Delicious Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders Perfect for Dinner

I still remember the very first time I made Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders for my family. The smell in the kitchen was just irresistible — that toasty, nutty aroma from the almond flour crust combined with the slight hint of warm spices. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Why haven’t I made this before?” These Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders have quickly become a staple in our house, and honestly, I kind of wish I had discovered them sooner.

There was a time when I struggled trying to find a gluten-free chicken tenders recipe that both my kids and I could enjoy. We’ve all been there, trying to cook something crispy and delicious but ending up with chicken tenders that are soggy or bland. But with these Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders, the crunchiness from the nuts crusted chicken fingers coating just seals the deal. It’s the perfect crispy, tender bite that works for anyone, even my picky eldest who usually snubs gluten-free dishes.

What makes this recipe so family-friendly, besides being gluten-free, is how quick and easy it comes together — a lifesaver on those busy weeknights. I first stumbled across a baked almond crusted chicken version years ago on a blog and soon made it my own, tweaking it to fit my family’s tastes. It quickly moved from a weekend treat to a dinner regular, and honestly, it’s a go-to that never disappoints.

If you enjoy almond flour chicken tenders for their texture and flavor like we do, you’ll find this recipe incredibly rewarding and straightforward. You don’t have to worry about deep frying and the mess it creates — it’s baked in the oven to golden perfection, making it healthier but still so crispy that even my husband, who swears by his fried chicken, approves wholeheartedly.

I’d love for you to try these Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders in your kitchen. They’re perfect for busy families needing a nutritious, crowd-pleasing meal without spending hours cooking. Plus, these crispy almond chicken strips can be dressed up or down depending on your mood or occasion. From weekday dinners to casual weekends when guests drop by, these chicken tenders will surely become a favorite. Ready to get baking with me?

Here’s what you’ll need for the Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders that I swear by — I always use fresh, finely ground almond flour for the best texture and nutty flavor in my almond flour chicken tenders:

When I’m shopping for ingredients for these Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders, I usually grab almond flour in bulk to save money — it keeps well stored in the fridge or freezer. Also, I recommend using pasture-raised eggs if you have access for a richer taste. Quick tip: If you’re short on time, pre-trimmed and pre-cut chicken tenders sold at your butcher or grocery store make the prep stage that much easier, so you can get to cooking without delay.

Here’s a little kitchen wisdom I picked up making many batches of these gluten-free chicken tenders: always pat the chicken dry before dipping it into the egg mixture, so the crispy almond chicken strips coating stays put and doesn’t slide off in the oven. And don’t skimp on the seasoning — it makes a world of difference.

For storage, leftover almond flour keeps beautifully sealed in an airtight container, and if you’re like me, you might double the batch of the crust mix and keep some ready for your next baked almond crusted chicken cravings. I also like to keep some Dijon mustard on hand because it’s that secret weapon that binds everything so nicely.

If you want to check out some almond crusted chicken ingredient tips from some trusted sources, Food Above Gold has a fabulous baked almond crusted chicken tenders guide that breaks down ingredient choices beautifully.

Making these Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders is as close to foolproof as it gets. Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect — you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Here are the steps I follow, along with a few tips from real kitchen life:

While the Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders are baking, I usually prep some sides or tidy up because the cooking time flies by. If you want more insights on baking versus frying this style of almond chicken strips, iFoodReal has excellent tips worth a peek.

Just a heads-up: sometimes, my first batch gets a little too crispy on the edges if my oven runs hot, so I learned to watch closely the last five minutes — no one likes burnt almond flour chicken tenders! If you like the idea of adding herbs or parmesan to the crust, you can try that too, which makes these nuts crusted chicken fingers even more flavorful.

If you love easy, approachable recipes like this, you might also enjoy my twist on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves — another family dinner hit!

The way I serve these Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders almost always has my kids excited before the meal even hits the table. The kids love our Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders when I pair them with a little homemade honey mustard sauce or plain ketchup — simple but always a winner in my family. The beauty of these gluten-free chicken tenders is that they’re approachable, delicious, and perfect for dipping.

For sides, I usually go with classic roasted veggies or a crisp garden salad to balance out the richness of the crispy almond chicken strips. Sometimes, on weekends, I make a batch of creamy mashed potatoes or air fryer sweet potato fries. It’s a thoughtful combo because the nuts crusted chicken fingers bring loads of crunch, and the sides provide softness and freshness.

This Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders dish is perfect for everything from quick family dinners to casual weekend get-togethers. I even make it when the grandkids come over — it’s so easy to eat by hand and mess-free.

If you want to fancy up your presentation, place your Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. A small bowl of dipping sauce—be it honey mustard, ranch, or even a fresh salsa—always elevates the meal. For leftover Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders, try chopping them into salads or stuffing them into wraps for a quick lunch the next day.

Seasonally, I’ve played around with adding a hint of cinnamon or cayenne into the almond flour chicken tenders’ coating, making the dish perfect for festive holidays or a winter meal with a little extra kick.

My friends always ask for this Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe whenever “potluck” or “family dinner” comes up in conversation. And you can peek at similar flavorful dishes like my take on Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce for another crowd-pleaser.

Q1: Can I make Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! You know what I do when my Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders are about to be devoured but I have leftovers? I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I pop them in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy. Microwave tends to make the almond flour crust soggy, so I avoid that.

Q2: Are almond flour chicken tenders suitable for those with nut allergies?
This recipe is not safe for nut allergies since the crust is made with almond flour. However, if you want a similar crunchy effect, I’ve sometimes substituted crushed gluten-free pretzels or cornflakes for my friends who can’t eat nuts.

Q3: How can I prevent my nuts crusted chicken fingers from falling apart?
Believe me, I’ve had batches that were a little crumbly. The secret is in drying the chicken well before dipping and pressing the almond flour coating firmly onto each tender. Also, the Dijon mustard in the egg wash really helps bind the crust.

Q4: Can I use this almond crusted coating on other cuts of chicken?
Definitely! These baked almond crusted chicken recipes work well on chicken breasts or even wings — just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through.

Q5: What if I want extra crispy almond chicken strips?
Try double coating them — dip in egg mixture, coat with almond flour, then dip and coat again. It adds thickness and crunch. Just keep an eye on the baking time so they don’t burn.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! One of the reasons we love these gluten-free chicken tenders is because almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour breadcrumbs, making it safe for gluten sensitivity or celiac friends.

Q7: I don’t have almond flour on hand — what can I substitute?
I’ve tried finely ground pecans or walnuts before, but almond flour gives the best texture and mild flavor. For a non-nut option, crushed gluten-free crackers or panko (if gluten isn’t an issue) can work.

If you want some additional troubleshooting ideas, this almond crusted chicken guide on Don’t Waste The Crumbs offers plenty of great advice from experienced home cooks.

This Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe holds such a special place in my heart because it bridged the gap between delicious comfort food and the gluten-free needs of my family. It’s been a journey with plenty of learning, trial, and error that turned into a recipe everyone asks for by name.

My Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders Pro Tips:
– Always pat dry your chicken tenders before dipping for a crust that sticks perfectly.
– Use Dijon mustard in the egg wash; it’s the secret glue for the nuts crusted chicken fingers.
– Don’t be afraid to double coat if you want extra crispiness — just watch them closely in the oven.

Over the years, I’ve tried variations like adding Parmesan cheese to the almond flour mixture, or swapping paprika for smoked chili powder for a spicy kick. My youngest loves the classic version, while my husband leans toward the parmesan-enriched crispy almond chicken strips.

If you make this Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe your own, tweak and play around with the flavors to suit your family’s tastes. I hope it brings you as much comfort and joy as it has brought me, and that it becomes your kitchen’s next favorite.

And hey, if you ever want to mix things up, don’t miss my cozy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe over on the blog that’s as easy as it is comforting — a nice companion to your Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders nights!

Happy cooking, friend! Here’s to many crispy, crunchy meals shared with those you love.