There’s something about the crunch of a perfectly baked chicken tender that sends your taste buds into a happy dance. Imagine biting into a juicy piece of chicken, enveloped in a delightful, crispy pecan crust that sings with flavor. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making you wonder if you accidentally invited the entire neighborhood over for dinner. pecan-infused dessert Spoiler alert: you haven’t! This Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe is just too good to keep to yourself.
Now, let me take you on a little journey. Picture this: It’s Friday evening, and after a long week of adulting (you know, working and pretending to be responsible), I needed something special. I rummaged through my pantry and found some pecans left over from last Thanksgiving—those little guys had been waiting for their moment to shine. hearty chicken casserole And shine they did! With this Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe, I created an unforgettable dish that made my weekend feel like a celebration.
[golden_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders”] This Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table. Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.[/golden_box]
Ingredients for Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders: delicious chicken wraps.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal, but feel free to adjust based on your hungry crowd.
- Pecans: Use fresh pecans for optimal crunch; chop them finely to create that irresistible crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Choose seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor; they complement the pecans beautifully.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind everything together and add moisture.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder gives these tenders a savory kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning is essential—don’t skip this step!
For the Sauce:
- Honey: Adds sweetness that balances the pecans’ nuttiness; use local honey if possible for added flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon brings in a tangy zest that elevates the overall taste profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to avoid any sticky situations later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Station
In one bowl, whisk together two eggs until frothy. In another bowl, combine finely chopped pecans and seasoned breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take one chicken breast at a time. Dip it into the egg mixture first, allowing any excess to drip off before transferring it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press down firmly so every nook and cranny gets coated!
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place each coated chicken tender into your prepared baking dish. Make sure they are spaced out—you want them to be crispy all around!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. You can flip them halfway through for even crispiness.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
While your tenders are baking away in flavor town, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Now that you’ve mastered this Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe, you’re ready to impress friends or enjoy an indulgent night in front of Netflix! Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside fresh veggies for a balanced meal. And remember—sharing is caring…unless it’s food this good!
[golden_box title=”You Must Know About Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders”] This amazing Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table. Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.[/golden_box]
Perfecting Cooking Process
To achieve crispy perfection with your Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While that’s warming up, prepare your chicken by coating it in a mixture of crushed pecans and breadcrumbs. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side before transferring it to the oven for a final crispy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative with your Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders! Swap out pecans for walnuts if you’re feeling adventurous, or add some grated Parmesan to the breading for an extra cheesy twist. creamy chicken mac and cheese You can also season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, or even a hint of cayenne pepper if you like a little kick. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen recipe.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This method helps maintain their delightful crunch instead of turning them soggy in the microwave.
[golden_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips for Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders”] For maximum crunch, double-dip your chicken tenders in egg wash and then the pecan mix. This adds extra layers of flavor and texture. Make sure to chop your pecans finely but not so much that they turn into dust; you want bits that provide texture without overpowering the chicken. Finally, don’t overcrowd your pan when searing; give each tender enough space to crisp up beautifully.[/golden_box]
I remember the first time I made these Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders for my family; it was like bringing a gourmet restaurant into our kitchen! The kids couldn’t get enough and insisted on having them every week!
FAQs
What is Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders?
Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders are a delicious and crunchy twist on traditional chicken tenders. This dish features tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful mixture of crushed pecans and breadcrumbs, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken inside. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also offer a delightful nutty flavor that elevates the dish. Perfect for dinner or as a snack, these tenders are sure to please everyone at the table.
How do I make Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders?
To make Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders, start by preparing your chicken strips and marinating them in your choice of seasoning. Next, crush pecans and mix them with breadcrumbs to form the coating. Dip each chicken strip first into egg wash and then into the pecan mixture until fully coated. Bake or fry until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Can I bake Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can definitely bake Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders instead of frying them for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking will yield a slightly less crispy texture but will still be delicious.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders?
Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a nutritious meal. Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries also make excellent sides, adding comfort to your dining experience. Don’t forget dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce to enhance the flavors even more! For more inspiration, check out this Tex-Mex Chicken Salad recipe.
Conclusion
In summary, Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders offer a unique and flavorful take on classic chicken strips. The combination of pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that enhances every bite. Whether baked or fried, this dish is simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Pair them with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love!
Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering twist on traditional chicken strips, featuring juicy chicken coated in a crunchy blend of pecans and breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, these tenders deliver satisfying crunch with every bite. Serve them drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey-Dijon sauce for an irresistible meal that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In one bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. In another, combine chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the pecan mixture.
- Arrange coated chicken in the baking dish, ensuring they are spaced out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- While baking, whisk honey and Dijon mustard together for the sauce.
- Serve tenders drizzled with sauce or alongside your favorite dipping options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender (approx. 113g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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