I remember one busy Thursday evening when my youngest, always a picky eater, asked if we could have Gluten Free Chicken Tenders again. She loved the crunchy, golden strips, but I knew finding a recipe that was both safe for her gluten sensitivity and delicious was a real challenge. After iterating through a few versions, I finally nailed the perfect Gluten Free Chicken Tenders that not only satisfied her but brought the whole family together around the table.
There’s something about Gluten Free Chicken Tenders that feels like comfort food but with an approachable twist. They are crispy, flavorful, and just the right size for little hands and big appetites alike. Having this recipe in my rotation means I always have a reliable meal that makes dinner less of a hassle and more of a shared moment.
I’ve learned a lot making Gluten Free Chicken Tenders over time—about balancing textures, choosing the right gluten free breaded chicken mix, and how to make crispy gluten free chicken strips every time without sogginess. It has become a recipe I turn to when I want something healthy gluten free chicken on the table quickly but with that homemade touch.
If you’re looking for a recipe that will bring your family together and make mealtime special, this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders is a winner. It’s a dish I’m excited to share with you because it’s really doable, kid-friendly, and has earned a favorite spot at my family’s table. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these scrumptious tenders next!
What You’ll Need
Here’s the straightforward ingredient list for making Gluten Free Chicken Tenders that will have your family asking for more:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into tenders)
- 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour (look for one with xanthan gum included for best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten free bread crumbs (panko-style crumbs give extra crunch for crispy gluten free chicken strips)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil for frying)
For the best Gluten Free Chicken Tenders, I recommend picking gluten free bread crumbs that are fresh and finely ground. This helps the coating stick to the chicken without falling off during frying or baking. You can find everything for this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders at your regular grocery store, often near the gluten free baking section.
If you want a lighter version, this recipe is forgiving if you swap frying for oven baking. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a chickpea flour blend for a different flavor. My family prefers when I use paprika and garlic powder in our Gluten Free Chicken Tenders because it adds subtle depth without overpowering little palates.
Prep tips: pat your chicken dry with paper towels before breading to ensure the gluten free breaded chicken sticks well. Have all your ingredients laid out before you start, so the breading process is smooth and quick.
Trust me, this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
How to Make It
Making Gluten Free Chicken Tenders is easier than it looks. Here’s how I go about it, step-by-step:
- Start by setting up your breading station. In one shallow dish, place the gluten free all-purpose flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, put the gluten free bread crumbs.
- Pat your chicken tenders dry for best results. Coat each piece first in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. This step helps the egg adhere to the tenders better.
- Dip each floured tender into the egg. Let the excess drip off, then dredge it into the gluten free bread crumbs. Press lightly so the crumbs stick well.
- Prepare your cooking pan. Heat about half an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders recipe typically takes me about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Fry your tenders in batches. Don’t crowd the pan or the temperature will drop, making your crispy gluten free chicken strips soggy. You’ll know your Gluten Free Chicken Tenders is ready when the outside is golden brown, and the chicken inside reaches 165°F.
- Place cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders cooks, filling the house with warm, inviting scents.
- If you prefer baked tenders, place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives you healthier gluten free chicken while keeping the crunchy texture.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Gluten Free Chicken Tenders—forgetting to dry the chicken properly, which made the coating slide off. Now I always stick with that drying step. Also, if your gluten free breaded chicken looks a little pale after the first side, don’t worry. They crisp up perfectly once fully cooked.
Don’t hesitate to check out some helpful gluten free chicken nugget recipes online too. This Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Gluten-Free) from Cotter Crunch is a great variation that inspired my own take on Gluten Free Chicken Tenders.
Serving Ideas
My family loves this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders when served with simple sides like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Everyone reaches for seconds when this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders comes out alongside a dipping sauce—honey mustard, ranch, or a tangy BBQ work wonders.
This meal shines on busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, but it’s also perfect for celebrations like birthday dinners or weekend get-togethers. The crispy gluten free chicken strips look especially inviting when arranged on a platter with carrot sticks and celery for a colorful, kid-friendly spread.
Leftover Gluten Free Chicken Tenders make for quick and tasty sandwiches or wraps the next day. Just heat them gently in the oven to keep that crispness before adding your favorite fixings.
Variations I’ve tried successfully include swapping gluten free bread crumbs for crushed gluten free cereal for extra crunch or adding a bit of Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mix. My family gave a thumbs up for the Parmesan twist!
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy these cozy recipes from MomsGate: Chicken Alfredo Soup, Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe, and Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup — all easy gluten free poultry recipes that bring warmth to the table.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tenders, bread them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This saves time on busy nights. Just bring them to room temperature before frying or baking.
Q: What if I don’t have gluten free bread crumbs?
You can crush gluten free cereal or use crushed nuts like almonds as a substitute. Both add nice texture and taste.
Q: How do I store leftover Gluten Free Chicken Tenders?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crispy texture instead of microwaving.
Q: Can I bake these Gluten Free Chicken Tenders instead of frying?
Yes! Baking reduces oil and keeps it lighter while still providing crispy gluten free chicken strips. Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: What oil do you recommend for frying?
Avocado or vegetable oil works well because they handle heat without smoking or affecting flavor.
Q: Are these Gluten Free Chicken Tenders kid-friendly?
Definitely. My kids love them because they’re crispy and flavorful without being spicy or overwhelming.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just prepare in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and losing that perfect crispiness.
Lastly, for more tips on making great gluten free chicken dishes, check out this Building a Better Chicken Nugget (Gluten Free, Paleo Recipe) and this gluten-free fried chicken recipe shared on Facebook.
The Final Word
Gluten Free Chicken Tenders have earned a special place in my recipe collection because they bring ease and joy to the dinner table. My family’s favorite version features crispy gluten free chicken strips with a hint of garlic and paprika. Another hit is the baked healthy gluten free chicken variation that cuts down on oil but keeps all the flavors. For a fun twist, adding Parmesan to the gluten free breaded chicken coating always draws praise from the adults.
My Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Tips:
- Always dry your chicken tenders well before breading for the best stickiness.
- Use fresh gluten free bread crumbs or panko-style crumbs for crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan when frying; quality over quantity is key.
My husband swears by the fried version while my kids love the baked tenders, so I keep both options in my meal planning. You can make this recipe your own, adjusting spices and cooking method to fit your family’s taste and schedule.
I hope your family loves making memories around your own Gluten Free Chicken Tenders as much as mine does. It’s a recipe that’s practical, delicious, and a genuine meal win ready to become a go-to at your dinner table.
If you want a cozy soup to enjoy alongside or after these tenders, take a look at these simple, hearty Chicken Alfredo Soup or Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe, both friendly additions to gluten free poultry recipes in your home kitchen.
I’m cheering for your next family meal made warm and easy with these Gluten Free Chicken Tenders!
Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
Crispy and tender gluten free chicken tenders perfect for a quick and healthy meal that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
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
- Cooking oil for frying (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
For extra crispiness, bake the coated tenders at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.