These Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders are simple to make and delicious for kids and adults; they can be served as an appetizer, after-school snack, or light entree. They're made with seasoned boneless, skinless chicken breasts, breaded in panko and toasted pecans, and baked until crispy and juicy. Plus, it's quite versatile; you can use Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders to make a savory wrap or slice it up and serve it on top of a salad—Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders go particularly well with homemade Chipotle Honey Mustard Sauce.
Jump to:
- What are Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders?
- Pecan Crusted Chicken Tender Ingredients
- Tools you'll need
- How to Make Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Substitutions
- Variations
- What to serve with
- How to Store & Reheat
- Make-Ahead
- How to Freeze
- Tips for Making The Best Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- FAQ
- Related Recipes:
- Recipe
What are Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders?
Pecan Crusted Chicken Tender Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken tenders: The main protein source for the dish.
- Pecans: Used to create a crunchy crust on the chicken tenders and add a nutty flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Used to create a crispy texture on the chicken tenders.
- Flour: Used to coat the chicken tenders before dipping them in the egg mixture.
- Eggs: Used to create a binding agent for the pecan crust on the chicken tenders.
- Dijon mustard: Used to add tangy flavor and help the pecan crust stick to the chicken tenders.
- Garlic powder: Used to add a subtle garlic flavor to the chicken tenders.
- Salt and pepper: Used to season the chicken tenders.
For the Chipotle Honey-Mustard Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Used as a base for the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Used to add tanginess and flavor to the sauce.
- Honey: Used to add sweetness and balance the tangy and spicy flavors in the sauce.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Used to add smokiness and a spicy kick to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Used to add acidity and balance to the sweetness in the sauce.
Tools you'll need
- 2 large Baking Sheets
- large pot
- Large serving bowl
- Measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Large wooden spoon
- Cooking tongs
- 3 wide, shallow bowls
- Food processor
How to Make Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 500°F. Brush 2 tablespoons of oil over 2 baking sheets. For the Honey-Mustard: In a small serving bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon parsley, 2 teaspoons granulated garlic, 1 tablespoon Goya Adobo, 1 tablespoon oregano, and 1 tablespoon ground black pepper; stir to combine. (Remove about 3 tablespoons of the rub mixture: Set aside for later use). Blot excess moisture from chicken and place them in a large bowl. Add chicken, sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of the chicken cutlets, toss to coat, and set aside.
Place the pecans in the food processor bowl and pulse until finely chopped (don't overdo it; you don't want to turn it into a paste) and set aside. Alternatively, a chef's knife can be used to chop it very finely. Whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of the reserved seasoning in a dish. Next, place the flour in another dish and mix 1 tablespoon of the reserved seasoning. Finally, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of oil, and the remaining reserved seasoning in another dish.
Dredge the chicken 1 at a time in the flour, quickly dunk both sides in the egg mixture, and coat both sides in the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly, and bake until cooked through golden brown and at an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 12 minutes. Transfer the Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders to a platter and serve the Chipotle Honey-Mustard alongside for dipping.
Substitutions
For the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken tenders: You can use chicken breasts cut into strips or other types of chicken, such as thighs or wings.
- Pecans: You can use other nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or breadcrumbs instead of nuts.
- Panko breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of panko breadcrumbs.
- Flour: You can use almond or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Dijon mustard: You can use honey or whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon mustard.
- Garlic powder: You can use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
For the Chipotle Honey-Mustard Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier version.
- Dijon mustard: You can use whole-grain or honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard.
- Honey: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: You could use chipotle powder or smoked paprika instead of the peppers.
- Apple cider vinegar: You could use white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic powder: You can use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
Variations
- Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders: Substitute almonds for the pecans in the crust recipe.
- Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders: Substitute shredded coconut for the pecans in the crust recipe.
- Spicy Mustard Sauce: Add a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sauce: Substitute BBQ sauce for mustard sauce.
- Ranch Dipping Sauce: Mix sour cream, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning for a cool, tangy dipping sauce.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Substitute yellow mustard for the Dijon mustard in the sauce recipe and omit the chipotle peppers for a classic honey mustard flavor.
What to serve with
You can easily serve Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders independently, but you want to make Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders more filling. Try it with the following:
- Mac and cheese
- coleslaw
- garden salad
- Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
- Cesar salad
- Classic Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
- "Buttered Noodles"
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Refrigerate leftover Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: In a preheated 400 F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until it crisps up again, or in the microwave, until heated through; they may be soggy.
Make-Ahead
The Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders can be made ahead of time, which is great if you want to save time on the day of serving. You can prepare the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders up to the point of coating them in the pecan crust and then freeze them in a container or resealable plastic bag for up to three months. When you're ready to cook them, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
You can then bake them as directed in the recipe. The Chipotle Honey-Mustard Sauce can also be made and stored in a fridge for a week. This sauce is great for dipping chicken tenders and other foods such as french fries, veggies, or sandwiches. Making the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders and sauce ahead of time is a great way to ensure a tasty and convenient meal or snack whenever needed.
How to Freeze
To freeze the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders, prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of coating them in the pecan crust. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for a few hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
When you're ready to cook them, preheat the oven as directed in the recipe and bake the frozen Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders tenders for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Freezing the chicken tenders is a great way to save time and have a convenient meal or snack on hand.
Tips for Making The Best Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Toast the pecans: Toasting them before using them in the recipe will bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor. Place the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Use a food processor: Use a food processor to finely chop the toasted pecans and panko breadcrumbs. This will ensure the pecan crust is evenly distributed on the chicken tenders.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders cook quickly, so avoid overcooking them. Remove the tenders from the oven as soon as they are golden brown and cooked through to avoid dry and tough chicken.
- Let the chicken rest: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Make the sauce ahead of time: The Chipotle Honey-Mustard Sauce can be made and stored in the fridge. This will give the flavors time to meld together and make the sauce even more delicious.
- Serve immediately: The chicken tenders are best served immediately, so ensure everything else is prepared before cooking the tenders. This will ensure that they are still hot and crispy when served.
- Experiment with different nuts: While pecans are great for this recipe, you can also use nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for different flavors and textures.
FAQ
Can I make the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free substitute for the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in the Chipotle Honey-Mustard Sauce.
The Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders turned out dry. What did I do wrong?
Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness. Ensure to bake them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, but avoid overcooking. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven, so monitor them closely.
The coating didn't stick to the chicken properly. How can I fix this?
Ensure that you properly coat the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrum mixture in that order. Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere better. Also, ensure the chicken is not too wet; pat it dry before coating.
My pecans turned into a paste in the food processor. What went wrong?
Be cautious not to overprocess the pecans in the food processor. Pulse them just until finely chopped. Overprocessing can turn them into a paste. You can also try chopping them by hand if you have concerns.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
You can experiment with different nuts, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor and texture of the dish. Pecans provide a unique flavor and crunch, but almonds or walnuts could be suitable alternatives.
I found the chipotle powder too spicy. How can I reduce the heat?
You can reduce the chipotle powder or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your heat tolerance.
My chicken coating is not as golden brown as I expected. What can I do to improve the color?
You can try brushing more oil on the coated chicken before baking to help achieve a more golden-brown color.
Related Recipes:
Recipe
Easy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Tools
Ingredients
For the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders:
- Zest from 2 lemons or limes
- 1 kg (2.2 pounds) chicken tenderloins or chicken breast cut into 1- to 1 ½-inch strip
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons Goya Adobo con Pimienta or 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup Plain Panko bread crumbs
- ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1-¾ cups pecans , toasted
- 1 cup All-purpose flour flour
- 3 large eggs , beaten
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil , sunflower oil, or olive oil plus for greasing the baking sheet (You can use any neutral-flavored oil; I have listed the one I typically use.)
For the Chipotle Honey-Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise such as Hellmann's
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice or distilled vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground chipotle pepper powder; adjust to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F. Brush 2 tablespoons of oil over 2 baking sheets.
For the Chipotle Honey-Mustard Sauce:
- In a small serving bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
For the Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon parsley, 2 teaspoons granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons Goya Adobo, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon chipotle powder stir to combine. (Remove 3 tablespoons of the rub mixture: Set aside for later use). Blot excess moisture from chicken and place them in a large bowl. Add chicken and sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of the chicken cutlets, toss to coat, and set aside.
- Place the pecans in the food processor bowl and pulse until finely chopped (don't overdo it; you don't want to turn it into a paste) and set aside. Whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of the reserved seasoning in a dish. Next, place the flour in another dish and mix 1 tablespoon of the reserved seasoning.
- Finally, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of oil, and the remaining reserved seasoning in another dish. Dredge the chicken 1 at a time in the flour, quickly dunk both sides in the egg mixture, and coat both sides in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly, and bake until they are cooked through and golden brown and at an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 12 minutes. Transfer the Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders to a platter and serve the Chipotle Honey-Mustard alongside for dipping.
Notes
- To store: Refrigerate leftover Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: In a preheated 400 F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until it crisps up again, or in the microwave, until heated through; they may be soggy.
- Cooked Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Toss a bit of peanut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or any neutral-flavored oil to the breadcrumbs before baking to help deepen the breadcrumbs' flavor and help them get toasty and golden brown.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.