Gluten-Free Chicken Strips
Chicken tenders?
Chicken fingers?
It may be a regional thing, or maybe a familial thing, but in our house they’re chicken strips.

What I love about gluten-free chicken strips?
This is a family favorite weeknight dish in our house. They’re easy to make; about 10-15 minutes to assemble and 20 minutes to bake. This is a recipe I’ve tweaked over the years because our tastes change, especially now that Ethan is a teenager, and I occasionally like to switch up the spices based on my mood.
They’re finger food (for most people) and for some reason I really like that. Do I like eating with my hands? Not generally no, but it is satisfying to eat chicken strips dipped in BBQ sauce or ranch, especially with a side of baked fries. Maybe it is because they feel like “fast food” without the horrible stomach ache the next day.
Ingredients for gluten-free chicken strips
Despite being gluten-free, these baked chicken strips have super simple ingredients.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Chicken Tenders
Almond Flour/Meal
Almond flour is basically a substitute for wheat flour and generally, I think it works better than wheat flour for these baked chicken strips.
What is the difference between almond flour and almond meal?
Almond flour is typically made from blanched almonds whereas almond meal had the skins on; you can see the flecks of brown skin in the meal. Sometimes almond flour is also more finely ground. Apparently this isn’t true of all brands but, it has been my experience. Is one preferable over the other? For the texture and flavor in this dish, not really. However, I only use almond flour from blanched almonds or almond meal that I make myself from soaked and dehydrated almonds because most of the phytic acid is found in the skins.
For fried chicken strips I would still use wheat flour (we’re not strictly gluten-free) or a gluten-free flour substitute because, to me, flour seems to have a better texture when frying than almond flour.
Seasoning
Salt and pepper are a must in about 95% of savory foods. Chicken strips are no exception.
I also add paprika and cayenne pepper. Just a little cayenne gives it a lot of flavor without any heat. If you like heat, just add more.
How to make gluten-free chicken strips


Tips & Tricks
Want to change up the flavor a bit?
- Try different types of ground peppers such as ancho powder or chipotle powder.
- Replace the paprika and cayenne with some dry ranch seasoning.
- Instead of paprika and cayenne, try taco seasoning and serve the chicken on a taco salad.
What should I serve with chicken strips?
- Dipping sauces like BBQ, Ranch, and especially Honey Mustard are favorites in our house.
- Use baked chicken strips to top a meal-sized salad.
- Chicken strips are great with homemade baked french fries.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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