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To make pecan crusted chicken tenders, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup pecans, finely chopped - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling) - Cooking spray or olive oil for baking These ingredients create a tasty and crunchy coating for the chicken. The pecans add a rich flavor and a nice crunch. The Parmesan cheese gives a savory touch. Cooking spray helps the chicken brown nicely. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil. Just drizzle a bit over the chicken before baking. This will keep the coating crispy. You can also use melted butter if you want a richer taste. If you need to swap something out, here are some ideas: - Chicken Tenders: You can use chicken breasts cut into strips. - Pecans: Walnuts or almonds can work well if you have them. - Breadcrumbs: Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunch. - Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheddar or nutritional yeast can also be good options. These swaps can help you customize the recipe to fit your needs. You can still enjoy a delicious meal even with changes! For the complete instructions, check out the Full Recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. While the oven heats, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will keep the chicken from sticking and make for easy cleanup. In a shallow bowl, crack two eggs and whisk them well. Set this bowl aside for now. In another bowl, mix together the finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until everything is well combined. This mixture will give the chicken its tasty crust. Take a chicken tender and dip it into the whisked eggs. Make sure it is fully coated in egg. Next, roll the chicken tender in the pecan mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Place each coated chicken tender on your lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders. This helps them brown nicely in the oven. Now, bake the chicken tenders in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly. A drizzle of honey adds a sweet touch. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the best crispiness in your pecan crusted chicken tenders, follow these steps: - Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and nuts make a big difference. - Coat Tightly: Press the pecan mixture firmly on the chicken. It helps the coating stay on while baking. - Spray Oil: A light spray of cooking oil over the coated tenders adds crispiness. - Bake on Parchment: Using parchment paper keeps the tenders from sticking and allows even heat flow. Cooking chicken tenders perfectly takes a few simple practices: - Even Sizing: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. - Preheat Oven: Always preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the tenders. - Don’t Overcrowd: Give each tender space on the baking sheet. This prevents steaming and helps them crisp up. Timing is key for great chicken tenders. Bake them for 20-25 minutes. Check for golden brown color. To serve, place the tenders on a wooden board or colorful plate. Drizzle honey on top for a sweet touch. Serve with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. For more details, check the Full Recipe to ensure you get everything right! {{image_2}} You can spice up your pecan crusted chicken tenders easily. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat. Just a pinch can change the flavor. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper taste. If you love herbs, mix in dried thyme or oregano. These spices will give your dish a vibrant kick. Pecans are great, but you can switch nuts if you want. Almonds offer a nice crunch and a mild taste. Walnuts work well too, adding a rich flavor. For a sweeter touch, try using hazelnuts. Just chop them finely, like you did with the pecans. Each nut brings its own charm to the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, it’s simple! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They will still give you that nice crunch. You can also crush gluten-free crackers for a fun twist. Make sure your nuts are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty chicken tenders. For the entire method and ingredients, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your pecan crusted chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool down first. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you reheat chicken tenders, aim for that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This way, they stay crunchy. You can also use an air fryer if you have one. It works great for keeping the crunch. If you want to freeze your chicken tenders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your pecan crusted chicken tenders even later! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips similar to tenders. This change may affect cooking time. Thicker pieces will need more time in the oven. Aim for strips about one inch wide for even cooking. These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Try serving them with: - Fresh salad - Sweet potato fries - Steamed broccoli - A light dipping sauce These sides keep the meal light and tasty. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally. The coating should be golden and crispy. If you cut one open, the meat should be white and juicy, not pink. Yes, this recipe can fit many diets with some tweaks. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want a lower-carb option, you can skip the breadcrumbs altogether. The pecans provide a nice crunch without them. To add heat, try these options: - Mix cayenne pepper into the coating - Use hot sauce in the egg mixture - Serve with a spicy dipping sauce These additions can enhance the flavor and give your dish an exciting kick. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. This blog post covered a simple and tasty recipe for pecan crusted chicken tenders. You learned about the key ingredients, prep steps, and cooking times. We provided tips for crispiness and fun variations to try. Storing and reheating leftovers kept your chicken delicious. Remember, you can swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Your meal can be easy and flavorful. Enjoy making this dish again and again!

Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Indulge in the deliciousness of Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders with this easy recipe! Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these tenders are coated in a crunchy pecan and Parmesan mixture that elevates your meal. Drizzle with honey for an irresistible sweet touch. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Click through now to discover the full recipe and make your next meal memorable!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)

Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside.

      In another bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

        Dip each chicken tender into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

          After dipping in the eggs, roll the chicken tender in the pecan mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

            Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.

              Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tenders to help with browning during baking.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

                  Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before drizzling with honey for a touch of sweetness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a wooden board or a colorful plate with a small bowl of honey for dipping, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.