HERB-CRUSTED BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS – GLUTEN-FREE & LOW CALORIE
This flavorful baked chicken breast recipe is inspired by a great source and marks my first delicious oven-baked “pane” version. The benefits are twofold: fewer calories thanks to baking, and a gluten-free crust! Don’t worry—they’re not dry, I promise! I bet that was your first thought 😉
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍳 Cook Time: 20-25 min
🍽️ Servings: 2-3
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 boneless chicken breast
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- Salt, to taste
- A little oil
Herb Crust:
- 25 g almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
- 25 g hulled hemp seeds
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules
- 1/2 tsp dehydrated onion flakes, ground
- 1/2 tsp finely chopped rosemary leaves (or substitute sage, oregano, or Tuscan herb mix)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast into thick strips about the size of your thumb. Avoid thin strips to keep them juicy.
- In a bowl, beat the egg with milk and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix all the herb crust ingredients thoroughly.
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Coat each strip evenly with the herb crust mixture.
- Arrange strips spaced apart on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly drizzle or spray each strip with a little oil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Tip: If your oven has an extra browning or grill function, use it intermittently during baking for a crisper crust. If not, and the chicken is cooked through but not browned enough, finish with a few minutes under the grill.
- Serve warm with Sriracha sauce or a mix of Sriracha and mayonnaise.
Note: After cooling, the crust softens but the chicken remains tender and juicy.
💡 Tips
- Use thick strips to keep chicken moist during baking.
- Spray oil is convenient for even light coating.
- Experiment with different herbs for the crust to suit your taste.
- Checking doneness by cutting into a piece ensures juicy chicken.
🍽️ Perfect For
- Healthy, gluten-free meals
- Low-calorie dinner options
- Kid-friendly finger food
📝 Final Thoughts
These herb-crusted baked chicken tenders are a delicious, guilt-free alternative to fried chicken. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they’re perfect for quick dinners or snacks with your favorite spicy dip.