When I first stumbled upon hemp seeds, I never imagined they’d find their way into my kitchen—let alone as a crispy coating for chicken tenders! But here we are, and I can’t get enough of the crunchy texture they bring. If you’re like me and always on the lookout for that perfect bite that’s both nutritious and delicious, these baked chicken tenders are a game-changer.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, mix hemp seeds, ground almonds, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne until evenly combined to form the breading mixture.
- Set up your dipping stations: place chicken strips in one area, whisked eggs in another, and the hemp breading in a third, with the prepared baking sheet nearby.
- Coat each chicken strip in the whisked eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before thoroughly covering it with the hemp mixture.
- Place the coated chicken strips on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly, then lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bake the chicken strips for 15-20 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup ground almonds or almond meal
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or any paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- Cooking spray or olive oil in a Misto
FAQ
- What are hemp seeds and why are they used in this recipe?
- Hemp seeds are high in protein and rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. They have a nutty flavor similar to pine nuts, making them a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional flour in the breading of these chicken tenders.
- Can I use something other than almond meal in the breading?
- Yes, you can grind your own almonds if almond meal is not available. The key is to maintain that nutty flavor which complements the hemp seeds and enhances the overall taste of the chicken tenders.
- How do I ensure the chicken tenders are crispy when baked?
- To achieve a crispy texture, make sure to mist the breaded chicken strips with olive oil or cooking spray before baking. This helps them turn golden and crispy in the oven.
- Are these chicken tenders gluten-free?
- Yes, these hemp-crusted baked chicken tenders are naturally gluten-free, as they use hemp seeds and almond meal instead of traditional flour for the breading.
- What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
- While these chicken tenders are flavorful enough to be enjoyed on their own, they also make great dippers. You can pair them with sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Tips
- To ensure even coating and enhance the crispiness of your chicken tenders, make sure to shake off any excess egg before dipping them into the hemp seed mixture.
- For a more flavorful breading, consider adding your favorite spices or herbs to the hemp and almond mixture to suit your taste preferences.
- Use a cooking spray or olive oil mist generously on the chicken strips before baking to achieve a golden and crispy finish without the need for deep frying.
- Remember to turn the chicken tenders halfway through the baking process to promote even cooking and browning on both sides.
Equipment
- Misto Olive Oil Sprayer (or a similar cooking spray device)
- Parchment Paper
