Irresistible Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders in 40 Minutes

Oh my gosh, you’ve got to try these crispy pecan crusted chicken tenders – they’re life-changing! I first made them for my nephew’s birthday party (he’s a picky eater, go figure) and now he begs for them every week. The secret? That crunchy, nutty pecan coating that gives regular chicken tenders a serious upgrade. They bake up golden and crisp without any deep-frying mess, and the flavor? Absolute perfection. Trust me, once you taste that buttery pecan crunch giving way to juicy chicken, you’ll never go back to plain old breadcrumbs again. Plus, they’re so easy – perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but special.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Listen, I know everyone claims their recipe is the best – but these pecan-crusted beauties? They’re in a league of their own. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to weeknight hero:

• That crunch! Toasted pecans mixed with breadcrumbs create a texture that’ll make you forget all about deep-fried versions
• Flavor bomb – the natural sweetness of pecans pairs perfectly with smoky paprika and garlic
• No messy frying – just pop ’em in the oven and they come out perfectly crisp
• Kid-approved magic (seriously, my picky eaters devour these)
• Ready in 40 minutes flat – quicker than waiting for takeout!

I swear, one bite and you’ll be hooked just like we were. The best part? Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while they bake.

Ingredients for Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean the good stuff! After testing this recipe a dozen times (not that I’m complaining about all those taste tests), I’ve nailed down exactly what you’ll need. Pro tip: measure everything before you start – it makes the process so much smoother when you’re not digging through cabinets mid-recipe!

• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces) – look for plump, even-sized ones so they cook uniformly
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped – I pulse mine in the food processor until they’re like coarse sand (but not powder!)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – plain or panko both work great here
• 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for even distribution
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground makes all the difference
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – our secret flavor booster
• 1/2 tsp paprika – smoked paprika adds incredible depth if you have it
• 2 large eggs – room temperature blends better with the milk
• 2 tbsp milk – any kind works, I usually use whole milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray – for that perfect golden finish

See? Nothing fancy or hard-to-find – just simple ingredients that create magic together. I always double check my pecans are fresh (give ’em a sniff – they should smell sweet and nutty, not bitter) because stale nuts can ruin the whole dish. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s get down to business! I promise this process is easier than you think – just follow these steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken tenders right from your oven. Pro tip: set up your workstation like an assembly line – it makes coating those tenders a breeze!

Preparing the Coating

Grab a medium mixing bowl (I use my favorite 2-quart Pyrex) and dump in those gorgeous chopped pecans. Add the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Now here’s the fun part – dig in with your fingers and mix everything together until it’s completely combined. You’ll see those beautiful orange paprika streaks blending with the golden pecans – smells amazing already, right?

Coating the Chicken

In another shallow bowl (a pie plate works perfectly), whisk the eggs and milk until they’re completely smooth. Now the magic happens! Working one at a time:

1. Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off
2. Press firmly into the pecan mix, coating all sides (I use my dry hand to pack it on)
3. Give it a gentle shake to remove loose crumbs
4. Place on your parchment-lined baking sheet

Don’t rush this part – that good coating is what gives you that perfect crunch! Leave a little space between each tender so they crisp up evenly.

Baking to Perfection

Pop those beauties in your preheated 400°F oven and set your timer for 10 minutes. When it dings, carefully flip each tender using tongs – you should see gorgeous golden spots already forming. Bake another 10-15 minutes until they’re deep golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F (trust me, a meat thermometer is worth it!).

Pro tip: If they’re browning too fast, tent loosely with foil. And whatever you do, resist opening the oven door too often – we want that heat to work its magic!

Tips for the Best Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let me share my hard-earned tricks for making these tenders absolutely perfect every single time. These little nuggets of wisdom come from all my kitchen experiments (and yes, a few crispy disasters along the way!).

• Toast those pecans! Spread them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely before chopping – this brings out their natural oils for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Use a wire rack if you’ve got one – placing the tenders on a rack over the baking sheet lets hot air circulate for even crispiness all around.
• Pat your chicken dry with paper towels before dipping – moisture is the enemy of good adhesion!
• Press, don’t sprinkle the coating on – really pack that pecan mixture onto each tender with your fingers for full coverage.
• Chill before baking (15 minutes does wonders) – this helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – give those tenders some personal space so they crisp up instead of steaming.
• Serve immediately – they’re at their crispiest right out of the oven, though they still taste amazing later (if there are any leftovers!).

My biggest lesson? Always make extra – these disappear fast! Last time I made them for game night, my brother-in-law “accidentally” ate six before I could even set out the dipping sauce. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner.

Variations for Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood or what’s in your pantry. Don’t get me wrong – the original version is absolute perfection – but sometimes you just want to mix things up! Here are my go-to twists that always impress:

• Spice it up! Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the pecan mixture when you’re feeling adventurous. My husband calls this the “happy dance” version because the subtle heat makes everyone’s eyes light up. For extra kick, mix some hot sauce into the egg wash.
• Go gluten-free by swapping the breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free panko. I discovered this version when my best friend (who has celiac) came over, and now she requests it every girls’ night! The almond flour actually makes the coating even nuttier and more delicate.
• Walnut wonder – out of pecans? Toasted walnuts make an amazing substitute with their slightly bitter edge. I tried this on a whim during the great pecan shortage of 2021 (okay, just my local store was out) and fell in love with the deeper flavor. Pro tip: chop walnuts extra fine since they’re harder than pecans.
• Sweet & savory – stir 1 tbsp brown sugar into the coating mix when I’m serving these as party appetizers. The caramelized sugar creates this incredible sweet-savory crust that pairs perfectly with spicy honey dip. My book club ladies go nuts for this version (pun totally intended).

The beauty is that no matter which way you spin it, you still get that irresistible crunch. I keep a notebook with all my variations because my neighbors have started requesting specific versions by name – the “firecracker” (cayenne), the “sweetheart” (brown sugar), you get the idea. What’ll your signature version be?

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Now let’s talk about the best part – how to serve these golden beauties! I’ve learned through many family dinners (and sneaky midnight snacks) that the right accompaniments take these tenders from great to “oh my goodness, give me the recipe!” Here’s what always works for us:

• Dipping sauce heaven: Honey mustard is my ride-or-die (just mix equal parts honey and Dijon with a splash of mayo), but my kids swear by BBQ sauce with extra black pepper stirred in. For fancy nights, whip up a quick maple-dijon sauce – it plays up the pecans’ natural sweetness.
• Veggie buddies: Simple roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully alongside the tenders. In summer, I do a quick cucumber salad with dill and lemon. For crunch, nothing beats classic coleslaw – the creaminess balances the crispy coating perfectly.
• Starchy sides: Garlic mashed potatoes soak up all those pecan bits that fall off (not that there are many!). Sweet potato fries make it feel like a diner meal, or go wild with cheesy grits if you’re feeling Southern.
• Party trick: Skewer mini tenders with grapes and cheese cubes for the easiest fancy appetizer. My sister calls these “grown-up chicken nuggets” and they disappear faster than I can make them!

Honestly? These tenders are so flavorful they don’t need much – sometimes we just eat them straight off the baking sheet with our fingers (no judgment here!). But when you want to make it a meal, any of these combos will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storing and Reheating Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Okay, let’s be real – you probably won’t have leftovers because these tenders disappear fast in my house! But just in case you miraculously end up with extra (or you’re smart like me and make a double batch), here’s how to keep that gorgeous crunch intact:

Storing: Let the tenders cool completely (this is crucial – no steam in the container!). Then tuck them into an airtight container with a paper towel on the bottom to absorb any moisture. They’ll stay crispy for up to 3 days in the fridge. I’ve tried freezing them, but honestly? The coating loses its magic – better to enjoy them fresh!

Reheating: Here’s my foolproof method to bring back that just-baked crispiness:

• Oven/Toaster Oven: 375°F for 8-10 minutes on a wire rack (this lets hot air circulate). No rack? Flip halfway through. The tenders will crisp right back up like magic!
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 4-5 minutes – works like a charm if you’ve got one!

Whatever you do, don’t microwave unless you’re okay with soggy coating (learned that the hard way during a late-night snack emergency). And pro tip: if the coating seems dry after storage, a quick spritz of oil before reheating helps revive the texture. Now go enjoy your second-day crispy goodness!

FAQ About Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

I get so many questions about these pecan-crusted wonders – seems like everyone wants to make them just right! Here are the answers to the things people ask me most often (including my sister’s panicked texts mid-recipe!):

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless breasts into 1-inch strips so they cook evenly. I actually do this when tenders are pricey – takes maybe 2 extra minutes of prep. Watch the baking time though – thicker pieces might need 3-5 more minutes.

How do I prevent soggy coating?
Three secrets: 1) Pat chicken dry before dipping, 2) Don’t skimp on pressing the coating on firmly, and 3) Use that wire rack if you’ve got one! Oh, and never stack them hot – that steam is a crispiness killer.

Can I make these ahead?
You bet! Prep them up to the baking step, then refrigerate covered for 4-6 hours. The coating actually sticks better after a chill! Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time since they’re going in cold.

Are these kid-friendly?
Are you kidding? My 4-year-old niece calls them “chicken candy”! For super picky eaters, you can pulse the pecans extra fine so the texture blends in more. Just don’t tell them it’s nuts – sometimes the less they know, the better!

Why toast the pecans first?
Oh honey, this is non-negotiable! Toasting wakes up the pecans’ natural oils so they taste richer and stay crunchier after baking. Think of it like waking up a sleepy flavor – that extra 5 minutes makes all the difference between “good” and “OMG what is this magic?!”

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know we all like to have a general idea of what we’re eating – especially when it tastes this good! These crispy pecan crusted chicken tenders are packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from those glorious pecans. Just remember, these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients (like how much coating sticks to each tender, or whether you use olive oil vs cooking spray).

One serving (about 2 tenders) comes out to roughly 280 calories, with 22g protein to keep you full and happy. The pecans add those good-for-you unsaturated fats and a nice fiber boost too. But let’s be real – we’re not eating these because they’re “healthy,” we’re eating them because that crunch is downright addictive!

Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used. Now go enjoy your delicious creation without stressing the numbers – life’s too short not to savor every crispy, nutty bite!

Rate & Share Your Crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Hey there, fellow pecan-crusted chicken lovers! I’d absolutely love to hear how your baking adventure turned out. Did your kids go nuts for them like mine do? Maybe you tried one of those fun variations I suggested? Drop me a comment below – I read every single one (and yes, I’ll totally help troubleshoot if you ran into any crispy emergencies!).

Better yet, snap a pic of your golden beauties and tag me on Instagram @[YourHandleHere] – there’s nothing I love more than seeing your kitchen creations! Use #PecanCrustedMagic so I can find your posts and feature my favorites. Who knows, your photo might just inspire someone else to try this recipe tonight!

And if you loved these as much as we do (no pressure, but… how could you not?), would you do me a huge favor? Click that 5-star rating button below – it helps other crispy chicken seekers find this recipe. Now go enjoy those tenders – you’ve earned every delicious bite!

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