1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.