This recipe is a delicious and low-carb twist on classic chicken tenders, using homemade keto bread crumbs for a crispy coating. It starts with preparing keto-friendly bread and turning it into flavorful bread crumbs seasoned with herbs and spices. The chicken tenders are coated in these crumbs and baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside. This keto-friendly version of a favorite comfort food is perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet or looking for healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste and texture.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat To prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Food Processor or Blender To pulse and blend the keto-friendly bread into crumbs.
Mixing bowls For combining and seasoning the bread crumbs and coating the chicken tenders.
Whisk To beat eggs or combine wet ingredients for coating the chicken tenders.
Tongs or Forks For handling and coating the chicken tenders in the bread crumbs.
Oven To bake the chicken tenders until crispy and cooked through.
Cooking Spray or Oil For greasing the baking sheet or using on the chicken tenders for extra crispiness.
Optional Meat Thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature for doneness.
Ingredients
For the Keto Bread Crumbs
4Slices of Keto-friendly Bread (almond flour or coconut flour-based), toasted and cooled
1Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1Teaspoon Onion Powder
1Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper to Taste
For the Chicken Tenders
1½Pounds Boneless, Skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or tenders
2Large Eggs, Beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil)
Instructions
Preparing the crust
Choose a keto-friendly bread made from almond flour, coconut flour, or flaxseed.
Slice the bread into even pieces.
Toast the slices until they are golden and crispy.
Drying and Toasting the Bread
Ensure the bread is thoroughly dried to achieve the best texture.
Place the slices in an oven or air fryer to further dry and toast them.
Seasoning the Bread Crumbs
Combine seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Use a food processor or blender to pulse the toasted bread into fine crumbs.
Mix the crumbs with the prepared seasonings.
Storing the Bread Crumbs
Store the seasoned bread crumbs in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Keep the bread crumbs in a cool, dry place.
They can also be refrigerated
Notes
Bread Selection: Choose keto-friendly bread made from almond flour, coconut flour, or flaxseed to ensure the bread crumbs are low in carbs.
Toasting the Bread: Make sure the bread is thoroughly toasted and dried out. This ensures the crumbs are crisp and provide the desired texture when coating the chicken tenders.
Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning in the bread crumbs to suit your taste. You can add more or less garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other spices you prefer.
Coating the Chicken: For an even coating, dip the chicken tenders in beaten eggs before coating them with the seasoned bread crumbs. This helps the crumbs adhere better to the chicken.
Cooking Method: Use a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around the chicken tenders. This helps achieve a crispier texture. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for a similar effect.
Oil Usage: Lightly spray or brush the coated chicken tenders with oil to enhance crispiness during baking. Use keto-friendly oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken tenders while they bake. Cooking times can vary based on the size of the tenders and the efficiency of your oven. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Storage: Store any leftover keto bread crumbs in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Versatility: These keto bread crumbs can be used in a variety of other recipes, such as meatballs, casseroles, or as a topping for gratins and casseroles.
Nutritional Information: For accurate nutritional information, consider using a nutritional calculator based on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
By keeping these notes in mind, you'll ensure that your keto chicken tenders are flavorful, crispy, and perfectly suited to a low-carb diet.