Crispy cassava crusted chicken with a tantalizing sweet & sour sauce to amp up your dipping action. No more boring chicken tenders here, gluten-free and paleo, this dinner recipe will please the entire family any night of the week!
There really is nothing better than coated/crusted chicken tenders. From pretzels to almonds, (I have a plantain one too!), the possibilities are endless. A savory granola would be pretty fantastic too! Many celiacs think that with the “doom” of diagnosis, coated chicken tenders is a thing of the past. No more gluten-filled panko for you! That sadness should only last a minute before you realize the chicken coating possibilities just got better and more expansive. No more boring chicken tenders for you!
I’ve told you many times how much I LOVE yucca (yuca/cassava) root. My top 3 starches: ALL potatoes, yucca, and plantains. I would not be able to live without these beauties in my life. The other fun thing about these fabulous grain-free plant starches is that they make some fabulous chips. Potato is obviously, so is plantain, but then we have yucca. And lucky us, Goya makes some damn fine yucca chips all ready to be crusted (or snacked on) just for you (they also have fabulous plantain chips!).
So if I feel like doubling up on yucca at dinner time, making cassava crusted chicken seems like a fantastic idea (with a side of baked yucca fries). Of course that leads us down the road of “dipping”. I obviously most always opt for ketchup (so much ketchup!), but sometimes a little something with a bit more tang and pizzazz is welcome. Welcome, sweet and sour sauce! And iconic Asian dip, you know, Chinese take-out battered and fried chicken with that reddish sweet and sour sauce? Yes, I’m talking about that baby!
Success! I made the Asian classic free of all allergens (I’m looking at you SOY!) and healthier of course! I even snuck in my dear love, ketchup! Now, even though cassava isn’t an Asian “food” per-see, those chips make a mighty find replacement for fried chicken bites! The true Chinese take-out version of chicken with sweet and sour sauce was a favorite, but was not ordered often in out family. I mean, it’s a pretty unhealthy dish! But on those occasions we did, o it was savored! Chicken.Dipping.Action!
Now, not going to lie, this chicken actually tasted pretty similar! So did the sweet and sour sauce! It was just way less greasy and heavy which is a win-win! Chinese take-out with a major regional twist but pretty perfect for anyone with food allergies! No worries about the batter or oil contamination either. Just fresh clean cassava crusted chicken and that lovely sweet and sour sauce. So first, here’s the recipe for the sauce!
Sweet & Sour Sauce
- 1 Cup Pineapple Chunks in 100% Juice
- ¼ Cup Ketchup
- 2 TB Rice Vinegar
- 1 TB Coconut Aminos
- ½ Tsp Minced Garlic
- ¼ Tsp Onion Powder
- Sliced Green Onion (optional)
- In a food processor, blend all ingredients together until you have a smooth sauce.
- Pour into a bowl and top with sliced green onion if desired.
Easy sweet and sour saucy goodness, right? You’ll probably be making this sauce for everything, not just this chicken! What ever dipping vessel you choose, it will be a good one! But, it’s essential for this chicken! I’ll say it, it was even better than plain ketchup would have been! CRAZY, but true 😉 Now here’s the super easy cassava (yucca) crusted chicken recipe!
Cassava Crusted Chicken
- 1 lb of Chicken Tenders
- 1 Bag (4oz) Yucca/Cassava Chips
- ¼ Tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ Tsp Garlic Powder
- Sweet and Sour Sauce (recipe above)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the chips in a plastic bag with the onion and garlic powder. Crush them up with your fist or a rolling tin, then pour the crushed chips out on a plate.
- Coat each chicken tender int he crushed chips and place in a greased baking dish. Pour any extra crushed chips over the top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes, remove, and serve with the sweet and sour sauce!
Dip away, my friends, dip away! Crispy cassava crusted chicken with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Dinner will be fun and full of flavor! No more tears for gluten-coated chicken tenders or soy filled Chinese take-out! You’ve got it all right here in a much healthier form too! Now grab some yucca chips and pineapple and get cooking!
So tell me:
+ Ever have the sweet and sour Chinese take out chicken? We always had so much sauce left over!
+ Naked chicken or coated chicken? My chicken is never “naked”. If it’s not crusted and coated, then it’s covered in so many spices!
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I love the sound of the cassava crust! I think I might try it on something like zucchini rounds to get that crunchy fried effect and DIP THEM IN KETCHUP! Dip all the things in ketchup. 🙂
Gin recently posted…Strawberry Chia Jam
Or in this case, sweet and sour 😉
This looks amazing! I love a good sweet and sour sauce!
April R – Uncookie Cutter recently posted…You Link It, We Make It Link Party #1
Thank you April!
Looks so yummy Rebecca!
Thanks!
Thank you Rebecca, I love crispy chicken!
Thank you!
I’ve never seen cassava chips before. I love cassava though. This sounds so good!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish recently posted…100+ Gluten Free Chocolate Recipes
Lol, that’s weird 😛
I have just discovered coconut aminos – amazing stuff! This sounds like a delicious dinner.
Emma recently posted…Gecko clothing review and giveaway
Yes! For us soy-free’ers 😉
Looks and sounds like a great chicken recipe!
Kim~madeinaday recently posted…Simple Frosting Fudge
Thanks!
Can’t wait to try this one.
kate recently posted…Crafts versus Art + Why we need both!
Thanks!
Wow, this looks so delicious!
They are!
Pinned! Looks yummy!
Thank you!
Rebecca this looks delicious!
Sinea ♥
Ducks n a Row recently posted…Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #161
Thank you!!!!
I love sweet and sour sauce, but I haven’t had it in a while because of the crappy ingredients. Thanks for this healthy version. My kids are going to love the chicken tenders.
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real Life recently posted…Freedom From Clutter in 40 Days
No crap here! Hahaha! Always best to make these things homemade 😉
What amazing idea for making one of my favorite recipes much healthier.
Marilyn Lesniak recently posted…Authentic Wonton Soup
Thanks! Hope you give it a try!
They look delicious!
Thanks!
Looks delicious!!!
Leila ( A Polyglot Mum) recently posted…A different take on Gheimeh
Thanks!
I have never heard of Cassava chips before, but I bet Yucca crusted chicken is fab! Love to always learn something new! Pinning!
Give it a try, you’ll love it!
I have never heard of casavava, but that chicken looks gorgeous
Alison recently posted…Sticky Sausage Sandwiches
Haha, thank you! It’s hard to make chicken look gorgeous!
The recipe sounds so perfect, Rebecca! Yum! 🙂
Thank you so much!
I’ve heard of cassava from my brother, but I’ve never actually had a chance to try it–this looks super tasty!
Farrah recently posted…How I’m Choosing My Residency
And anything in chip form is super good 😉
This is so up my alley. I love the sound of yucca chips. Must find those!
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant recently posted…Saucy Saturdays Blog Hop No 30
If you want a crispy chicken strip then this is your pick for sure!
Rebecca, you have certainly schooled me this week. I have never heard of cassava, but that chicken looks so incredible!!!! I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a chicken strip look so good!!!! Crisp and crunchy goodness! Pinned and Yummed, everyone who lives gluten free needs to see this! YUM!
Hahaha, thank you so much Nikki 😉 I feel like a chicken connoisseur these days!
I have never heard of Yuca – I have never seen these chips in the UK. I will keep my eyes peeled for them now.
You may just find them if you look!
Yum! This looks amazing & I will definitely give it a try.
Thank you!
Love that you doubled up on cassava for this dinner! And those chicken tenders are definitely far from boring 🙂 Especially with that fun dipping sauce – yum!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table recently posted…Rainbow toast
You can never have too much yucca! Thank you Kathryn 🙂
Oh My! Me and that chicken- match made in heaven 🙂
Mila recently posted…I secretly hate the internet
Hahahaha! Yes 😉 I feel the same way about it!
My husband loves sweet and sour! I will have to make him this as a special treat!
Charlotte recently posted…The #YumTum Linky – #4 – 04/02/16
Everyone will love it!
Hi Rebecca,
The sweet & sour sauce and the chicken tenders sound so tasty. I have never tried Cassava chips but that is something I need to check out.
Yes! You will love them!
Such a brilliant idea – love me some chips on chicken!
The perfect crust!
Such a great idea! I love cassava chips… I bet that crunch is unreal.
Mmhmm 😉 So is the flavor!
I loveeee cassava chips and they really would make the perfect crust! Yum!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Daily Eats, Scrabble Tips & Meeting Madness
Yucca any and everything!!!!
Your sweet and sour sauce sounds amazing! And the chicken looks super yummy!
Andrea Wyckoff recently posted…Rainbow Veggie Salad Rolls
They are a winner together!
Never made Sweet & Sour sauce before. Awesome!
You would love making some homemade!
Everything about this is perfection!! Love that sweet and sour sauce, can’t wait to try it!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Snack Boldly, Never Boring!
It’s a totally winner!
Your cassava chicken looks delicious Rebecca. I’ve never tried yucca root before, I’ve heard it’s good for you, time for me to look out for some to try.
Sarah James recently posted…Pink Peppercorn Shortbread Hearts
Yes! I eat actual yucca multiple times a week! Such a power packed startch!
That’s a beautifully simple sweet & sour sauce recipe Rebecca.
You know me, I’m always looking for quick and simple recipes, like this.
Pinned! 🙂
Thank you!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com recently posted…Bean and Tomato Stew
Right! The sauce can go with so many things!
Never made any thing breaded with cassava flour. It never occurred to me but now I can’t wait to try it! Pinned!
Elle @ Only Taste Matters recently posted…The Ultimate Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie
Lol, not the flour here. Actual chips!
The only naked chicken I eat is from the Whole foods hot bar… plain but so delicious! Love your idea for the crunchy topping – except now I’m drooling before bed 😉
Casey the College Celiac recently posted…Monthly Favorites: January 2016
O I know! They have some pretty bomb chicken! Hahaha!
I hope you have good foodie dreams then 😉
This is definitely the most creative way to use yuca chips. I would never have thought of using it as a crust. Great recipe
Healing Tomato recently posted…Eggplant Chips – Mediterranean Style
Thank you dear! One tasty way to use them!
Mmmm I had no idea cassava chips existed!! Bet there’s a lovely crunch to this dish 😉
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…What Every Personal Trainer Should Know About Living on Commission
Totally! Gotta get some Jess!
Wow- look at that crust!! I love al things “crunchified” 🙂
Sonali- The Foodie Physician recently posted…Dining with the Doc: Wild Blueberry and Peach Cobbler Smoothie
You and me both 😉
Love the creativity of coating the chicken in yucca chips! Great alternative to nuts, too!
Carol Borchardt recently posted…Gnocchi with Spinach and Avocado Goat Cheese Sauce
Totally! Thank you Carol!
These are so tropical and a fun twist on chicken tenders. My kids would love these.
Julia recently posted…30 Minute One Pot Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
I’m sure they will! Thank you!
Love the unique breading on these! Great option for GF breaded chicken.
Lol, yea!
Amazing! I’ve always wanted sweet and sour chicken at home, but it always seems like very recipe is full of sugar and bad stuff. You’ve sold me on the yuca chips too!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted…Balance and Agility Workout
No way! You can always make it healthy and FUN hahaha 😉
Such a creative breading! I can’t way to try this – will be a great change of pace from our usual recipes 😀
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah recently posted…King Cake Dip
I hope it does! Thanks Chrisy!
When I was little, sweet and sour sauce actually freaked me out. The stuff you get with takeout is SO red! But eventually I tried it when someone else ordered it and I stole and bite and realized how magical it is <3 I'm amazed that your homemade no food coloring, version is still very bright and beautiful! It sounds super simple, no cooking yay! Crispy cauliflower would be great dipped in there 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Vegan Gluten-Free Flatbread
It is magical!!!!
Crispy baked YUCCA FRIES!!! You need to get a yucca root and bake some fries!!! It may be more life-changing than your first purple sweet 😉
I have never had Yucca! Ill have to try!
Taylor recently posted…February theme: Love Yourself
O it’s the best!
Isn’t cassava the best?! I love it!
Lauren recently posted…Healthy Smoothies Delivered Straight to Your Door with Green Blender!
It’s my life!!
Definitely no naked chicken! I love cassava and really want to test this out!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…WIAW – Long Run Saturday Paleo Style
I knew you would like this one!
This chicken looks amazing! And that sweet and sour sauce … I want to dip everything in it!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet recently posted…7 Life Lessons My Dog Taught Me
Yes you do 😉 Hahaha!
I’ve never had cassava chips, Rebecca – this sounds like such a fantastic idea! And love that pineapple spiked sweet and sour sauce! What a delicous meal!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…Sweet Potato Pistachio Bars
Get yourself some!! So good!
And thank you!
What a fantastic idea! I have a lot of friends who would love this gluten free option. Pinning!
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox recently posted…Comment on Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate and Pumpkin Seeds by Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
Thanks Kellie!
I never would have thought to use pineapple in my sweet & sour sauce. Genius. 🙂 And I’m definitely gonna be on the lookout for those chips! I’ve just gotten my first bag of cassava flour and I’m excited to play around with it. 🙂
Raia recently posted…Paleo Oreo Cookies from Forest & Fauna
How else would you possibly make it??? Haha!
I have my first bag I got from Christmas! I haven’t used any yet though!
These sound so good! It’s definitely a lot of fun experimenting with different coatings for chicken. This looks like a winning combo!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog recently posted…Gluten Free Lemon Poppyseed Bread
Yea! There are so many things you can do!
Looks really yum!!!! Gotta try this!
Thank you!
I must find yucca chips, what a great way to make GF crusted chicken! Also, that sauce looks bomb!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…BBQ Beet Power Bowl + Love Beets Review
They are so good!!! I bet just dipping the chips in the sauce would be a killer snack!
That crust looks amazing. I have chicken in the freezer I didn’t know what to do with…now I know!
Emilie recently posted…Are You Ready To Buy Your First Home?
Yes you do!!! You will be very pleased 😉