The Story

This healthier southern fried chicken recipe has honestly been one of the best recipes I’ve created in 2020 (cocktails included)! It was also one of the most difficult to perfect because I’m so picky when it comes to fried chicken.

I don’t eat this every week but since it’s made with almond flour, I don’t feel the guilt (or the gluten) of having it with lunch or dinner! Now, I only do this recipe for tenders made from the chicken breast. I’ve yet to try it with wings, thighs, or legs. However, with chicken wings, I prefer to fry them naked with just seasonings.

The breast meat, though, needs some type of breading. That’s where the almond flour comes in. I use finely sifted almond flour that I buy in bulk. It’s the cheapest way and it’s also been the best flour brand that I’ve experimented with.

What You’ll Need for Healthier Fried Chicken

• 2 Chicken Breasts
• 2 cups of Almond Flour (finely sifted)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tbs of Paprika
• 1 Tbs of Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Tbs of Black Pepper
• 1 Tbs of Kosher Salt
• 1 Tbs of Baking Powder
• 1 Tbs of Old Bay Seasoning (optional but delicious)
• 1/2 Tbs of Cayanne Pepper (optional)
• Canola Oil for frying

What You’ll Need To Do

1. Take all of the dry ingredients and whisk together with a fork until well incorporated.
2. Crack the eggs into a small bowl. Add about a tablespoon of water and whisk to create egg wash.
3. Cut chicken breasts into tenders and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Pour oil into a deep sided pan or pot and slowly heat the oil.
5. While the oil is heating, take chicken tenders and lightly coat in the flour mixture before dipping tenders into the egg wash.
6. Dredge the tenders in the flour again and put them to the side.
7. Test to see if grease is around 350 F – I put a tiny bit of flour in the the grease to see if it begins to bubble, or you can use a candy thermometer like a normal person.
8. Carefully lay the dredged tenders in the grease – do small quantities at a time to keep the grease hot and make crispy chicken!
9. Flip tenders every few minutes until the temperature reads at least 165 F. I like to cook my tenders extra crispy to at least 185 F.
10. Let tenders rest on a baking sheet covered with paper towels and finish with a pinch of salt.

Pro Tip: If you’re cooking a large batch, keep cooked tenders in a 200 F oven to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.

These chicken tenders are delicious alone, but I love to top them on a big salad to eat for lunch or for a lighter dinner. Somehow, if you happen to have leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350 F.

Happy Frying Y’all!