Low Carb Chicken Tenders
Food as medicine highlight
Traditional chicken tenders are coated in refined white flour that results in a blood sugar spike, and are deep fried in inflammatory omega-6 oils like corn, cottonseed, and peanut oil that don’t support health and well-being. This recipe uses a blend of pastured pork lard and avocado oil, both of which are great high-heat cooking fats that won’t oxidize at higher cooking temperatures and therefore, won't promote inflammation in the body. Additionally, this recipe features fiber-rich flax seeds and almond flour. Flax seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyphenolic compound known as lignans, and fiber that support cardiovascular as well as overall health. Almond flour is also filled with fiber as well as vitamin E, and is a great low carb, grain-free, gluten-free flour option.
Ingredients
Approximately 20 pastured chicken tenders
3 eggs, whisked
1 ¼ cup super fine almond flour
2 tbsp organic flaxseed meal
½ tbsp dried parsley
½ tbsp onion powder
½ tbsp garlic powder
½ tbsp chili powder
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Pastured pork lard & avocado oil for cooking (about 2 tbsp of each, may need to add more fat as cooking progresses)
Directions
Combine almond flour, flax seed meal, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl and set aside.
Crack eggs in a separate bowl, whisk, and set aside.
Place gluten free 1-to-1 baking flour on a plate and set aside.
Rinse and thoroughly dry chicken tenders.
Dredge chicken tenders in gluten free baking flour.
After chicken tenders are coated in the gluten free flour, dunk them in whisked eggs to coat, then place them in the almond flour, flaxseed, and spice mixture.
Repeat until all tenders are coated.
Heat mixture of pastured pork lard and avocado oil in a pan.
Place chicken tenders in pan and cook on medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side, of until internal temperature reaches 165℉.
Serving suggestions
My favorite way to enjoy these low carb chicken tenders is alongside an arugula salad with my homemade spicy mustard vinaigrette. You can switch up the spicy mustard and use Dijon instead, or create a honey mustard dipping sauce for the tenders.
This recipe is great for game day. I would serve them in lettuce cups with hot buffalo sauce and a homemade ranch dip in this case.
Kiddos will LOVE this recipe. Consider preparing the chicken tenders as the recipe states, then baking in the oven with marinara sauce and organic mozzarella cheese for an Italian-style dish the kids will love.