Dukkah-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Lemon-Saffron Aioli

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

These chicken tenders are loaded with Middle Eastern flavors. Dukkah, a spice blend made with hazelnuts, seeds, and spices, is available in spice shops and farmers' markets.

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon preserved lemon, peel only, rinsed and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon preserved lemon brine (from jar)
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch crumbled saffron
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dukkah
1 pound chicken tenderloins

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2 Combine mayonnaise, lemon peel, garlic, lemon brine, cayenne pepper, and saffron in a mini food processor; blend until smooth, scraping down sides once or twice. Refrigerate aioli until ready to use.
3 Place egg whites into a dish or bowl. Place dukkah into a second dish. Dip chicken tenders first into egg whites, letting excess drip off, then coat with dukkah. Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
4 Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, turning over halfway through, 12 to 15 minutes total. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).