Pin Craving the satisfying crunch of fried chicken without the high carb count? These Keto Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders offer the perfect solution. By combining almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese, we create a savory, golden-brown coating that stays crisp while keeping the chicken inside juicy and tender. Paired with a zesty, creamy ranch slaw, this meal provides a refreshing balance of flavors and textures that is both low-carb and incredibly satisfying.
Pin This recipe is designed for ease and flavor. The two-step cooking process—searing in a skillet followed by a quick bake—ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked without losing that signature crunch. It's a versatile dish that works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a weekend treat.
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders: 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup (100 g) almond flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying).
- Ranch Slaw: 2 cups (140 g) shredded green cabbage, 1 cup (70 g) shredded red cabbage, 1/2 cup (40 g) shredded carrots, 1/2 cup (120 ml) ranch dressing (sugar-free, keto-friendly), 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, Salt and pepper, to taste.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
- Step 3
- In another shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then dredge in the Parmesan-almond mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Step 5
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Step 6
- Transfer browned tenders to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and coating is crisp.
- Step 7
- While chicken bakes, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, ranch dressing, chives, dill, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss well to coat.
- Step 8
- Serve hot chicken tenders alongside the ranch slaw.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to the oil. Frying in batches is crucial; if the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of fry, resulting in a less-than-crispy coating. Using tongs to flip the tenders carefully will help keep the breading from falling off during the process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a little extra heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture. For a lighter version of the slaw, you can substitute the ranch dressing with Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice and extra herbs. This provides a similar creaminess with a tangier finish.
Serviervorschläge
These tenders are best served hot straight from the oven. They pair exceptionally well with a dry white wine or a glass of chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. You can also serve them with additional keto-friendly dipping sauces like sugar-free honey mustard or spicy buffalo sauce for a variety of flavors.
Pin With the perfect marriage of crunchy, cheesy chicken and a cool, herb-flecked slaw, this dish proves that you don't have to sacrifice flavor for health. It is a reliable, delicious meal that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust on the chicken tenders?
Coat the tenders thoroughly in the Parmesan and almond flour mixture, then fry in hot olive oil until golden before baking to ensure a crunchy texture.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in the crust?
Yes, almond flour can be swapped with other nut flours, and adding a pinch of cayenne enhances the flavor without altering texture.
- → What is the best dressing for the slaw?
A creamy ranch dressing with herbs like chives and dill complements the slaw's crisp vegetables and balances the hearty chicken crust.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, using almond flour and ensuring the ranch dressing is gluten-free keeps the meal compliant with gluten-free needs.
- → How can I lighten the ranch slaw dressing?
Substituting Greek yogurt for ranch dressing provides a lighter alternative without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
- → What tools are recommended for preparation?
A non-stick skillet for frying, mixing bowls, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and tongs or a spatula make the process easier.