Introduction
As the crisp autumn air sets in and leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, it’s time to embrace the warmth of fall flavors in our kitchens. What better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful twist on a classic dish? These One-Pan Pumpkin Spice Chicken Tenders with a Crispy Crunch are a perfect fusion of savory and sweet, offering a deliciously unexpected flavor profile that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Imagine juicy chicken tenders, perfectly seasoned with aromatic pumpkin spice, paired with a crunchy coating that adds texture and richness. This dish boasts not only comforting fall flavors but also a simplicity that makes it a perfect weeknight meal. Plus, with a one-pan approach, clean-up is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy the cozy ambiance of the season. Whether you serve them up with a side of roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or nestled in a warm tortilla, these chicken tenders will become a regular fixture on your dinner table this autumn. So, let’s dive in and cook up this scrumptious seasonal recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp pumpkin spice blend
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice blend, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
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- In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together. This will give your tenders that delightful crispy crunch.
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- Dip each chicken tender into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
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- Arranging the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle olive oil over them to help achieve that perfect golden brown finish.
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- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tenders reach a crispy perfection.
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- Once baked, remove from the oven and drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that complements the spices.
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- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your cozy, mouthwatering meal!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- Pumpkin Puree: 1/2 cup, for moisture and flavor
- Pumpkin Spice Blend: 2 teaspoons (store-bought or homemade)
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (panko or regular for added crunch)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated for a savory kick
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon to enhance flavor
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking and added richness
- Egg: 1 large, for binding the breading
- Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously spiced, crispy chicken dish that’s perfect for fall!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving that perfect crispy finish on your chicken tenders.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This not only helps with easy cleanup but also prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
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Season the Chicken: While the oven is heating, take your chicken tenders and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Feel free to add extra pumpkin spice seasoning for an intensified flavor.
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Create the Coating Station: Set up a dredging station with three bowls:
- In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour mixed with a dash of salt.
- In the second bowl, whisk together two large eggs until well combined.
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In the third bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, a generous amount of pumpkin spice, and a touch of grated Parmesan cheese for an added flavor dimension.
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Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour first, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, roll the tender in the panko mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.
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Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place each coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking and crispiness.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). For an extra crispy finish, consider broiling the tenders for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
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Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chicken tenders to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps retain the juices within the chicken, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
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Garnish: For a festive touch, you can sprinkle a bit more pumpkin spice on top before serving, or garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your One-Pan Pumpkin Spice Chicken Tenders with their crispy crunch, perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year! Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious finishing touch!
Serving Suggestions
These One-Pan Pumpkin Spice Chicken Tenders are not only delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
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Autumn Salad: Serve the chicken tenders alongside a fresh autumn salad consisting of mixed greens, roasted squash, toasted pecans, and cranberries. Drizzle with a maple vinaigrette to enhance the fall flavors.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of mashed potatoes works wonderfully to balance the spiced chicken. Consider adding a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to the potatoes for a seamless flavor connection.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts makes for a colorful and nutritious side that complements the pumpkin spice theme.
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Dipping Sauces: Elevate your chicken tenders with an array of dipping sauces. A tangy honey mustard, creamy ranch, or a sweet and spicy sriracha mayo can add a different dimension to the meal.
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Whole Wheat Wraps: For a more portable option, slice the tenders and wrap them in whole wheat tortillas with greens, avocado, and a splash of chipotle sauce for a flavorful lunch.
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Quinoa or Rice: Serve the chicken tenders over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. You can season the grains with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of poultry seasoning to unify the dish.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Complete your meal with a cozy pumpkin spice latte for a comforting drink that ties together the holiday flavors.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a festive and satisfying meal that celebrates the essence of autumn! Enjoy your cooking!
Conclusion
This One-Pan Pumpkin Spice Chicken Tenders with a Crispy Crunch recipe is the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall while keeping mealtime simple and stress-free. The combination of savory chicken, warm pumpkin spice, and a delightful crunch creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Plus, with everything cooked in just one pan, clean-up is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your comforting creation.
Whether you’re looking for a new family-friendly weeknight dinner or a festive dish for your upcoming gatherings, these chicken tenders are versatile enough to fit the bill. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, a side of autumn-inspired veggies, or even a hearty salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try, and let the fall flavors take center stage at your dining table! Don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you make along the way. Happy cooking!
