You guys, this is so easy to make! These low-carb chicken tenders deliver all the crispy, juicy satisfaction of traditional strips without the carb overload. Made with almond flour and parmesan, they’re perfect for a keto lifestyle. For more low-carb favorites, try our creamy chicken with spinach, bite-sized chicken nuggets, or crunchy chicken fingers.

When I first started cutting carbs, I thought I’d have to give up comfort foods like chicken tenders forever. But after some experimenting, I created this low-carb chicken tenders recipe that completely satisfies those cravings! The secret? A perfect blend of almond flour and parmesan for an irresistible crunch. For a gluten-free version, try these crispy chicken tenders.

These tenders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a main dish with veggies, slice them up for salads, or even prepare them in advance for quick meals throughout the week. This is literally the easiest recipe ever! With just a few simple ingredients and about 25 minutes, you’ll have a protein-packed meal that everyone will love.

What You’ll Love

Only 2g net carbs per serving compared to 15-20g in traditional breaded tenders
Ready in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner solution
Perfectly crispy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside

Recipe Ingredients

Everything you need for these delicious low carb chicken tenders can be found at your local grocery store:

Chicken breast
Egg
Mayonnaise
Butter
Almond flour
Parmesan cheese
Garlic salt
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Black pepper
Paprika

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken breast – Use fresh chicken for best results. You can substitute chicken tenderloins if you prefer not to cut the breasts into strips.
Almond flour – This is the key to keeping these tenders low carb. Make sure to use fine almond flour, not almond meal, for the best texture.
Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated parmesan rather than the shelf-stable kind for better flavor and crispier coating.

How to Make Low Carb Chicken Tenders Recipe

These low carb chicken tenders come together quickly with simple steps. For exact measurements and detailed instructions, see the printable recipe card below.

step 1: Dip a chicken tender into the egg mixture, then dip it in the dry ingredients and transfer to the baking sheet

Dip a chicken tender into the egg mixture, then dip it in the dry ingredients and transfer to the baking sheet image

step 2: Bake the tenders for 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F

Bake the tenders for 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. image

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Mix egg and mayonnaise in one shallow bowl.
Combine almond flour, parmesan, and all seasonings in another bowl.
Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breading mixture.
For oven baking: Place on a lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake for 15 minutes. Flip and bake another 5-10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
For air frying: Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve hot with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.

Pro Tips

For extra crispy tenders, let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the coating to set properly and maintains that perfect crunch. Also, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet or air fryer – the tenders need space around them to get crispy on all sides.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration – Store leftover tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Look at Storage and reheating guide for maintaining low-carb integrity.
Freezing – These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating – For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy texture.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick
Mix in 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the breading for extra cheesy flavor
Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives after cooking for a pop of color and flavor

Substitutions:

Replace almond flour with crushed pork rinds for zero carbs and extra crunch
Substitute coconut flour for almond flour (use 1/3 the amount as it’s more absorbent)
Use avocado oil spray instead of butter if preferred for dairy-free option
Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast if you need a dairy-free alternative

FAQs About This Low Carb Chicken Tenders

Are chicken tenders high in carbohydrates?

Traditional chicken tenders are high in carbs (15-20g per serving) due to breadcrumb coating, but this low carb chicken tenders recipe contains only 2g net carbs per serving.

Can I eat breaded chicken on a low-carb diet?

Yes, when the breading is made from low-carb ingredients like almond flour and parmesan cheese instead of traditional breadcrumbs or flour.

Can you eat chicken strips on a keto diet?

Absolutely! These keto chicken tenders are specifically designed for the ketogenic diet with only 2g net carbs per serving, making them a perfect keto-friendly option.

What Can I Serve With These Low Carb Chicken Tenders?

These versatile low carb chicken tenders pair perfectly with so many keto-friendly sides! Try them with a simple side salad, roasted broccoli, cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles. For dipping, serve with sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.

If you try this low carb chicken tenders recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your social media posts. Your feedback helps other readers and means the world to me!

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