Baked Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

Baked chicken tenders make the perfect weeknight meal. Since they require only 12 minutes of baking time, they can be made in under 20 minutes! The breading is made from a mixture of almond flour and tapioca flour so this recipe is naturally gluten free and paleo friendly.

Baked chicken tenders

If you’re in need of a protein packed and quick week night meal these baked chicken breast tenders have you covered! Baked chicken is always a good idea because it only requires a few simple steps, it can be made in under 20 minutes, and it’s a family friendly dinner.

What’s also great about this chicken is that they’re totally customizable! Customize them with your favorite spices or favorite dipping sauce.

They are also a great protein source for a wide variety of side dishes. Serve these almond flour chicken breast with a side of rice, pasta, salad, french fries, potatoes, or veggies! I’m telling you, these baked chicken tenders do not disappoint! Keep reading to find the ingredient breakdown and some fun variations on this recipe.

Ingredients needed for baked chicken tenders

• Chicken breast, thin sliced and cut into strips. If you can, purchase fresh chicken breast rather than frozen! Or feel free to use chicken tenders if you prefer.

• Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper are basic seasonings that you likely already have on hand. This seasoning combination adds a ton of flavor!

• Almond flour and tapioca flour are the two flour ingredients we are working with. They will become the outer bread layer for this recipe.

• Lastly, we will be using one egg. We will dip the chicken in the whisked egg before dipping it in the breading layer.

How to make this recipe

With a few simple steps you can have yourself delicious baked chicken. I recommend setting up ‘stations’ for the breading process which I have outlined below.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into strips if you haven’t already. Or if you’re using chicken tenders omit this step. Set the chicken on a plate.

Add the egg to a medium bowl. Crack and whisk the egg in the bowl and set it aside. This will become your egg station.

Add both of the flours and all the seasonings into a large bowl. Mix all the ingredients together until combined. This will become your breading station.

Dip one piece of chicken in the egg, then dip it in the dry breading mixture, then place it on the baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the chicken is done.

Time to bake! Bake the chicken at 425 degrees for 6 minutes, flip each piece and bake for another 6 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Tips and variations

Garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper are the seasonings in the current breading layer. If you want to mix things up, give some of the below variations a try!

• Turn this recipe into buffalo chicken tenders! Once the chicken is done baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1/2 cup of hot sauce. Gently toss or drizzle the chicken with the hot sauce mixture. And bam… you’ll have your own buffalo chicken!

• Add dried dill or greek seasoning into the breading for greek inspired chicken. When the chicken is done, dip it in hummus or tzatziki.

• Add Italian seasoning or dried basil and oregano for an Italian flare.

• Dip the baked chicken tenders in ketchup, creamy hot sauce, or ranch!

The options are endless!

Frequently asked questions

How long to bake chicken breast?

These chicken breast tenders cook up so quickly! They take roughly 12 minutes total. Bake them at 425 degrees for 6 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece of chicken and bake for another 6 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees).

Are these chicken tenders gluten free?

Yes. Almond flour and tapioca flour are both gluten free flours. So, these almond flour chicken tenders are great for anyone who eats gluten free!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. Just make sure you use a large enough baking sheet so the chicken tenders are not crowded on the pan.

Can I substitute other flour?

I do not recommend substituting other flours in this recipe. Almond flour and tapioca flour have their own unique qualities that work well in this recipe. However, if you do give another flour a try please let me know how they come out.

Why you’ll love baked chicken tenders

• They are gluten free and grain free!

• Almond flour chicken tenders are packed with protein.

• They can be prepared in under 20 minutes!

• The chicken is very customizable as you can use your favorite sauce or seasonings.

Other easy dinner recipes you’ll love

If you love this recipe, definitely give some of my other favorite easy dinners a try!

Lasagna Skillet Recipe

One Pot Mac and Cheese

Blackened Steak Salad

Gnocchi Soup with Sausage

Did you make this chicken?

If you do give these baked chicken breast tenders a try, please let me know! Please leave a comment with a star rating below. Your reviews and comments help support Brae’s Bites and allows me to continue to make delicious recipes! 

For some more recipe inspiration, you can also find and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!