Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Delicious Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Few things go quite as quickly as a plate of crispy chicken tenders – dipped in mustard, BBQ sauce or whatever dipping sauce you love.

And while deep-fried chicken tenders are delicious, today’s recipe shows you that this healthier option for oven-baked chicken tenders are just as crispy, golden brown, and finger-lickin’ good. No deep frying required!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: The handful of ingredients needed for baking these crispy chicken tenders are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: Preparing these gluten-free baked chicken tenders is just a matter of prepping the breading stations, dipping chicken in an egg mixture, then coating it in a breadcrumb mixture, and baking until golden!
• Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this oven baked chicken tenders recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making these crunchy baked chicken tenders.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option. I find that it’s easier to cut chicken breasts into larger strips as opposed to chicken thighs, but that is a personal preference.
• Breadcrumbs: I used plain gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this recipe gluten-free, but if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular breadcrumbs instead. Alternatively, if you wish, you may also use gluten-free panko bread crumbs for even more crunch.
• Parmesan: I used dairy-free grated Parmesan cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, you may use regular parmesan cheese instead.
• Eggs: Eggs play an important role in binding the breading to the chicken, so make sure you don’t leave them out. Alternatively, if you are allergic to eggs, you may use aquafaba or an egg-replacer instead.
• Mustard: I used yellow mustard in this recipe, but go ahead and use whichever mustard you have on hand (dijon mustard, honey mustard, etc).
• Seasonings: I like adding ground paprika, garlic powder and black pepper for flavor. However, feel free to add other of your favorite seasonings (such as ground cayenne pepper for more heat or onion powder for more taste, etc.)
• Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but feel free to use another type of vegetable oil if you prefer (canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, etc.)

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Tenders:

Cut Chicken into Strips: Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized strips (tenders).

Whisk Eggs with Condiments: In a bowl or shallow dish, add the eggs, mustard, salt and black pepper. Whisk with a fork until well-combined.

Dish by Dish Tips:

• Pat Chicken Dry: Make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to get rid of any moisture (this will ensure the crispiest coating as any surface moisture will result in a “steamed” texture).
• Use Your Favorite Seasonings: I’ve used ground paprika, garlic powder and black pepper to condiment the breading, but feel free to use your favorite condiments (think onion powder, cayenne powder, Italian seasoning, anything-but-the-bagel seasoning, etc.). And be generous with the seasonings especially if you like your chicken tenders packed with flavor!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prep coat the chicken tenders and then freeze them in separate single layers separated by plastic wrap, and then bake them when ready to eat.
• Serve With: In this case, I’ve served these gluten-free baked chicken tenders with mustard and BBQ sauce, but you can definitely serve them with your favorite dipping sauces (such as ranch dip, sriracha aioli, garlic aioli, etc)!

Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

• Crispy Cornflake Chicken Strips (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Gluten-Free Fried Chicken (Dairy-Free)
• Easy Breaded Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Appetizers to Make:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

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Description

Full of crunch with none of the gluten, these flavorful oven-baked chicken tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack! Totally gluten-free and dairy-free.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup dairy-free grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Grease: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Either grease or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut Chicken into Strips: Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized strips (tenders)
3. Whisk Eggs with Condiments: In a bowl or shallow dish, add the eggs, mustard, salt and black pepper. Whisk with a fork until well-combined.
4. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In another plate combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs, dairy-free parmesan cheese, ground paprika and garlic powder. Mix well.
5. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture. Then coat well with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently with your hands to help the coating stick.
6. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven at 400F (200C) for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken tenders over and bake for another 10 minutes, until golden.
8. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and lemon.

Notes

Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option. I find that it’s easier to cut chicken breasts into larger strips as opposed to chicken thighs, but that is a personal preference.

Breadcrumbs: I used gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this recipe gluten-free, but if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular breadcrumbs instead. Alternatively, if you wish, you may also use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for even more crunch.

Parmesan: I used dairy-free grated Parmesan cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, you may use regular parmesan cheese instead.

Eggs: Eggs play an important role in binding the breading to the chicken, so make sure you don’t leave them out. Alternatively, if you are allergic to eggs, you may use aquafaba or an egg-replacer instead.

Mustard: I used yellow mustard in this recipe, but go ahead and use whichever mustard you have on hand (dijon mustard, honey mustard, etc).

Seasonings: I like adding ground paprika, garlic powder and black pepper for flavor. However, feel free to add other of your favorite seasonings (such as ground cayenne pepper for more heat or onion powder for more taste, etc.)

Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but feel free to use another type of vegetable oil if you prefer (canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, etc.)

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dishes, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American