Description
These Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Coated in a crunchy pecan and panko breadcrumb mixture, these tenders are baked to perfection and served with a tangy honey mustard sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Prepare coating: Combine chopped pecans and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Place flour in another bowl. In a third bowl, whisk together eggs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken tenders: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat evenly with pecan-panko mixture. Press gently to adhere.
- Bake: Arrange coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
- Prepare sauce: Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Serve chicken tenders warm with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast pecans lightly before chopping.
- Air fry these tenders at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes for a quicker cooking method.
- Serve with a fresh side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 tenders
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
