or even oat flour (not paleo)! I’ve tested both and they work great.
I recommend using a cast iron or stainless steel skillet to get really crispy tenders.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the tenders. The tenders will cook faster and end up more crispy when given adequate space.
To make chicken nuggets: I love using this recipe to make homemade paleo chicken nuggets! Simply use only 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs and keep the remaining ingredients the same. Cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces. Dredge the chicken pieces as instructed. Cook for 2-4 minutes each side, or until cooked through.

Recipe By: Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT

Find it online: https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/easy-crispy-chicken-tenders-gluten-free/