Whip up these family-friendly Baked Hummus Crusted (surprising, I know…but so good) chicken tenders in less than 30 minutes.
As I was doing a little clean-up in my Recipe Index the other day, a theme started to become clear. It seems that I have a thing for hummus. And not just hummus used for dipping carrots in or spreading on sandwiches, though those kinds are some of my favorites, but hummus used in unexpected and unconventional ways.
It all started when I spread hummus on fish, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown. And then came the ever-irresistible Mini Avocado & Hummus Quesadillas, followed up by Hummus Linguini with Zucchini.
Clearly I have a thing for this chickpea-packed dip and its many uses.
So, it only seemed natural to bump up the flavor of crusted chicken tenders by whisking some hummus (use your favorite kind…mine happens to be Sabra) into the egg dip before dredging the chicken in crispy panko breadcrumbs. A sprinkle of paprika mixed in with the hummus and fresh parsley stirred into the breadcrumbs made everything even better.
The ultimate test, as always, was the dinnertime taste-testing session with my kids. After all, baked crispy chicken tenders are really just a healthier version of chicken nuggets. They polished off every last piece of their portions and then moved onto what would have been my husband’s portion if he hadn’t been traveling for work. (Silent fist pump.)
Crispy chicken is great for dipping, and the hummus just begs for a dollop of tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumber and garlic) on the side. Though I have to tell you that Dijon mustard worked for me in a pinch. Hummus and Dijon? Yeah, I know. But it worked!
Other recipes with chicken tenders:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Grilled Chicken Tenders with Chipotle Lime Yogurt
Cookin’ Canuck’s Chicken Tenders with Cherry Ginger Glaze
Reluctant Entertainer’s Creamy Salsa Chicken Tenders
Climbing Grier Mountain’s Grilled Chicken, Mango & Avocado Quinoa Salad
Food Faith Fitness’ Mexican Baked Chicken Tenders
Baked Hummus Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour or regular pastry flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons hummus
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs preferably whole wheat
- 3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 ¼ pounds about 8 chicken tenders
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with foil. Coat with cooking spray.
- Place the whole wheat flour in a medium bowl. In a shallow container, whisk together the egg, hummus and paprika. In a separate shallow container, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Working with one chicken tender at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip in the egg mixture until the chicken is coated. Lastly, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, completely coating the outside.
- Transfer the chicken tenders to the prepared wire rack.
- Lightly coat the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Bake until the chicken is just cooked through and the breadcrumbs are starting to brown, 5 to 6 minutes per side.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or plain yogurt mixed with paprika.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Kim Beaulieu
We love chicken tenders at our house. This recipe would be a total hit with my crew. Yours look so perfect, I have a tendency to cook mine a wee bit too long.
Samantha
I don’t know if I would have ever thought to do this with hummus. So inventive and truly great recipe!
Heather | girlichef
Oh, what a brilliant idea! I’m a huge hummus fan, so this sounds like something I need to try.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
I’m the same way – love hummus! I never get sick of it. This is brilliant!
Nikki @ Nik Snacks
I’ve never seen hummus crusted chicken before! I’ve seen it dipped but not like this! I must try this some time.
Kelly Grist
Love this idea! Eating a hummus wrap as I read this post! I guess I have a thing for hummus too
Angie
This is so creative and smart. I can’t wait to try this. I know my son will love it too!
Lora @cakeduchess
Funny I’ve been using hummus for different lunch ideas. And now I’m inspired to venture into using it with chicken. Great idea, Dara!!
Martha @ A Family Feast
Such a great idea! I never thought to use hummus as part of the dredge – sounds delicious!
Kirsten/Comfortably Domestic
Hummus is one of most versatile condiments and dips around because it has so much flavor. I’m sure that my boys would eat more than their fair share of these chicken tenders.
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
This is such a great idea! I think the hummus would add amazing flavor.
Susan
I love hummus coated chicken but I usually just slather it on and bake away. This takes it to an entirely new level and will have to be taste tested out!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition
YES! Hummus on everything! I love these chicken tenders and I bet my kids will too!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom
I’ve never thought to add hummus as a coating but what a great idea! I love hummus bu tmy kids are not fans. As you mentioned, favorite kid friendly recipes that are tweaked a bit are always the final test. These look awesome!
The Food Hunter
what a unique idea!
Stephanie @ Back for Seconds
I am going to try this! I love hummus and I bet the flavor here is amazing! Great recipe!
Nutmeg Nanny
You do have a thing for hummus! I really love hummus too but I’m allergic to tahini so it makes it hard to eat it a lot. I usually end up making it from scratch with cashew butter instead. Love the idea of crusting chicken in hummus. The hubs would love this!
Kim Taylor
You come up with so many great uses for hummus! Do you have a favorite hummus that you use for your recipes?
Dara
Hi Kim, hummus is one of my favorite snacks, for sure. There are a few different hummus brands that I’ve tried an enjoyed, both local ones and international brands. One of my favorites is Sabra. If you haven’t tried their Olive Tapenade hummus or Lemon hummus, I suggest seeking them out!
Maria
Going to make these for Caleb! He loves hummus and chicken tenders! Perfect!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
I, like you, could eat hummus on ALL the things. It’s just so delicious and versatile.
However, I’ve never used it to crust chicken tenders, but that sound like something my tastebuds NEED!
Thanks for linking to my Mexican Chicken Tenders! Pinned!