Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders

Every time I make Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders, I’m reminded of those cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone gathered around the table. The crunch of the pecans and the tender juiciness of the chicken create a harmony that’s hard to resist. It was a chilly evening when I first decided to experiment with this dish, looking for something that would not only satisfy our cravings but also warm our hearts. I can still envision my kids peeking into the oven, their eyes lighting up with excitement as we waited for the aroma to fill the kitchen. This recipe, dear friends, has become a staple in our home, transforming any ordinary weeknight into a memorable feast.

Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders Ingredients

When it comes to creating Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders, the ingredients are crucial to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each element works harmoniously to bring out the best in each other. From the tender chicken to the crunchy coating, these ingredients come together beautifully.

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips – The star of the dish, providing protein and tenderness.
• 1 egg – Binds everything together for a crispy coating.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic depth and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey mustard – Provides a sweet and tangy kick.
• 1 lemon, zest and juice – Brightens the dish with its refreshing acidity.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste) – Enhances flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild spice.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Introduces herbal notes.
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional) – For those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• 1 tablespoon mayo – Contributes to the creaminess of the mixture.
• 2 cups chopped pecans – The signature crunchy coating.
• 1 cup crushed corn flakes – Adds extra crunch.
• 1 pinch salt, pepper – For seasoning to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Another layer of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto – A flavorful addition for dipping.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – For a creamy dip.
• 1 pinch salt – Final seasoning.

Making Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders

Cooking Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders is a straightforward process that results in a meal everyone will love. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish together!

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Make sure it’s nice and hot to achieve that crispy finish.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray or drizzle it with some olive oil. This helps the chicken not stick and gives it a nice golden color.

3. In a bowl, mix together the chicken ingredients (excluding the chicken and coating) until smooth. This is where the flavors will start to come alive!

4. Add the chicken strips to the egg mixture, tossing well to ensure they’re fully coated. The egg will act as a glue for the coating.

5. In another shallow bowl, combine the coating ingredients. This is where the magic of crunch happens!

6. Take each chicken strip and coat it in the crunchy pecan mixture. Make sure to press down firmly so that they stick well. You want a good layer of that pecan goodness.

7. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strips until they’re all coated.

8. Drizzle or spray some olive oil over the chicken strips to enhance the crispiness while baking.

9. Bake them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re golden brown and cooked through. You want them to have that perfect crunch!

10. While the chicken is baking, mix the ingredients for the basil dip in a small bowl. This will complement your crispy chicken perfectly.

11. Once done, serve the Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders alongside the basil dip for a delightful meal!

Substitutions and Tips

Cooking is all about flexibility and creativity. Here are some tips for making the most of Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders.

• Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked chicken tenders. Just coat them and place in the freezer. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Flavor Boosting: Consider marinating the chicken beforehand for added flavor.
• Crunch Variation: Feel free to mix different nuts for the coating, like almonds or walnuts, to change it up.

What Complements This Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders

• Fresh Salads: A light garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the chicken.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables such as green beans or asparagus add color and nutrition.
• Potato Dishes: Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes make for a comforting side.
• Occasions: Ideal for casual family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing dish at parties.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
• Seasonal Pairing: In summer, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes make a refreshing accompaniment.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders are truly a game changer for family dinners, combining a delightful crunch with tender chicken that will leave everyone satisfied. I encourage you to try making these crispy tenders for your next meal. They’re not only easy to whip up but also a surefire hit with both kids and adults. You’ll be glad you made them!

Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders

The ultimate comfort food, Pecan Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders deliver a crispy, crunchy experience that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these tenders are packed with flavor and pair beautifully with a variety of dips. Your family will love them, and you’ll love how easy they are to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons honey mustard
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon mayo
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup crushed corn flakes
• 1 pinch salt pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto ( Check the recipe here or here)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 pinch salt

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray or drizzle it with some olive oil.
3. In a bowl, mix the chicken ingredients (without the chicken or coating) until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the chicken strips into the egg mixture and toss them well to coat.
5. In another shallow bowl, mix the coating ingredients together.
6. Take the chicken strips and coat them in the crunchy pecan mixture well on both sides, and pat each chicken strip very well to coat.
7. Place each chicken strip on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strips.
8. Drizzle or spray some olive oil over the chicken strips and bake them for 12-15 mins (depending on the size of your chicken strips).
9. In the meantime, mix the basil dip ingredients in a small bowl.
10. Serve the chicken and basil dip together.

Notes

Don't like pecans? Use almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts for your crunch coating.

When it comes to flavor, you can mix and match your favorite spices here and make a different version of these chicken tenders every time.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!