Make Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders for a Delicious Meal

Crispy, crunchy, and utterly delicious – that’s the best way to describe these Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory pecan crust and fried to perfection, these tenders are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the main course, they’re sure to be the star of the show. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of crunch and flavor in every bite!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparing the Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

The secret to perfectly crispy Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders lies in the preparation. Let’s walk through the steps to achieve that irresistible crunchy coating.

Set Up the Dredging Stations

Begin by setting up three shallow dishes for the dredging process. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In the second dish, beat the eggs until they’re light and fluffy. Finally, place the finely chopped pecans in the third dish.

Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the chopped pecans, ensuring the coating adheres completely.

Fry to Perfection

In a large skillet, pour about an inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Carefully add the coated chicken strips to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tenders until they’re golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Drain and Serve

Once the Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders are fried to perfection, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve these crunchy, flavor-packed tenders hot, with your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do baking chicken tenders take?

Baking Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders in the oven can take 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The pecan crust may not achieve the same level of crispiness as frying, but it’s a healthier alternative.

Is pecan-crusted chicken healthy?

Pecan-crusted chicken can be a healthier option compared to traditional fried chicken. Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. When baked instead of fried, the Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders can be a nutritious and satisfying meal choice.

What is the secret to crispy tenders?

The secret to achieving perfectly crispy Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders is in the preparation. Dredging the chicken in flour, then dipping it in beaten eggs, and finally coating it with the chopped pecans creates a delicious, crunchy crust that seals in the juices. Frying the tenders in hot oil is also crucial for that irresistible crispiness.

How long to cook fully cooked chicken tenders?

If you’re using pre-cooked or fully-cooked chicken tenders, the frying time will be much shorter, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning. The goal is to heat the tenders through and crisp up the pecan coating, not to fully cook the chicken from raw.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
• Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
• Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bacon Explosion Quesadillas
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bomb

These related recipes offer a delightful variety of crispy, crunchy, and flavor-packed dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From Parmesan-crusted chicken to loaded potato wedges and cheesy quesadillas, there’s something for every taste bud to enjoy.

Conclusion

Indulge in the irresistible crunch and savory flavor of these Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders. With a simple, yet rewarding preparation process, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will have your family and friends begging for more. Whether served as an appetizer or the main course, these tenders are sure to be the star of the show. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of chicken and pecans in every bite!

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