Herb Crusted Gluten Free Oven Chicken Tenders have a special place in my kitchen and heart.
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef now based in the U.S., and this is GoldenGlutenFree.com, my space to share gluten-free recipes rooted in Italian tradition and powered by a love for healthy living.
I didn’t grow up gluten-free. In fact, I trained under classic Italian chefs, where flour was everything. But life took a sharp turn when persistent fatigue led to a diagnosis of gluten intolerance. That changed everything. I knew I couldn’t give up the dishes I loved, I just had to find a new way to make them.
This recipe is one of those victories. Herb Crusted Gluten Free Oven Chicken Tenders deliver the crunchy satisfaction of deep-fried tenders without the wheat, grease, or guilt. They’re baked, not fried, and crusted with a fragrant blend of herbs, almond flour, and flaxseed for a nourishing crunch that’s both satisfying and simple.
If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that’s family-friendly, meal-prep approved, and totally gluten-free, you’re going to love this one. These oven-baked tenders pair beautifully with sides like roasted veggies or a warm grain bowl, and they make a pretty great next-day lunch, too.
You’ll also love these options for quick dinners like Lemon Herb Gluten-Free Chicken Skillet or Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas if you’re into easy prep.
Herb Crusted Gluten Free Oven Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- mixing bowls
- spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- olive oil spray for crisping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with olive oil.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with Dijon mustard. In a second bowl, mix almond flour, flaxseed, parsley, basil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat in the herb crust, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place coated tenders on the baking sheet, spaced apart. Spray tops with olive oil for crispiness.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving to help the crust set.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
No complicated ingredients here, just wholesome staples you probably already have.
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for crisping)
Want to serve these tenders with a homemade dip? Try my Pumpkin Hummus or Avocado Deviled Eggs for a creamy side that feels just a little fancy.
How to Make Herb Crusted Gluten Free Oven Chicken Tenders
Let’s break this down step by step. It’s beginner-friendly and totally weeknight doable.
Step 1: Prep your oven and pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.
Step 2: Create your dredging stations
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with Dijon mustard. This helps the coating stick and adds a slight tang.
In a second bowl, combine almond flour, flaxseed, and all the herbs and spices.
Step 3: Coat the chicken
Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat in the herb crust. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Arrange tenders on the sheet, spacing them evenly. Lightly spray the tops with oil for extra crispiness.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Tenders should be golden and reach an internal temp of 165°F.
Step 5: Rest and serve
Let them sit 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps the crust firm up.
Tips for Crispy, Juicy Tenders
Even though these are baked, you can get serious crisp factor with a few easy tricks.
- Use almond flour, not almond meal. It’s finer and creates a more even crust.
- Don’t skip the flaxseed. It adds texture and helps the coating hold up.
- Spray with oil. It mimics the effect of frying and browns the coating nicely.
- Flip carefully. Use a thin spatula so you don’t lose the crust mid-bake.
For a bigger comfort food meal, serve these with my Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies or a fresh side like Greek Chicken Bowls.
Flavor Variations & Gluten-Free Swaps
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but you can make it your own with these ideas:
Make it dairy-free:
It already is! No cheese or milk needed, just wholesome ingredients that deliver flavor and texture without the dairy.
Want it spicy?
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes to the herb crust.
Try different herbs:
Use rosemary or thyme instead of parsley and basil. You can even mix in nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist.
Streusel-like crunch:
Mix in a tablespoon of crushed gluten-free cornflakes or puffed rice cereal to the coating for extra crunch.
Make a kid-friendly version:
Cut chicken into nuggets and serve with homemade ketchup or gluten-free honey mustard from the party snack post.
Storage & Reheating
These Herb Crusted Gluten Free Oven Chicken Tenders are perfect for make-ahead meals or lunchboxes.
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze after baking on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for 2 months.
To reheat:
Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes (no microwave, it ruins the crunch!). For best results, reheat from frozen directly in the oven or air fryer.
FAQ
Are Herb Crusted Gluten Free Oven Chicken Tenders healthier than fried chicken?
Yes. They’re baked, not fried, and use almond flour and flaxseed instead of wheat and breadcrumbs, making them lower in carbs and rich in fiber and healthy fats.
Can I use another type of flour?
Absolutely. If you don’t have almond flour, try a gluten-free breadcrumb blend or oat flour. Just avoid coconut flour, it absorbs too much moisture.
Can I make them in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping once. They turn out even crispier.
What’s a good dipping sauce?
Try garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or Pumpkin Hummus for a cozy fall vibe.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or a seasoned pro, these Herb Crusted Gluten Free Oven Chicken Tenders are a must-try. They offer that golden crunch we all crave, with clean, nourishing ingredients that make you feel good after eating.
They’re perfect for weeknight meals, lunchboxes, or even holiday parties. Bake a double batch, you won’t regret it.
For more cozy gluten-free dinners, try my Classic Gluten-Free Meatloaf or Quick Chicken Stir-Fry.