Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs skinless
boneless chicken breasts or tenders
- 2 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons blanched almond flour
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 2 large eggs
- chopped parsley
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Set out 3 medium bowls and preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- 2
If using chicken breasts, pound to about 1/2” thickness cut into strips. For chicken tenderloins, cut in half lengthwise.
- 3
The chicken will be coated 3 times - with a ground pecan mixture, then egg, then a coarse pecan mixture. To make the first coating, pulse 1/2 cup of pecans in a food processor or a blender until fine crumbs are formed. just a few pulses until they are ground. Place them in one of the bowls and add both flours salt, pepper and spices, set aside.
- 4
Pulse the remaining 2 cups of pecan halves into coarse crumbs (larger crumbs than the first coating and place them in a separate bowl. Lastly, whisk the 2 eggs in the third bowl.
- 5
Coat each chicken strip in the first pecan mixture with the spices, shaking off any excess. Then, dip in whisked egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the coarsely ground pecans and place the chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, repeating with all the chicken. Spray the tops of the chicken strips with avocado oil cooking spray (or preferred cooking spray).
- 6
Bake for 8 minutes, then turn each piece continue baking until the outside is crisp and the centers are cooked through, about 6-8 minutes more. Check to make sure they’re cooked through since baking times will vary.
- 7
Garnish with parsley and serve with your favorite dips, such as paleo friendly ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard. Enjoy!
Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
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About this Recipe
Craving crispy, flavorful chicken tenders that fit your Paleo, Whole30, or Keto lifestyle? These baked pecan-crusted chicken tenders are exactly what you need—easy to throw together and incredibly satisfying for the whole family.
What makes these tenders shine is the pecan crust, which bakes up beautifully crisp and wonderfully flavorful, offering a delicious and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional breading. Baking them in the oven keeps them light and minimizes cleanup, while a thoughtful blend of savory spices ensures every bite is packed with craveable taste.
Prepare for a remarkably tender and juicy chicken interior encased in a golden, wonderfully crisp pecan crust. The finely ground pecans, combined with blanched almond and arrowroot flours, create a robust, crunchy coating that’s subtly nutty and incredibly satisfying. Seasoned perfectly with garlic, onion, and a hint of smoked or sweet paprika, these tenders deliver a savory profile that pairs beautifully with an array of healthy dipping sauces, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is designed for versatility, allowing you to use either boneless chicken breasts cut into uniform strips or pre-cut chicken tenders based on what's convenient for you. For a slight flavor tweak, feel free to adjust the amount of smoked or sweet paprika to either enhance its smoky notes or lean into a milder, sweeter profile.
These delightful tenders are fantastic served as a wholesome main course alongside a fresh green salad, or as an irresistible appetizer perfect for game day or any casual get-together. They're especially popular with kids, offering a healthy and delicious finger food option that tastes amazing when dipped into your favorite Whole30-approved sauces.