Ingredients
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a quick list of ingredients:
- Chicken tenders: You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Almond meal or finely chopped almonds: For the crust.
- Eggs: These act as the glue for the almond coating.
- Seasonings: Think salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Optional extras: Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: To help the tenders crisp up beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Almond-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Preparing the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken tenders. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into even strips for consistent cooking. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this helps the coating stick better.
Setting Up the Coating Station
The key to perfectly almond-crusted tenders is a well-organized coating station. You’ll need:
- Bowl 1: Beat the eggs until smooth. Add a splash of water or milk if you want a thinner coating.
- Bowl 2: Combine almond meal with your choice of seasonings. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Coating the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, press it firmly into the almond mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. For extra crunch, you can double-dip: egg -> almond -> egg -> almond.
Cooking Methods: Oven, Stovetop, or Air Fryer?
Baking in the Oven
Want a hands-off approach? Baking is your best bet.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Pan-Frying for Extra Crunch
If you’re craving that classic crispy texture, pan-frying is the way to go.
- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the chicken tenders in the pan, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
Air Fryer Magic
The air fryer is perfect for achieving maximum crispiness with minimal oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the tenders in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches).
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Almond-crusted chicken tenders aren’t just about food; they’re about elevating a simple dish into something extraordinary. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and healthy, proving you don’t need to sacrifice taste for nutrition. Whether you’re serving them to kids, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those almonds, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make the crispiest, most delicious chicken tenders of your life. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back to the plain old breaded version!
