Dairy-Free Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Looking for a wholesome, easy-to-make meal that's big on flavor and free from dairy? These Dairy-Free Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders deliver a satisfying crunch with an irresistibly golden coating. Made with a zesty dairy-free buttermilk substitute using almond milk and apple cider vinegar, these chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned flour blend and a crispy mixture of panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal. Baked to perfection, not fried, they offer a healthier twist without sacrificing texture or taste. Ideal for weeknight dinners or kid-friendly meals, these tenders pair beautifully with your favorite dairy-free dipping sauces. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re a must-try for anyone craving crispy comfort food without the guilt or the dairy!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the unsweetened almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a dairy-free buttermilk substitute.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal.

Step 5

Dip each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off the excess flour.

Step 6

Next, immerse the floured chicken tender into the almond milk mixture, ensuring it is well soaked.

Step 7

Finally, coat each tender in the panko breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 8

Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray to help give them a golden finish.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10

Let the chicken tenders cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dairy-free dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1119.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2437.2

Total Fat 91.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 226.8mg	0%
Sodium 5655.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 284.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 7.1g
Protein 121.2g	0%

Vitamin D 131.8IU	0%
Calcium 762.8mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 1659.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.7%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 46.5%