Pecan Fried Chicken Tenders
 
 
Serves: 16 Strips- 8 Servings
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds chicken breast tenders
  • 2-3 cups buttermilk, divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup pecan meal
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable shortening for frying
  • Peach pepper jelly for dipping, recipe follows
Instructions
  1. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl or shallow baking dish. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken to cover, saving ½ cup for the flour mixture. Let chicken marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. In another large bowl or shallow baking dish, combine the flour, pecan meal, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Stir together well. Drizzle ¼ to ½ cup buttermilk into the flour while stirring with a fork until the mixture looks shaggy and a little clumpy.....not a batter. This is what makes an extra crispy coating.
  3. Heat 1 inch of vegetable shortening in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Working with a few chicken strips at a time, remove from the buttermilk letting the excess drain away, then roll in flour, pressing the clumps into the chicken. Place on a sheet tray or plate. Continue until all the chicken strips are coated.
  5. Fry chicken a few strips at a time so as not to crowd the skillet. Fry for about 4 minutes, until crispy and golden, turning once or twice.
  6. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and fry remaining chicken. Keep warm in a 200° F. oven if needed.
  7. Serve with Peach Pepper Jelly Dipping Sauce
  8. Makes 16 strips- 8 servings
Recipe by ILovePecans at https://ilovepecans.org/pecan-fried-chicken-tenders/