Pecan Crusted Chicken Fingers are a delightful culinary creation that perfectly balances the succulence of chicken with the nutty richness of pecans, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this recipe is a quick and easy option for a satisfying lunch or snack, making it ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends alike.
To embark on this culinary journey, gather your ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, 2 pinches of salt, 1/4 cup of pecan meal, 4 pecan halves, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. These ingredients come together harmoniously, each playing a crucial role in elevating the dish to its full potential.
Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Next, lightly beat the egg white in a wide, shallow dish, creating the perfect adhesive for the pecan crust. In another dish, combine the spices and pecan meal, infusing them with flavor and texture that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Now, it’s time to assemble your chicken fingers. Dip each strip of chicken into the egg white, coating it evenly, then roll it gently in the pecan-spice mixture, ensuring a generous coating for maximum flavor. Place the coated chicken strips on wax paper, ready to be cooked to golden perfection.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to create a crispy exterior without burning. Carefully place the coated chicken strips in the skillet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded, and cook them until they’re opaque, firm to the touch, and the pecan meal is gloriously golden brown. Once cooked, drain the chicken fingers on paper towels to remove any excess oil, ensuring they’re perfectly crispy and irresistibly delicious.
To elevate your Pecan Crusted Chicken Fingers even further, serve them with a tantalizing apricot sauce. Simply combine apricot nectar and spicy mustard in a small saucepan, stirring to blend, and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. In a separate dish, create a paste by combining vinegar and cornstarch, then add it to the boiling nectar, stirring until slightly thickened. This warm and tangy sauce complements the nutty flavor of the chicken fingers beautifully, adding a burst of sweetness and acidity to every bite.
With its crunchy pecan crust, tender chicken, and flavorful apricot sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or even as a party appetizer, these Pecan Crusted Chicken Fingers are guaranteed to impress with their deliciousness and simplicity. So go ahead, indulge in this delightful dish and treat your taste buds to a culinary experience they won’t soon forget!
