Crispy Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe: Golden Goodness

Crispy, golden pecan-crusted chicken tenders dance with a delightful crunch that elevates weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

Nuts add a rich, buttery dimension to these tender chicken strips, creating a mouthwatering coating that seals in juiciness.

The nutty exterior provides a satisfying texture that makes each bite irresistible.

These tenders blend southern comfort with gourmet flair, offering a simple yet impressive dish anyone can master.

Protein-packed and full of flavor, the recipe brings a delectable twist to classic chicken.

You’ll love how quickly these tenders come together, making them perfect for busy evenings.

Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in minutes.

Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders Highlights

• Boost Nutritional Power: Pecans and almond flour pack a protein punch, creating a healthier alternative to traditional breaded chicken tenders with added nutrients and lower carbs.
• Minimal Kitchen Mess: Using a single baking sheet and simple coating process means quick preparation and easy cleanup, perfect for busy weeknight cooking.
• Kid and Adult Crowd-Pleaser: The crunchy pecan crust offers a delightful texture that appeals to all ages, transforming a classic comfort food into a more sophisticated and flavorful dish.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, these chicken tenders can be prepared and baked in under an hour, making them an ideal meal for families and individuals seeking fast, delicious dinner solutions.

Ingredients for Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender chicken strips perfect for a crispy, nutty coating.

• Pecans, Almond Flour: Provide a crunchy, nutty exterior that adds rich flavor and texture to the chicken tenders.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a savory and aromatic seasoning blend that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Eggs: Help the pecan mixture adhere to the chicken tenders, creating a crisp and flavorful crust.

Steps to Make Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 400°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Pecans
• Almond flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pulse everything until you get a fine, crumbly mixture that looks like delicious golden sand.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

Grab a shallow bowl and whisk eggs until they’re smooth and well combined.

This will help the pecan coating stick perfectly to the chicken.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dunk each chicken tender into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely covered.

Then roll it in the pecan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks firmly.

You want every inch of that chicken covered in nutty goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

They’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and the coating turns a beautiful golden brown with a satisfying crunch.

Tips for Perfect Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders

• Pulse pecans in the food processor to create a uniform, fine coating that ensures even crispiness on every chicken tender.
• Thoroughly coat chicken in egg mixture to help the pecan crumbs stick securely and create a crisp, golden exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using almond flour, making it perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Place chicken tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation and maintain coating's crunchiness.

Flavor Variations for Pecan Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Almond Crunch Tenders: Replace almond flour with coconut flour for a nut-free option, using ground almonds as the primary coating for extra crunch.
• Low-Carb Herb-Infused Tenders: Swap pecans with crushed pork rinds and add dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired protein-rich coating.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders: Mix cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder into the pecan coating for a bold, zesty flavor profile that brings heat to the dish.
• Air Fryer Quick Version: Cook the coated chicken tenders in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, reducing overall cooking time and creating an equally crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan-Crusted Tenders

• Crunchy Salad Companion: Toss mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette to complement the nutty chicken tenders and add fresh texture.
• Family-Style Platter Delight: Arrange tenders on a large wooden board with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli for interactive dining.
• Balanced Meal Builder: Serve alongside roasted sweet potato wedges and steamed green beans to create a nutritious, colorful plate that satisfies all taste buds.
• Quick Lunch Wrap Option: Slice tenders and wrap in a soft tortilla with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy sauce for a portable meal.

Storage Recommendations for Pecan Chicken Tenders

• Transfer cooled chicken tenders to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each tender individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness.
• Place completely cooled tenders in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange frozen or refrigerated tenders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring crispy exterior remains intact.

FAQs

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a similar crunchy coating.

• Is almond flour necessary for this recipe?

Almond flour helps create a crispy texture, but you can replace it with breadcrumbs or regular flour if needed.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.

• Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can prepare the coated tenders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep easier.

Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy pecan-crusted chicken tenders bring Southern comfort to dinner tables with irresistible nutty crunch. Golden brown coating and juicy chicken center promise delightful flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenders
• 1 cup (150 grams) raw pecans
• 2 large eggs

Flour and Coating:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) almond flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400°F and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal cooking surface.
2. Transform pecans, almond flour, and spices into a fine, textured coating using a food processor, ensuring uniform consistency.
3. Create an egg wash in a shallow container, whisking thoroughly to prepare for chicken coating.
4. Carefully immerse each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off before transferring to the pecan mixture.
5. Gently press the pecan coating onto the chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum crunch and flavor.
6. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for uniform heat circulation.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring the golden-brown exterior and confirming internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow coating to set and juices to redistribute, enhancing overall texture and taste.

Notes

• Choose raw pecans for the freshest, most robust flavor profile in your coating.
• Pulse pecans carefully to avoid turning them into butter-like paste; aim for fine, even crumbs.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pecan mixture for more complex flavor depth.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature by using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg