Oven-fried Pecan Chicken Fingers

1 cup pecan halves
1 1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (18.4-oz.) package boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
Vegetable cooking spray




Place pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan.

Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally.

Process toasted pecans, baking mix, salt, and pepper in a food processor until pecans are finely ground. Place 1/2 cup pecan mixture in a large bowl. Add chicken, tossing to coat.

Whisk together eggs and buttermilk. Dip chicken in milk mixture; dredge in remaining pecan mixture. Arrange chicken in a single layer on a lightly greased aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly coat tops of chicken with vegetable cooking spray.

Bake at 425° for 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is golden brown.






--Adapted from Southern Living magazine