Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders (No Egg)

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These are the best gluten-free chicken tenders I've ever had. Hands down. They are actually crispy without the egg and gluten. They're super allergy-friendly and are made without gluten, dairy, egg, soy, or nuts! This recipe is also low-histamine as written.

It is really hard to find chicken tenders at the store that are free from gluten, dairy, and ACTUALLY have good ingredients. That's why I love to make mine at home because you can use high-quality ingredients and control what goes into them, making sure you will feel good after you eat them!

This dish is kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and is made with simple pantry ingredients. You also have the option of multiple cooking methods, which makes this recipe super convenient! Plus, it's ready in under 30 minutes. I love to serve it alongside my gluten-free sweet potato fries or in my chicken snack wraps to make it a full meal!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chicken: Chicken is the main protein in this recipe. I like to buy chicken tenders from the store for quick cooking. You can also purchase chicken breasts and slice them yourself. I look for organic and air-chilled for the highest quality option.
• Flour: I use gluten-free flour in this recipe to coat the chicken initially and give the egg replacement something to grab onto. This works really well.
• Egg replacement: The egg replacement is a combination of milk (dairy-free works), arrowroot powder and oil. Yes, you can also use an egg here if you eat eggs!
• Breading: I use cornflakes for the breading in this recipe. They give these chicken tenders the crispiest, most "fried" texture. My favorite brand is The Real Cereal Company! Not all cornflakes are gluten-free, so make sure you are purchasing gluten-free cornflakes. Most cornflakes have malt, which contains barley!
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper give these chicken fingers so much flavor.

What to Use Instead of Egg (Why This Works)

Egg is used as the binder in chicken tender recipes to adhere the breading to the chicken. Using my method, you are building a three layer coating system, which is why this recipe will come out better than all of the other recipes you find online.

This method works because the flour layer helps absorb moisture from the chicken and creates a drier texture. This gives the slurry something to cling to. The slurry acts as the glue and hydrates the flour layer. The starch thickens and becomes tacky.

When pressed into the slurry, the cornflakes stick easily and create a thick, textured coating. As they cook, the edges crisp up, making the perfect tender that tastes fried, without needing any egg!

How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

Alternatively, you can cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders Every Time

To get the crispiest gluten-free chicken tenders every time, make sure to:

• Preheat your oven.
• Don't overcrowd your baking sheet. You want the chicken tenders to cook evenly.
• Flip the tenders halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
• Don't skip pressing the breading firmly so that it adheres well to the chicken.
• Use plenty of oil!

Quick fixes if something goes wrong:

• If the chicken tenders are not crispy enough, increase the heat and cook time.
• If the breading is falling off, the slurry might be too thin. You may need to use a different type of milk next time.
• If the chicken tenders are dry, they are likely overcooked.

The Best Breading for Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

Cornflakes are hands down the best option for chicken tenders because they are so crispy and make for the best texture. Make sure the cornflakes you are purchasing are gluten-free!

Breadcrumbs are a classic option, but they are less crispy!

Another great option is using crushed gluten-free pretzels.