Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Crispy Recipe

Pecan crusted chicken tenders: Prepare to experience a symphony of textures and flavors that will redefine your weeknight dinner routine! Forget everything you thought you knew about ordinary chicken tenders because this recipe elevates a classic comfort food into something truly extraordinary. Imagine biting into juicy, tender chicken encased in a crunchy, nutty, and perfectly seasoned pecan crust. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of crusted chicken are difficult to pinpoint, the concept of coating meat in flavorful ingredients has been around for centuries. Cultures worldwide have long used nuts, seeds, and breadcrumbs to add texture and flavor to their dishes. This particular twist, using pecans, brings a distinctly Southern flair to the table. Pecans, native to North America, have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations, lending their rich, buttery flavor to everything from pies to pralines.

People adore pecan crusted chicken tenders for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of savory chicken, crunchy pecans, and a blend of complementary spices creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. Second, the texture is divine. The contrast between the tender chicken and the crispy crust is incredibly satisfying. Finally, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love, and it’s versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. So, let’s get started and create some culinary magic!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for cooking
• Optional: Honey mustard, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving

Preparing the Pecan Crust

Okay, let’s get started! The key to amazing pecan-crusted chicken tenders is, of course, the pecan crust. We want it to be flavorful, crunchy, and perfectly adhered to the chicken. Here’s how we’ll achieve that:

1. Toast the Pecans: This is a crucial step that you absolutely shouldn’t skip! Toasting the pecans brings out their natural nutty flavor and adds depth to the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Let them cool completely before proceeding.
2. Grind the Pecans: Once the pecans are cool, it’s time to grind them. You can use a food processor for this. Pulse the pecans until they are finely ground, but be careful not to over-process them into pecan butter! You want a coarse, crumbly texture. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a resealable bag and a rolling pin to crush the pecans.
3. Combine the Crust Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the ground pecans, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is where all the flavor magic happens!

Preparing the Chicken

Now that our pecan crust is ready, let’s focus on the chicken. We want to make sure the chicken is properly prepared so the crust adheres well and the tenders cook evenly.

1. Prepare the Chicken Strips: If you haven’t already, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This helps the flour adhere better.
2. Set up the Breading Station: We’re going to create a classic breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk). In the third dish, have your prepared pecan crust mixture ready.

Breading the Chicken

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to coat the chicken in the flour, egg, and pecan mixture to create that delicious, crunchy crust.

1. Dredge in Flour: Take a chicken strip and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour. The flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
2. Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
3. Coat in Pecan Crust: Now, transfer the chicken strip to the pecan crust mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the pecan mixture, making sure it’s completely coated on all sides. This is where you really want to pack on the pecan goodness!
4. Repeat: Repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken strips until all the chicken is coated.

Cooking the Chicken

We have a couple of options for cooking the chicken: pan-frying or baking. Pan-frying gives you a nice, crispy crust, while baking is a healthier option. I’ll give you instructions for both!

Pan-Frying Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. The oil is ready when a small piece of bread dropped into the oil sizzles gently.
2. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken strips in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the cooked chicken strips from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
4. Bake the Chicken: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You might want to flip them halfway through for even browning.

Serving

Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious pecan-crusted chicken tenders! Serve them immediately while they’re still warm and crispy.

Dipping Sauces: These tenders are fantastic with a variety of dipping sauces. Honey mustard is a classic pairing, but ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy aioli would also be delicious. Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite sauces!

Sides: To make it a complete meal, serve the chicken tenders with some tasty sides. French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad would all be great choices.

Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Enjoy your homemade pecan-crusted chicken tenders! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These pecan crusted chicken tenders are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful experience. From the satisfying crunch of the pecans to the juicy tenderness of the chicken, every bite is a burst of flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their chicken game. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s also surprisingly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or preferences. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free. If you’re watching your carb intake, consider using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for an even lower-carb crust. The possibilities are endless!

But the real magic lies in the combination of flavors. The nutty sweetness of the pecans perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating a harmonious balance that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget about the texture! That satisfying crunch is what sets these chicken tenders apart from the rest. It’s a textural symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling completely satisfied.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions. These pecan crusted chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. For a classic pairing, serve them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite steamed vegetables. Or, for a lighter meal, try them with a fresh salad and a tangy vinaigrette.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use these chicken tenders as a topping for a Caesar salad or as a filling for a delicious wrap. The possibilities are truly endless!

Here are a few more variations to inspire you:

* Spicy Pecan Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the pecan mixture for a spicy kick.
* Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken: Brush the chicken tenders with a honey mustard glaze during the last few minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* Parmesan Pecan Chicken: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the pecan mixture for a cheesy and savory twist.
* Lemon Herb Pecan Chicken: Add lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the pecan mixture for a bright and flavorful crust.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your own liking.

Time to Get Cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I know you’ll love these pecan crusted chicken tenders as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and simplicity.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And finally, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your feedback helps me improve the recipe and inspires other readers to try it as well. Happy cooking!

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