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5.0 from 48 votes

Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Tender and juicy, these crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders are a meal you'll have on repeat!! The crispy coating and mix of sweet and savory with the honey drizzled makes this a family favorite recipe that is a seriously a winner every time!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 262 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. chicken tenderloins can also use chicken breasts
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 Tbsp milk of choice (15g)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (60g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (56g)
  • 1 tsp each: garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
  • 2 Tbsp honey (42g)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel and season with a little salt. Whisk the egg and milk in a bowl. 
  2. To a food processor, add the pecans, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder and paprika. Pulse until you have fine crumbs (alternatively you can crush in a large ziploc bag). Move the crumbs to a shallow bowl.
  3. Coat chicken with egg mixture then dredge through the pecan crumbs. Use your hands to press the crumbs onto the chicken so it stays.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375F. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken in a single layer and spray the top with cooking spray. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature has reached 155F*)
  5. Drizzle the honey over the chicken right before serving and enjoy!See Recipe Notes below for additional cooking methods.

Notes

  • *carryover cooking will ensure your chicken reaches 165°F and prevents overcooking.
  • *carryover cooking will ensure your chicken reaches 165°F and prevents overcooking.
  • Dietary Adaptations: To make gluten-free: use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.To make dairy-free: use dairy-free milk.
  •  
  • Additional Cooking Methods:
  • Oven method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add an oven-safe wire metal rack on top of the large baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders on top of the rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Oven method:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add an oven-safe wire metal rack on top of the large baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders on top of the rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Grill method: Set grill to medium heat (~450°F). Grease grill. Add the chicken and spray the top with cooking spray. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Grill method:
  • Set grill to medium heat (~450°F). Grease grill. Add the chicken and spray the top with cooking spray. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1/8 of recipe (114g) Calories 262kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 11.4g (4%) Protein 37.5g (75%) Fat 7.4g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sugar 5.1g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 262

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/8 of recipe (114g)
Calories 262kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 11.4g 4%
Protein 37.5g 75%
Fat 7.4g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sugar 5.1g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.