I remember the exact moment I nailed my first batch of Gluten Free Chicken Tenders. It was one of those “what’s for dinner?” nights—nothing was sounding good, and my grocery list was pretty bare. But I was craving something crispy, comforting, and easy. So, I grabbed some chicken, a little gluten free flour for frying, and got to work. When those tenders came out golden and perfectly crispy, I literally did a happy dance in the kitchen. These Gluten Free Chicken Tenders quickly became my go-to meal, fitting right into my foodie life as my ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and delicious.
What makes this dish so joyful is how that crispiness comes through without the gluten. Plus, I can make dairy free gluten free chicken tenders when I’m in the mood or sharing with friends who avoid dairy—double win! It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but plays nicely with busy weeknights or casual weekends alike. And honestly, the best part is sharing it with friends or family when they get that surprised “wow, these are amazing!” reaction. If you’ve been hunting for a chicken tenders recipe gluten free that hits all the marks for flavor, crunch, and ease—you’re in the right spot. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen and can be in yours too!
What You’ll Need:
This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated.
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
- 1 cup gluten free flour for frying (I love using a mix of rice flour and tapioca starch)
- 2 large eggs (for the egg wash)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup gluten free bread crumbs (grab these at any regular grocery store or crush some gluten free crackers if you’re out)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if you want a little kick)
- Cooking oil (avocado oil or light olive oil works great for frying)
- For dairy free gluten free chicken tenders: just swap regular eggs and milk-based ingredients for coconut milk or almond milk mixed with flax eggs
Out of gluten free bread crumbs? No problem! Crushed gluten free cereal or even crushed pork rinds (if you’re into that) make fantastic breading too. This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders recipe is kind to your wallet because it uses pantry staples you probably already have, and the chicken tenders often go on sale.
Quick prep tips: Set up your breading station with three bowls—flour mixed with seasoning, eggs whisked, and bread crumbs ready. This keeps your kitchen organized and speeds things up. Leftovers? Pop those tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for a quick future snack or lunch rescue. I always add a little extra smoked paprika to the flour mix—that smoky flavor pulls everything together beautifully.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to make the crispiest Gluten Free Chicken Tenders your kitchen has ever seen? Let’s dive into the steps side-by-side.
- Prep your breading station by combining gluten free flour for frying with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in the first bowl.
- In bowl two, whisk the eggs until smooth. If you want dairy free gluten free chicken tenders, swap eggs for your favorite flax egg combo or dairy free milk plus a little flour for binding.
- Put your gluten free bread crumbs in the third bowl. If you want a crunch upgrade, mix in a dash more smoked paprika or some Italian seasoning.
- Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This little step helps the breading stick better.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture first. Make sure it’s fully coated—don’t rush this step!
- Next, dunk the chicken in the egg wash to help that gluten free breaded chicken coating stick.
- Press the chicken strip firmly into your bread crumbs, coating all sides. Set them aside on a plate.
- Heat your oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want enough to shallow fry but not deep fry (about 1/4 inch deep). When the oil shimmers, it’s go time.
- Cook chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan; give them room to get crispy.
- Remove the cooked tenders and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Your kitchen is about to smell incredible when these Gluten Free Chicken Tenders are ready. Start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes for a perfect crispy gluten free chicken strips feast. While one batch cooks, I like to prep a quick dipping sauce or toss a side salad. If your breading looks a little patchy early on, it’s totally fine—it only gets better with practice.
A little shortcut I learned is doubling the coating bowls if I’m making a big batch, so I can keep the breading fresh and not soggy. Also, flipping tenders gently with tongs helps keep the shape and coating intact.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders truly shines paired with some crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh crunchy slaw. The contrast of textures keeps things interesting, and the colors on your plate make it feel uplifting.
I love serving this with homemade honey mustard or an herby ranch dip on the side—both so easy and perfect for dunking. For dairy free gluten free chicken tenders, I whip up a tangy avocado lime dip that everyone raves about.
These tenders are fantastic for family dinners, weekend hangouts, or casual game day snacking. I’ve also tossed them straight into wraps for an easy spin on chicken avocado ranch burritos you might love (check this out here).
Presentation-wise, piling them on a big platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges makes them party-ready instantly. Leftovers? I’ve shredded these crispy gluten free chicken strips into salads and even incorporated them into a quick chicken spaghetti recipe gluten free that’s a total keeper (easy chicken spaghetti recipe).
Seasonally, I’ve added a sprinkle of fresh herbs in spring and a dash of cinnamon or smoked paprika in fall to give the dish a cozy twist. This dish is a total hit every time with friends and family—and believe me, they ask for it again and again.
Your Questions, Answered:
I get asked so many great things about making Gluten Free Chicken Tenders—let’s chat through the most common!
Can I prep parts of this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders ahead?
Absolutely! The flour and bread crumb mixtures keep well if covered, so you can prep your breading station in the morning or the day before. You can also bread the chicken strips and freeze them uncooked; just pop them into the oven or skillet straight from the freezer when hungry.What’s a good swap for the gluten free flour for frying?
I like rice flour or chickpea flour—they both crisp up nicely. For my dairy free gluten free chicken tenders, I sometimes use almond or coconut flour, but watch the crispiness—they’re slightly different.How can I get the crispiest gluten free breaded chicken?
Patting your chicken dry before breading is key! Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying because it lowers the oil temperature and makes the coating soggy.Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can! Spray the tenders lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll still be delicious but check out other folks who recommend some different breading tweaks for baking at places like Easy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders (Crispy, Juicy, & Healthy!).What if I want dairy free gluten free chicken tenders?
Swap out eggs with a mix of ground flaxseed and water or use unsweetened almond or oat milk in your egg wash step. For breading, double-check that your gluten free bread crumbs are dairy free too.How do I make this Gluten Free Chicken Tenders for a crowd?
Just scale up! Set up a big breading station and work in batches. These tenders keep warm in a 200°F oven while you finish—perfect for parties or potlucks.Any fun variations?
Yes! I’ve added parmesan cheese into the bread crumbs for an extra hit of flavor or tossed in some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mix. For spice lovers, a bit of cayenne or chili powder kicks it up a notch.
If you want to see another awesome take, Gluten Free Chicken Tenders – Eat With Clarity has some inspiring ideas too. And for those exploring gluten free fried chicken beyond tenders, check out Easy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders for a great resource.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders recipe has a special spot in my heart because it turns simple ingredients into something joyful and crispy every single time. I love how it brings people together—whether it’s a family dinner or a casual hangout.
My Top Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Tips:
1. Pat your chicken dry for the crispiest coating.
2. Don’t skip seasoning your flour and bread crumbs—it makes all the difference.
3. Fry in batches to keep your oil hot and coating perfectly crunchy.
My favorite variations include adding Parmesan to the crumbs, switching up the spices, and making a dairy free gluten free chicken tenders version that’s just as satisfying. The version that gets requested the most is the classic smoky paprika and garlic combo—so simple but so good.
I hope you make this recipe your own and find as much joy in it as I do. This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders is one of those easy, fail-proof recipes that brings deliciousness with minimal fuss. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Ready to dive in? This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders will be your new kitchen win, guaranteed. And hey, if you love this, you might like my turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup (recipe here)—a perfect pairing for cozy nights.
Happy cooking, fellow foodies!
Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
Crispy and flavorful gluten free chicken tenders perfect for a healthy family dinner or a quick snack, coated with a crunchy gluten free breading.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, combine gluten free flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix gluten free breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese if using.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Notes
For a healthier version, bake the tenders at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.