Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with these mind-blowingly delicious Almond Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders! Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken tender that's not just crunchy, but packed with rich, nutty Parmesan flavor and a protein-packed almond flour coating. These aren't your ordinary chicken tenders - they're a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer, these chicken tenders are about to become your new culinary obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform coating mixture.
- In a separate shallow bowl, crack and whisk the eggs until well blended. This will serve as the binding agent for the almond flour mixture.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispier result.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then immediately roll in the almond Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick evenly.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each tender to allow for even air circulation and crispy edges.
- Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil over the top of the chicken tenders to help promote golden browning and additional crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat those chicken tenders completely dry before coating - moisture is the enemy of crispy perfection!
- Use fresh, finely grated Parmesan cheese for the most intense flavor and best coating adherence.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each tender some breathing room to ensure even browning.
- For extra crispiness, consider using a wire rack on top of your baking sheet to allow air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the tenders rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to keep things exciting - from classic ranch to spicy sriracha mayo!
- For a low-carb option, these tenders are naturally gluten-free and perfect for various diet plans.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 435kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 45g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 170mg
