Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Flavorful & Guilt-Free!

Craving crispy, crunchy chicken tenders but want to keep it low carb? These Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution! Coated in a delicious, keto-friendly breading, baked to golden perfection, and packed with flavor and crunch, these chicken tenders are a healthy alternative to traditional fried versions.

Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a quick snack, this recipe is easy to make, high in protein, and completely guilt-free. Plus, they pair wonderfully with low-carb dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo, or sugar-free honey mustard!

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Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Chicken Tenders

✔ Crispy & Delicious – Baked, not fried, but still incredibly crispy and flavorful.
✔ Low Carb & Keto-Friendly – Uses almond flour and parmesan instead of breadcrumbs.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple, quick, and ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love these tenders.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for quick lunches or snacks.

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The Best Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

This recipe delivers the crunch and flavor of traditional chicken tenders but keeps things healthy and low-carb-friendly.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for extra crispiness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

For the Low Carb Breading:

• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds extra flavor)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack (for extra crispiness).

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2. Set Up the Breading Station

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
• In another shallow dish, mix the almond flour, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional seasonings.

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3. Bread the Chicken

• Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Then dredge it in the almond flour-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
• Place the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

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4. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and crispy.
• For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

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5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with your favorite low-carb dipping sauces.

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Tips for the Best Low Carb Chicken Tenders

✅ Use a wire rack – This allows heat to circulate around the tenders, making them extra crispy.
✅ Don’t skip the parmesan – It adds flavor and crunch to the coating.
✅ Double bread for extra crunch – Dip twice in the egg and almond flour for a thicker crust.
✅ Use an air fryer for even crispier tenders – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway.
✅ Let them cool slightly before serving – This helps the coating set and stay crispy.

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Dipping Sauce Ideas (Low Carb & Keto-Friendly!)

These tenders pair perfectly with savory, tangy, and creamy dips:

🥑 Avocado Ranch – Mix ranch with mashed avocado for extra creaminess.
🔥 Buffalo Sauce – Toss the tenders in buffalo sauce for spicy kick.
🥣 Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce – A tangy, smoky complement.
🍯 Keto Honey Mustard – Combine Dijon mustard, mayo, and sugar-free honey substitute.
🧄 Garlic Aioli – A rich, garlicky dip made with mayo, garlic, and lemon juice.

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Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these creative variations!

1. Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders

🌶 Use cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
🌶 Add extra cayenne and chili powder for heat.

2. Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

🥥 Replace almond flour with unsweetened shredded coconut.
🥥 Serve with sugar-free sweet chili sauce.

3. Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders

🍋 Add lemon zest and fresh parsley to the coating.
🍋 Serve with lemon garlic butter sauce.

4. Buffalo Chicken Tenders

🔥 Toss the baked tenders in buffalo sauce before serving.
🔥 Serve with blue cheese dressing.

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What to Serve with Low Carb Chicken Tenders

These tenders make a great meal on their own, but here are some low-carb side ideas:

🥦 Roasted Broccoli – A healthy, crispy side dish.
🥗 Avocado & Cucumber Salad – Refreshing and light.
🥑 Cauliflower Mash – A creamy alternative to mashed potatoes.
🍠 Zucchini Fries – A crispy, keto-friendly side.

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How to Store & Reheat

These store well for meal prep or leftovers!

Storing:

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended—it softens the coating.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked tenders for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheat directly from frozen in air fryer or oven.

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Final Thoughts: The Perfect Low-Carb Chicken Tenders

These Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—without the guilt! Whether you’re eating keto, meal prepping, or just want a healthier version of a classic, this recipe is a must-try.

🔥 Make them tonight and enjoy crispy, delicious chicken tenders with zero regrets! 🔥

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