Chili Crisp Chicken Tenders

Boring chicken is in the past! Enter chili crisp, a Chinese hot sauce made of chili pepper infused oil with aromatic spices!! In this recipe, I use the gluten-free, gut-friendly, low FODMAP version of chili crisp so you get all the flavor plus the healing benefits. Elevate your chicken to a whole other level!

If you're looking for a quick dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this Chili Crisp Chicken is about to become a regular part of your meal rotation. It's savory, slightly spicy, packed with protein, and comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout.

The combination of tender chicken and chili crisp creates the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and umami flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family or meal prepping lunches for the week, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring.

What Is Chili Crisp?

Chili crisp has become incredibly popular over the last few years, and for good reason. Unlike traditional hot sauces that rely primarily on heat, chili crisp combines crunchy bits of garlic, onion, peppers, and spices suspended in oil to create layers of flavor and texture.

A little goes a long way, adding richness, depth, and a satisfying kick to simple proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 6 pasture-raised organic chicken tenderloins

• 2 TBSP redbloom gut healthy chili crisp

• 2 TBSP coconut aminos

• 4 TBSP rice wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried minced onion

• 1 tsp raw organic honey

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix the chicken with the chili crisp, coconut aminos, rice wine vinegar, minced onion, organic honey and sea salt until evenly distributed.

3. Place the chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

4. Serve with your favorite vegetable side and rice.

Why Chicken Is a Nutritional Powerhouse

Chicken is one of my favorite protein sources because it's versatile, affordable, and packed with nutrients. Protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass, supporting healthy metabolism, balancing blood sugar, and helping you stay satisfied between meals.

This becomes even more important during perimenopause and menopause, when maintaining muscle mass can help support overall metabolic health and healthy aging.

Choosing high-quality protein at each meal is one of the simplest ways to support long-term wellness.

How to Make This Meal More Balanced

While this recipe is delicious on its own, pairing it with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy carbohydrates can turn it into a complete meal.

Some of my favorite pairings include:

• Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts

• Stir-fried bok choy

• Steamed green beans

• Cauliflower rice

• Jasmine rice

• Quinoa

• Roasted sweet potatoes

Adding vegetables and fiber helps support digestion, blood sugar balance, and overall satiety.

Meal Prep Tips

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it reheats beautifully. Make a larger batch and portion it into containers with vegetables and your favorite starch for easy lunches throughout the week.

You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili crisp depending on your preference.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Many healthy recipes become complicated with long ingredient lists and time-consuming preparation. This Chili Crisp Chicken keeps things simple while delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home.

It's proof that nourishing meals don't need to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen, you can create a meal that's satisfying, protein-rich, and full of flavor.

If you're looking for more simple gluten-free recipes made with real food ingredients, be sure to check out my cookbook for healthy meals and snacks that make eating well both easy and delicious.

Get your copy of Allergy-Free Tastes Good to Me!