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Healthy Chicken Tender Recipes

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5 from 5 votes

These Healthy Chicken Tender Recipes are great for family dinners and quick weeknight meals. When it comes to cooking chicken, there are so many ingredients that you can use. You’re sure to find a chicken tender recipe on this list that you’ll love.

healthy chicken tender recipes

It doesn’t matter what you call them. Chicken strips, chicken fingers, or chicken tenders – they’re all delicious and a must-make for meals. Being able to use different mixtures and cooking appliances is some of the fun, too.

Grab your favorite dipping sauce and get started on the easy list below. This simple menu planning list has some that are gluten-free, some that are low in carbohydrates, and all that are high in flavor.

collage of food
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Instant Pot Chicken Tenders

Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot is a great way to make sure that you keep the chicken tender and juicy without the worry of overcooking it.

Blackened Chicken Tenders

This chicken recipe is one that goes well with any side dish. Pair with some steamed veggies or a nice side salad, and you have a healthy dish that is keto and low-carb-friendly.

sheet pan lined with coconut chicken tenders

Coconut Chicken Tenders

Love a little sweetness with your chicken? Adding the flavor of coconut is unique but delicious. These oven baked chicken tenders would pair perfectly with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Chicken & Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Any kid would agree that this is a fun spin on your “spaghetti” dish. As a parent, you’ll love getting some healthiness into their bellies at the same time.

Crack Chicken with a fork sticking into piece on a plate with a side of green beans close up

Keto Crack Chicken

The name on this one says it all. This dish is addictive because of the flavoring, which means that you will keep coming back for more. Just cook, serve, and repeat.

Keto Greek Chicken with Feta & Dill

The feta cheese paired with the dill for this low carb recipe is proof that cooking chicken is easy and versatile. The flavors are unlike anything you’ll try!

a square plate of chicken tenders

Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders

Need to cut out some fat and calories? This is the recipe for you. For these chicken tenderloins, the key is to cut out the panko breadcrumbs and crush up pork rinds for that crispy crust instead.

This baked chicken tenders recipe is simple to do. Just be sure to add cooking spray to the baking sheet so that the spices and goodness don’t stick! You don’t want it to stick to the pan when you bake it.

Balsamic Chicken

This is a simple way to have a light and easy dinner that you can enjoy as is or cut up and add to the top of your salad as well.

Ready in less than 20 minutes. I like to add a bit of salt, pepper, and fresh parsley on top of mine.

close up of keto chicken and broccoli skillet

Keto Chicken and Broccoli Skillet

This tastes just like something you’d get from your favorite stir-fry restaurant! It’s a great way to feed the family but loading it with broccoli also adds a much-needed health benefit.

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken with Bacon

Bacon and chicken? Yes, please! Add a little bit of asparagus to the mix, and you have an easy meal that looks much harder to make. Enjoy the credit for being the cook!

Keto Barbecue Chicken

If you have a favorite BBQ sauce, this is the recipe for it. Have it handy to slather on after cooking the chicken or use it as a dipping sauce. This recipe highlights my favorite spice rub: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken tenders plated with green beans on white plate. Sheet Pan of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders in background

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

There’s really nothing better than the flavor of garlic and parmesan covering the entire chicken tenders recipe. It’s not overpowering, but it easily adds a ton of flavor. This is one of my kids’ all-time favorite healthy chicken tender recipes.

Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu

Let the skillet and stove do all the work and make this simple dish. The best part is that you can have it cooked and ready in under 30 minutes.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe with Basil

Adding a hint of citrus with the fresh basil is perfection in every bite. This is another really simple weeknight dinner recipe that will have everyone in the family wanting more.

grilled ranch chicken tenders up close

Grilled Ranch Chicken

Keeping it easy and simple is what this chicken recipe is all about. I use a yogurt ranch marinade with this recipe, which takes only 5 simple ingredients to whip up.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip

SO many fun flavors in this recipe, and you’ll be able to taste them all. The wrapped chicken stays tender, while the bacon boosts salty goodness. And don’t forget to make the ranch dip to treat yourself.

Keto Tuscan Chicken Casserole

This is a fancy way to make Tuscan chicken and a great way to make sure that you have enough to feed everyone. Plus, when you make a casserole and have leftovers, it’s a great way to save some for later by storing it in the freezer.

pecan crusted chicken sliced on top a green salad with strawberries

Pecan Crusted Chicken

The richness of this chicken is simple and amazingly delicious. Adding crushed pecans gives every bite depth while also boosting nutrients and protein. This is one of my top healthy chicken tender recipes to use on top of salad.

Baked Southwest Chicken

Check out the flavors of the South with this simple chicken recipe. Minimal prep work is needed, resulting in a flavor you’ll love. Pair it with my Roasted Jalapeno Salsa, and you’re set!

Sesame Chicken Appetizer Bites

Need a starter for a meal or a party? Chicken can easily be your focal point. These bites are a great way to plate an appetizer that everyone can grab and sink their teeth into.

 

overhead view of a black platter centered with a small dish of ranch dip and surrounded by bacon wrapped chicken tenders

 

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a square plate of chicken tenders

Baked Chicken Tenders

Taryn
These baked tenders are one of our favorite healthy chicken tender recipes!
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 393

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400.
  • In a food processor puree the pork rinds until they are finely crushed.
  • In a shallow pan combine pork rinds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • In a separate shallow pan combine the beaten egg and the heavy whipping cream, mix well.
  • Place chicken tenders one at a time first in the egg mixture and then the pork rind breading mixture. Be sure to coat chicken completely. A good tip is to press down firmly on each side of the chicken when you are coating it with the breading. You want the breading to really stick! Continue this process until all of the chicken is breaded.
  • Place chicken on a baking sheet greased with avocado oil. Use an oil sprayer to spray the tops of the breaded chicken with the avocado oil.
  • Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the tenders over. Bake for 10 more minutes or until your chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 160°.

Notes

To Reheat: bake the chicken tenders at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes, heat in a skillet, or microwave until hot. Baking or pan-frying helps to crisp the breading again.
To Freeze: flash freeze the baked chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then toss them in a freezer bag. Then you can easily grab out what you need for a quick lunch or dinner idea.
Substitutions: you can use any variety or flavor of pork rinds as long as they are low carb. It’s fun to play with the various flavor options.
Prep Time: if you are batch cooking, make up a couple of batches ahead of time and freeze the rest (after they have baked). Then reheat them as needed for an easy dinner. 

Nutrition

Calories: 393Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 49gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 201mgSodium: 832mgPotassium: 601mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 441IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
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