Name: Baked Chicken Tenders with Low Carb Ingredients
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders; 1 cup almond flour; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Olive oil spray (as needed)

Golden on the outside, juicy on the inside—these Baked Chicken Tenders with Low Carb Ingredients are everything you crave in comfort food but made healthier. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or even meal prep, this recipe skips the greasy fryers and carb-heavy coatings in favor of flavor-packed, keto-friendly brilliance.

What sets this version apart is the balance of crunch and seasoning without sacrificing your health goals. Almond flour and grated Parmesan form the crispy outer layer, seasoned with bold spices that deliver serious flavor. With a quick bake in the oven, you get irresistibly tender bites without the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Tenders with Low Carb Ingredients

These tenders aren’t just healthier—they’re also:

Super crispy without frying
Naturally gluten-free
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Great for keto or low-carb lifestyles
Easy to prep ahead and reheat later

Whether you’re serving them as a main course, pairing with dipping sauces, or slicing over a salad, these chicken tenders hit all the right notes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making the perfect batch of low-carb chicken tenders begins with the right tools. Here’s what you need and why:

Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: Elevates the chicken to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even crispiness without turning.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two for the egg wash and the coating mixture.
Tongs: Helps handle the tenders cleanly when dipping into the egg and coating.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness (internal temp of 165°F).

Ingredients for the Baked Chicken Tenders with Low Carb Ingredients

Let’s break down the powerhouse ingredients that make these tenders flavorful and guilt-free:

Chicken Tenders: Lean, protein-packed, and quick-cooking, these are the star of the dish.
Almond Flour: A low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs that adds nuttiness and crunch.
Parmesan Cheese (grated): Provides saltiness and an extra crispy texture when baked.
Eggs: Act as the binder to help the coating stick to the chicken.
Garlic Powder: Delivers a warm, savory base.
Smoked Paprika: Brings depth and a hint of smokiness.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a herby punch that pairs perfectly with the cheesy crust.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Olive Oil Spray: Ensures a golden, crisp finish without excess oil.

How To Make the Baked Chicken Tenders with Low Carb Ingredients

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top for optimal crisping.

Step 2: Create Your Dredging Stations

In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix almond flour, grated Parmesan, and all the seasonings.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, then press into the almond-Parmesan mixture. Ensure all sides are evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange and Spray

Lay the coated tenders on the wire rack. Lightly spray each with olive oil for a beautiful crisp.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.

Serving and Storing These Baked Chicken Tenders

These baked chicken tenders are best served fresh out of the oven when the coating is at peak crispiness. Pair them with a creamy ranch dip, sugar-free honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce for dipping. For a complete low-carb meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables, a leafy green salad, or cauliflower mash.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain that crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure the coating sticks to the chicken?

Pat your chicken tenders dry before dipping. This helps the egg adhere better, which in turn makes the coating stick firmly.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice them into strips about the size of tenders. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.

What can I substitute for almond flour?

Crushed pork rinds or coconut flour are great low-carb alternatives, but the texture will differ slightly.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! With almond flour and Parmesan as the crust base, these tenders are ideal for keto diets.

Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.

What dipping sauces are low-carb?

Ranch, buffalo sauce, sugar-free BBQ, and garlic aioli are delicious and keto-compatible options.

Want More Chicken Ideas with a Healthy Twist?

If you love these Baked Chicken Tenders with Low Carb Ingredients, you’ll definitely want to try these other wholesome and flavor-packed recipes:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a handheld option that’s perfect on the go.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce if you’re craving something creamy and indulgent.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for a Mediterranean spin.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for a spicy kick and sweet-savory flavor.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders for another crisp, zesty variation.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest low-carb or chicken dinner board so you can find it whenever the craving strikes.

And when you make these tenders, I’d love to hear from you! Did you add a special dip or spice twist? Maybe tried air frying instead? Share your version in the comments below.

Looking for daily low-carb cooking inspiration? Follow my Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate – American Recipes By Heart to discover more real-food, family-loved ideas.