OVEN BAKED PECAN-CRUSTED CHICKEN FINGERS

Oven Baked Pecan-Crusted Chicken Fingers image

Provided by Food Network

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup pecan pieces
Chopped parsley, garnish
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, recipe follows
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
2 large eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into strips
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Creole mustard or other hot whole-grain mustard
Pinch salt
Pinch cayenne, or to taste

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the pecan pieces, bread crumbs, and Essence. Pulse for 1 minute to combine. Pour into a shallow dish.
In a bowl, beat together the eggs, olive oil and remaining 2 teaspoons of Essence. One at a time, dip the chicken into the egg mixture then dredge in the pecan mixture, shaking to remove any excess. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to 4 plates. Garnish with parsley and serve with the Honey Mustard Dipping sauce on the side.
Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well to combine. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. (Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce will keep, refrigerated in a covered non-reactive container, for 2 weeks.)