Almond Flax Chicken Tenders (Gluten-Free / Paleo )

3/15/2018

Almond Flax Chicken Tenders (Gluten-Free / Paleo )

Who doesn't love chicken tenders? I definitely used to (especially with a nice side of ranch dressing mmm). But honestly, I'd never order them out at a restaurant now because anything thats heavily breaded and fried isn't exactly doing our bodies any favors. So what's a girl to do when that chicken tender craving strikes? Upgrade that craving and whip up a total makeover on the classic chicken tender. Your tastebuds will be happy and your body will thank you! These Almond Flax Chicken Tenders are beyond delicious and super easy to make. They pack and extra healthy punch because the "breading" is made of almond meal and ground flaxseeds for plenty of healthy fat and added fiber, but I promise they don't taste "guilt-free" at all!

All you'll need to do to make these healthy paleo chicken tenders is set up your "breading" station, dip 'em, and bake 'em. You'll have one dish with whisked eggs and another with all of the seasoning. The chicken strips go into the seasoning, then into the egg, back into the seasoning, and then to the baking sheet. You'll bake them (rather than frying - an easy upgrade!), and then you'll devour them and be totally addicted like I am! They're seriously that good... even little Penny was dying to get in on the deliciousness.

Ready to make them!? Let's do it! 

Ingredients 
1 pound organic boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
2 eggs
3/4 cup almond meal 
2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
1 tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp ground cumin 
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
Optional: a dash or up to 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (depending how spicy you're feeling!)

​Serves 3.

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Whisk two eggs in a shallow bowl.
3. In another shallow bowl, mix together the seasoning ingredients - almond meal, flaxseeds, paprika, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, cumin, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. One tender at a time, dip it lightly in the seasoning, then into the egg mixture (letting any extra egg drip off), and then dip it back into the seasoning mixture and roll it around to make sure it's fully coated. 
5. Place the seasoned chicken tender on the parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining tenders.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through, flipping them over halfway through. 
7. Optional: Turn the oven on broil for 30 seconds to a minute to brown the tenders. Make sure to watch very closely so they don't burn!  
​8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

Since we're giving chicken tenders a makeover, we may as well upgrade the dipping sauces to healthier options too, right!? Here are my go-to's:
Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing - tastes delicious and it's made with avocado oil!
Tessamae's Organic Ketchup - made with super clean ingredients, no sugar, and no high fructose corn syrup! 
Hak's Chipotle Bourbon BBQ sauce - great quality ingredients and perfectly sweet, smoky, and spicy!

​What's your favorite dipping/dunking sauce? So excited for you to try this recipe - I know you'll love it!

This beloved recipe deserved some fresh, new photos! Original post and photos updated 3/15/18 with photos by Kristen Schellenberg.