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Keto Chicken Tenders
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Keto Chicken Tenders

These Keto Chicken Tenders are coated in a flavorful low-carb crust and baked until crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside. They offer the familiar taste and texture you love, making them a family-friendly option for dipping, pairing with salads, or serving as an easy weeknight dinner.
Course Mains
Cuisine American
Keyword Chicken tenders
Dietary Preference Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Cooking time 15-30 Minutes
Main Ingredient Chicken
Skill Level Intermediate
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 317 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise sugar-free
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup almond meal
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 pound chicken tenders

Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise sugar-free
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup unsweetened
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking pad.
  • Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper in medium bowl.
    1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • In separate bowl, combine ½ cup almond meal and grated ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
    ½ cup almond meal, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Dip each 1 pound chicken tenders into wet mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered.
    1 pound chicken tenders
  • Gently coat chicken tenders in dry breading mixture, firmly pressing to ensure coating sticks well.
  • Place breaded chicken tenders on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked.
  • While chicken tenders are cooking, prepare dipping sauce by combining 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon ketchup, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepperr and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in small bowl. Mix well.
    2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon ketchup, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Once chicken tenders are done, remove from oven and serve alongside dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use coconut flour instead of almond meal for a nut-free breading.
  • Double the recipe to have leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Check that the meat is fully cooked using a thermometer. Chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
  • Place a wire baking rack on top of the baking sheet for crispier chicken tenders.
  • Add crushed pork rinds to the dry breading mixture for an extra crunch.
  • Chicken breasts are an excellent substitute for chicken tenderloins.
  • Dipping chicken in an egg mixture or egg wash before coating helps achieve a crisp breading. 
  • Bake chicken tenders in an air fryer instead of the oven for a quicker cooking time. 
  • Sprinkle hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper on top of chicken tenders before baking if you prefer a spicier version.

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal | Net carbs: 4g | Fat: 20g | Protein: 30g