Paleo Buffalo Chicken Strips with Whipped Goat Cheese Dipping Sauce (Gluten-Free)

Are you searching for a healthy, flavor-packed meal that satisfies your cravings without compromising your dietary goals? Look no further! These Paleo Buffalo Chicken Strips with a luscious Whipped Goat Cheese Dipping Sauce are an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re a strict Paleo follower or simply looking for a delicious, gluten-free, and natural meal, this recipe promises to be a treat for your taste buds.

Buffalo chicken strips have long been a beloved classic, known for their spicy kick and comforting appeal. However, many traditional versions are laden with processed ingredients, refined flours, and unhealthy oils. Our Paleo rendition redefines this favorite, transforming it into a wholesome dish made with all-natural, non-processed ingredients. Imagine tender, crispy chicken strips coated in a savory almond flour breading, infused with just the right amount of heat, and perfectly complemented by a creamy, tangy whipped goat cheese dip. It’s a culinary experience that will leave you drooling!

This recipe isn’t just about adhering to a Paleo lifestyle; it’s about embracing clean eating without sacrificing flavor. Every component, from the lean chicken to the carefully selected spices and the wholesome almond flour, is chosen to provide maximum taste and nutritional value. The result is a meal that feels indulgent but is genuinely good for you. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or whenever you need a satisfying and guilt-free comfort food fix.

The Perfect Paleo Sidekicks: Crunchy Veggies and Jicama

While buffalo chicken is traditionally served with celery sticks, we understand that not everyone is a fan of its distinct flavor and texture. If celery isn’t your thing, you’re in good company! I personally find it difficult to enjoy, despite wishing I did. But fear not, because I’ve discovered a fantastic, palate-pleasing alternative that pairs wonderfully with these spicy chicken strips and the creamy dipping sauce: jicama!

For this meal, I enjoyed these delicious Paleo Buffalo Chicken Strips alongside crisp cauliflower florets, vibrant carrot sticks, and refreshing jicama sticks. Each of these vegetables tasted absolutely fantastic when dunked into the hot sauce-flavored whipped goat cheese dipping sauce, adding a delightful crunch and fresh counterpoint to the savory chicken.

Jicama is an incredible root vegetable that deserves more recognition. Its taste is quite unique and hard to pinpoint precisely – a bit like a mild carrot, with a hint of turnip and a slight resemblance to raw cabbage, yet distinctly its own. What truly sets jicama apart is its incredibly light, crisp, and refreshing texture. It’s incredibly hydrating and adds a satisfying crunch to any meal or snack. Beyond its delightful taste, jicama is also packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants, making it a truly healthy and beneficial choice.

Since discovering jicama, it has become a staple in my kitchen. I often bring jicama sticks to work as a crunchy and satisfying snack. Its versatility makes it a great addition to salads, slaws, or simply enjoyed on its own. If you’ve never tried jicama, I highly recommend picking some up on your next grocery trip. It’s a wonderful way to introduce a new texture and flavor to your meals, especially when paired with bold flavors like buffalo chicken and a rich dipping sauce.

The Secret to Authentic Flavor: Paleo-Friendly Hot Sauce

A true buffalo chicken recipe hinges on the quality and type of hot sauce used. This recipe calls for a generous amount of hot sauce, and based on extensive research and personal preference, Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is undoubtedly the best choice, especially for those following a Paleo diet. What makes Frank’s stand out?

Frank’s RedHot is renowned for its simple, clean ingredient list: aged cayenne red peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder. Critically, it contains no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and no added sugar, making it perfectly compliant with a non-processed food diet like Paleo. It’s surprising how many other hot sauces on the market contain hidden sugars or unpronounceable additives. When I scoured grocery store shelves, Frank’s was consistently the only brand that met these strict requirements.

While this recipe provides a fantastic spicy flavor, I must offer a small warning: these Paleo Buffalo Chicken Strips might not be as intensely “hot” as some conventional buffalo chicken preparations. If you’re someone who loves their buffalo chicken with a serious kick, you might want to consider adding a few extra drops of hot sauce to the chicken strips in step 7 of the instructions. The beauty of cooking at home is that you can always customize the spice level to your preference. Personally, I find the prescribed amount to be perfectly spicy, especially when combined with the robust flavor of the hot sauce whipped goat cheese sauce.

For those who prefer to play it safe, a great strategy is to start with the recommended amount of hot sauce. Once the chicken strips are cooked, you can always add more hot sauce to individual servings until you reach your desired heat level. This approach allows you to experiment and fine-tune the recipe, ensuring that your next batch of Paleo Buffalo Chicken Strips is absolutely perfect for your palate. With their incredible flavor and customizable spice, there will almost certainly be a “next time” for these delightful strips!

Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Strips with Goat Cheese Dipping Sauce (GF)

By: Dominique
Servings: 4

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins

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Tender paleo buffalo chicken strips make an easy dinner for both adults and kids.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp + 1/8 tsp salt (divided between chicken and goat cheese sauce)
• 1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp pepper (divided between chicken and goat cheese sauce)
• 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4-5 Tbs Frank’s RedHot sauce (Paleo-friendly, divided between chicken and goat cheese sauce) – adjust for desired heat
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 1 Tbs horseradish mustard
• 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbs maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Wash and pat dry the chicken tenders. Cut them into your desired chicken finger or strip shapes.
3. Brush 1 teaspoon of olive oil onto a clean cookie sheet to prevent sticking. A silicone basting brush works perfectly for even coverage.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of Frank’s RedHot sauce until well combined.
5. In a separate shallow bowl, thoroughly mix the almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
6. Take each chicken strip, first dip it into the egg and hot sauce mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Place the coated chicken strip onto the greased cookie sheet. Repeat this process for all chicken strips. You should find that the egg and almond flour mixture is just enough for all the chicken.
7. Once all the chicken strips are arranged on the baking sheet, drizzle approximately 3 drops of hot sauce onto each strip. For larger strips or if you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to add a bit more.
8. Place the cookie sheet with the chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
9. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the whipped goat cheese dipping sauce. In a bowl, combine the 4 ounces of goat cheese, 1 tablespoon of horseradish mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 3-4 tablespoons of hot sauce (adjust according to your spice preference), 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix vigorously with a whisk or an electric mixer until the mixture achieves a smooth, light, and whipped consistency.
10. Once the chicken strips are ready, remove them from the oven. Serve them immediately with the prepared whipped goat cheese hot sauce on the side.
11. Enjoy your delicious, healthy, and satisfying Paleo Buffalo Chicken Strips!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1058mg | Potassium: 694mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 687IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual ingredient values may vary.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Gluten-free, Paleo