Whole30 Chicken Tenders are healthy and delicious! These paleo chicken tenders are made with cashews, coconut flakes and a few other ingredients -SO crispy! Gluten free, dairy free and ready in under 30 minutes- your entire family will love this healthy take on a classic dish! This post is sponsored by Just BARE Chicken®.
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These Whole30 Cashew Coconut Chicken Tenders are the ultimate dinner. Crispy, crunchy tenders that are baked (not fried) to perfection with a delicious nutty flavor.
They are seriously yummy while still being paleo, gluten free, and dairy free.
You can trust me on this because while it might come as a shock, for a large portion of my life I lived off of chicken tenders and french fries.
I know, I know. A health food blogger who loves chicken tenders and french fries… believe me, I see the irony here. Growing up I used to LOVE to order chicken tenders and fries when we went out to eat (it was a special treat).
Now I’m kind of grossed out at what the mystery meat was inside those chicken tenders… and would much rather make my own at home with good quality chicken and just a few ingredients.
These chicken tenders are just that – they’re easy and delicious! Here’s how to make them!
What you need to make Cashew Coconut Chicken Tenders
To make these chicken tenders you’ll need:
You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded box.
You might be thinking.. making my own chicken tenders at home? Too much work. Believe me, I get it, but these healthy chicken tenders only require 7 ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time to make… believe me you can do it!
The most important thing about these chicken tenders is the meat you use. My favorite is Just BARE Chicken Tenderloins.
If you remember from my last post where I partnered with Just BARE (hello Caribbean Grilled Chicken, YUM!) all of their chicken promises no antibiotics ever, no added hormones, and is American Humane Certified.
How to make Whole30 Chicken Tenders:
To make these Whole30 chicken tenders – pulse some cashews in a food processor until fine. Stir in the coconut and spices.
In a separate bowl whisk together some eggs, dip the chicken tenders in the eggs and dip in the batter until coated.
Bake and ta-da!
Place the chicken tenders on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake. You’ll have restaurant quality chicken tenders in under 30 minutes sans the funky ingredients and unnecessary frying!
I personally LOVE a meal that takes minimal time in the kitchen and tastes delicious, and these Whole30 Cashew Coconut Chicken Tenders are just that! Simple and yummy!
These chicken tenders freeze well (after baking) and are great for picky kids! Even if you’re not strictly paleo, dairy free, or gluten free, these are a tasty dinner your whole family will love!
Substitutions for this Whole30 chicken tenders recipe:
Cashews/Coconut: I haven’t tried making this recipe without cashews or coconut. I think you could replace the coconut flakes with cashews and vice versa.
You can replace the cashews with pecans, or follow this Pecan Crusted Chicken recipe. We also have a Healthy Chicken Tenders recipe that uses almond/coconut flour.
Chicken: You can use chicken breasts for this recipe. Simply cut in tender-shaped sticks and follow the rest of the recipe!
Salt: You can skip the salt in this recipe.
Can you make these in the air fryer? I don’t have an air fryer, but many other people have made these in their air fryers and enjoyed them! I’d recommend following your air fryers conversion chart and trying them out!
How to serve Healthy Chicken Tenders
Fries: Healthy Baked French Fries are a must make with these chicken tenders!
Dipping: You can dip these in ketchup, or usually dip them in mustard. This one is one of my favorites. These baked chicken tender are also delicious dipped in the buffalo sauce in this recipe
On a salad: This Strawberry Avocado Goat Cheese Salad is one of my favorites
Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Healthy Green Beans Almondine go great with these chicken tenders!
Storing/Reheating these Chicken Tenders:
Storing: I store these chicken tenders in the fridge for up to 4 days. I have never tried freezing the chicken tenders, but I think they would freeze well.
Reheating: When you want to reheat your chicken tenders – place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400 and heat for 5-10 minutes until edges are crispy.
I would not recommend microwaving these chicken tenders. They can get soggy and do not taste as good!
Freezing: You can freeze these chicken tenders. Lay them on a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the freezer. When they’re frozen completely, place them in a ziploc bag. They’ll last in the freezer for 2 months. When you want to reheat them, place them in the oven at 350 for 10-15 minutes until thawed and crispy. Make sure to freeze them after you have cooked them!
Whole30 Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Just BARE Chicken Tenderloins
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees + prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or silpat liner
- In a food processor, pulse cashews until they are a finely ground texture. Be careful not to over pulse (see photo for guidance on texture) Set mixture aside in a bowl and stir in coconut flakes + spices.
- In a separate bowl whisk together eggs.
- Take chicken tenders + dip in egg mixture, then immediately dip in cashew coconut crust mixture. You may need to really press the chicken tender into the cashew/coconut batter to get it to to stick.
- Place battered chicken tenderson parchment paper
- Bake at 450 for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for an additional 10 minutes
Lori says
We make these chicken tenders ALL the time. They’re so simple and get super crispy. we’ve done a few rounds of whole30 and these are something we make even when off round!!
The Clean Eating Couple says
We eat them all the time too, Lori! They’re perfect if you’re doing a whole30 and if you’re not!
Kristen says
These chicken tenders we’re delicious and came together quickly. Even my husband who is very picky and was skeptical loved them!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Yay!! I love hearing that!! Did you make it with the Healthy Baked French Fries too?
Melanie says
I’m wondering if anyone has success making these with an egg substitute?
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi! I’m sorry but I’ve never made this with an egg substitute. This article says you can use olive oil but I’ve never tried that. If you try it let me know!
Mar says
Do you think this would work with halibut too?
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m sorry, I’ve never tried that, but it might work!
Annette says
The whole family Loved these chicken tenders. Especially my husband who loves coconut. I would love to try this coconut cashew mixture for breading on shrimp.
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked them, Annette! I bet it would be delicious on shrimp! If you try it, let me know!
Alison Witt says
These are so good! I love having a healthier option. I omitted the coconut (as I was out) and just doubled the cashews. Worked just as well!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you so much! Glad it worked out!
Melissa says
These are so good!!! It’s nice to have a healthier option to get that chicken tender fix. Highly recommend!!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked them, Melissa!
Barbie says
Great recipe! Such a breeze to make. Came out so crispy and delicious. My husband asked me to make them again before we even finished dinner. A must make whether you are doing a Whole30 or not!!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you booth liked them, Barbie! Thank you!