These Sweet and Spicy Paleo Chicken Fingers are a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders, offering a crunchy almond meal coating and a mouth-watering glaze made from honey and hot sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or as a party snack, these chicken fingers are grain-free, dairy-free, and pack just the right balance of sweetness and heat. Serve them with paleo ranch or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond meal (or almond flour)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup tapioca starch (or potato starch)
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s or Tapatio)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Minced cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: paleo ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix almond meal, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry. Dredge each piece in tapioca starch, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally, coat with the almond meal mixture. Press the coating onto each tender to ensure it sticks well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil (coconut oil works well for paleo recipes). Cook chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Warm over low heat, stirring until well combined.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once chicken tenders are cooked, brush or toss them in the honey-hot sauce glaze.
- Serve: Sprinkle with minced cilantro or parsley and serve hot. Enjoy with optional paleo ranch for dipping!
Conclusion
These Sweet and Spicy Paleo Chicken Fingers bring together the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a paleo-friendly twist. The almond meal adds a satisfying crunch, while the honey and hot sauce glaze provides an addictive flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these chicken fingers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser without straying from a paleo diet.
Sweet and Spicy Paleo Chicken Fingers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond meal or almond flour
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup tapioca starch or potato starch
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup hot sauce like Frank’s or Tapatio
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Minced cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: paleo ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix almond meal, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry. Dredge each piece in tapioca starch, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally, coat with the almond meal mixture. Press the coating onto each tender to ensure it sticks well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil (coconut oil works well for paleo recipes). Cook chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Warm over low heat, stirring until well combined.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once chicken tenders are cooked, brush or toss them in the honey-hot sauce glaze.
- Serve: Sprinkle with minced cilantro or parsley and serve hot. Enjoy with optional paleo ranch for dipping!