There’s something about Gluten Free Chicken Tenders that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I first discovered this delicious creation on a casual weekday evening at home, when I was looking for a way to make my family’s favorite chicken tenders more inclusive. My little one has a sensitivity to gluten, and I wanted to craft something that everyone could enjoy without compromising the crispy, comforting bite we all love. What surprised me the most was how satisfying and crispy these tenders turned out—every time I bit into one, I could taste the familiar crunch that makes chicken tenders so addictive, but without a single crumb of gluten. It was honestly unforgettable.

This recipe perfectly fits my philosophy of approachable, comforting meals—simple enough to whip up on busy nights but special enough to bring everyone to the table for seconds, thirds, or guilty smiles all around. Over time, I’ve refined this version until I knew it was the perfect balance of crispy gluten free chicken strips and tender, juicy chicken inside. The breakthrough moment came when I swapped traditional breadcrumbs for a gluten free breading for chicken using a blend of almond flour and rice flour that gave the crust just the right crunch and flavor. Now, I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe with you, fellow food lovers, because it’s one of those recipes that turns everyday meals into little celebrations of comfort and connection.

If you’re someone who craves healthy chicken tenders gluten free but never wants to compromise on flavor or texture, this recipe will feel like a new best friend. It’s dairy free chicken tenders approved too, making it a wonderful option for families with multiple dietary preferences. You’ll love how accessible the ingredients are and how easy the process is — no complicated techniques hidden here, just a joyful way to serve classic comfort food with a gluten free twist. Get ready to add this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders recipe to your weekly meal rotation and make some heartfelt moments at your table!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (fresh and trimmed for uniform cooking)
1 cup almond flour (the secret to amazing Gluten Free Chicken Tenders is using almond flour for that nutty, crispy bite)
1/2 cup rice flour (helps create that perfect crisp crust without any gluten)
2 large eggs (beaten to help the breading stick like a charm)
1 tsp garlic powder (adds a subtle warmth to your gluten free breading for chicken)
1 tsp smoked paprika (for a slight smoky depth that complements the chicken beautifully)
1/2 tsp salt (balances the flavors perfectly)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for just a hint of spice)
Cooking oil of choice (I recommend avocado or light olive oil for frying; if you want to splurge on one Gluten Free Chicken Tenders ingredient, make sure your oil is fresh and neutral-tasting to avoid overpowering the crust)

You’ll find the best ingredients for this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders recipe at your local health food store or in the baking aisle at most major supermarkets. For almond flour and rice flour, brands like Bob’s Red Mill offer reliable quality that I personally trust.

If you’re considering variations, you can swap almond flour for crushed gluten free cornflakes for an even crunchier texture. For dairy free chicken tenders, this recipe is naturally free of dairy, but make sure your seasoning blends stay free from hidden dairy products.

Remember to store your gluten free breading mix in an airtight container if prepping ahead—it keeps everything crisp and ready to go when you’re ready to make your chicken tenders.

Let’s Make This!

Start by setting up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a second bowl, combine almond flour, rice flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pat your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This step might seem minor, but it helps your gluten free breading for chicken stick beautifully.
Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Don’t rush this step—your Gluten Free Chicken Tenders will have an irresistible, crispy crust because of careful breading.
Heat your cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want about 1/4 inch of oil for frying. A helpful tip for Gluten Free Chicken Tenders success: test the oil temperature by dropping a small pinch of flour in—the oil should bubble gently but not smoke.
Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy gluten free chicken perfection is reached. You’ll know your tenders are done when they’re beautifully golden with a slight crispness and their internal temperature hits 165°F.
Transfer cooked tenders to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain extra oil. Let them rest for a minute—it’s where your Gluten Free Chicken Tenders transform into something truly special, juicy and tender inside.
Repeat with remaining pieces. If you want to keep tenders warm without drying them out, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.

I promise your Gluten Free Chicken Tenders will turn out beautifully. While they’re cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. These crispy gluten free chicken strips will quickly become a favorite in your home. If you want a lighter version, these tenders also bake well—just coat and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. For even more ways to enjoy this dish, check out this Easy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders (Crispy, Juicy, & Healthy!).

Serving & Presentation

People always smile when I serve this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders at casual family suppers or weekend gatherings. The golden crispy crust and tender chicken inside make every bite satisfying. For maximum enjoyment, plate these tenders on a large platter with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, homemade ranch, or a zesty gluten free BBQ sauce.

A simple presentation trick I love is to garnish the serving plate with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika—it adds color and invites everyone to dig in. For sides, think fresh garden salads or steamed vegetables to keep things light and balanced. If you’re seeking more ideas, this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders reminds me of another delicious creation like this Sour Cream and Onion Chicken.

You’ll find these tenders perfect for game days, birthday parties, or anytime your family needs a little comforting food love. Leftovers are just as wonderful: slice cold tenders over a fresh leafy green salad or toss in your favorite gluten free wrap for easy lunches.

Seasonal variations also work beautifully; adding warm fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into the gluten free breading brings a lovely twist during the holidays. For fresh summer vibes, swap smoked paprika for lemon zest and fresh herbs.

If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love the crispy gluten free chicken paired with these fresh takes on classic comfort dishes like my Cajun Chicken Pasta or the vibrant Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bread the tenders ahead and keep them refrigerated up to 24 hours, then fry or bake when ready. This saves time and keeps your tender breading fresh.

Q: What if I don’t have almond flour for my Gluten Free Chicken Tenders?
A: You can substitute crushed gluten free crackers or panko for a similar texture. Just make sure they’re certified gluten free for safety.

Q: How do I know when my Gluten Free Chicken Tenders are perfectly done?
A: They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. A quick cut into the thickest part will reveal juicy white chicken.

Q: Are these dairy free chicken tenders?
A: Yes! This recipe contains no dairy, so it’s a great option for folks who avoid both gluten and dairy.

Q: Can I bake instead of frying to make healthy chicken tenders gluten free?
A: Yes, baking at 400°F for 20 minutes (flipped halfway) makes a lighter version without sacrificing much crispiness.

Q: What oils work best for frying these gluten free chicken strips?
A: Neutral oils with high smoke points like avocado or light olive oil work beautifully.

Q: Can I freeze leftover Gluten Free Chicken Tenders?
A: Definitely! Freeze cooled tenders in a single layer, then thaw and reheat in the oven for a quick meal.

Community feedback on this recipe has been wonderful, with many readers sharing how these Gluten Free Chicken Tenders quickly became family favorites. Your cooking confidence will grow with each batch! For more tactics on crispy gluten free chicken, check here: Gluten Free Chicken Tenders – Eat With Clarity.

Why This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Will Become Your New Favorite

This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders recipe embodies everything I stand for: approachable comfort, satisfying flavor, and inclusive cooking that welcomes everyone to the table. It’s proof that gluten free versions of classic dishes can be full of joy and texture without complicated steps.

My Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Success Tips:

Pat the chicken tenders dry for the best breading stick
Use a combination of almond and rice flour for crisp, golden crust
Keep oil at medium heat to avoid burning but ensure crispiness

Over the years, I’ve tried several variations—from a spicy cajun crust to herb-infused gluten free breading for chicken—and every time, these tenders bring smiles. The crispy gluten free chicken version with smoked paprika remains the top favorite for family dinners.

I encourage you to make this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders part of your recipe library. It’s easy, reliable, and heartwarming—a recipe that proves cooking at home creates memories and connects us. I’m genuinely excited to hear how your Gluten Free Chicken Tenders turn out! Don’t forget to share your delicious results with our community—it warms my heart to see these moments!

For another low carb, gluten free, and dairy free chicken tenders recipe, you might enjoy what Feels Like Home Blog offers here. It’s always wonderful to have a few comfortable favorites on hand! Happy cooking, fellow food lovers!

Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

Print Recipe

Crispy and flavorful gluten free chicken tenders that are perfect for a quick and healthy meal, enjoyed by the whole family.

Author: Carmen
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
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)

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Instructions

In a shallow bowl, combine gluten free flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
Place the gluten free breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by coating evenly with gluten free breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain excess oil on paper towels before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, bake the coated tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying, turning halfway through.