Pistachio-Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

These better-for-you Pistachio Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders are the perfect 30-minute dinner for busy weeknights. Crispy, flavorful, and made with wholesome ingredients, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

Chicken tenders on a white counter with a purple napkin.

Back-to-school season makes weeknights hectic, so a quick, healthy dinner is essential. These pistachio-crusted baked chicken tenders combine Mazola Corn Oil, plain non-fat Greek yogurt and crushed pistachios for a lighter, crunchy coating. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re ideal for meal prep and family dinners.

Prepping the Chicken

  1. In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together plain non-fat Greek yogurt, Mazola Corn Oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Place pistachios (shelled) in a food processor or blender and pulse until mostly fine. Leave a few small chunks if you prefer extra crunch. Transfer the crushed pistachios to a second shallow bowl and stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender in the yogurt mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the pistachio-Parmesan mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange coated tenders on a greased baking sheet (place on an oven-safe wire rack if you have one). Repeat until all tenders are coated.
Ingredients on a white counter with purple cloth out of frame on the left.

Baking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pistachio-crusted chicken tenders for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even browning.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, optionally broil on high for 3–5 minutes after baking.
Prep image collage showing step by step instructions on how to make chicken tenders.

Quick Tips

Tip 1: Place the tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to promote even airflow and prevent soggy bottoms.

Tip 2: Broiling for a few minutes at the end yields a golden, extra-crispy crust. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Chicken tenders on a white plate with second white plate in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pistachio-crusted tenders with seasonal vegetables to keep the meal light and nutritious. A simple mixed-vegetable side, roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad all pair well.

They’re delicious with a dip—try a Greek yogurt ranch, avocado ranch, or Dijon mustard. Choose a sauce that complements the nutty pistachio flavor without overpowering it.

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore crunch.

Chicken tender being dipped into ranch dip in a gray bowl.

More Quick & Easy Recipes

15 Minute Margherita Naan Pizza
Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich
Pepper Lemon Chicken Thighs
Avocado Kale Salad
Easy Chicken Wraps with Oranges

Two chicken tenders on a white plate with veggies all on a white counter.

I hope your family enjoys these Pistachio Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders. Please comment and rate if you try them.

Happy Eating!

"Caitlyn" signature in black cursive.

Pistachio Crusted Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe

These baked chicken tenders with a pistachio coating are an easy 30-minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 313 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Tenders
  • 4 tablespoons Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Mazola Corn Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 1/3 cups Pistachios, shelled
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine Greek yogurt, corn oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a medium shallow bowl; set aside.
  2. Pulse pistachios in a food processor until mostly fine; mix with Parmesan in a second shallow bowl.
  3. Dip each chicken tender in the yogurt mixture, let excess drip off, then press into the pistachio-Parmesan mix. Place on a greased baking sheet or on a wire rack over the sheet.
  4. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping once. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F. Optional: broil for 3 minutes for extra crispiness. Serve warm with your favorite dip.

Notes

  • Leftover Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave 30–60 seconds or in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with Greek yogurt ranch, avocado ranch, Dijon mustard, roasted vegetables, oven-baked fries, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 313 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4.9 g
Protein: 29.2 g
Fat: 19.2 g
Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sodium: 328 mg
Potassium: 359 mg
Fiber: 1.6 g
Sugar: 1.8 g
Calcium: 169 mg
Iron: 1 mg

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