Pecan Crusted Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs juicy chicken breasts with a crispy pecan coating, all brought together with a tangy honey mustard glaze. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe will impress family and friends alike.
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Why This Pecan Crusted Chicken Is the Best
- Crunchy Coating: The pecan crust adds a satisfying crunch, elevating the dish to new heights.
- Flavorful Glaze: The honey mustard mixture infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
- Beautiful Presentation: The golden-brown crust and vibrant glaze make this dish visually appealing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner, hosting a gathering, or just craving something delicious, Pecan Crusted Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of crunchy pecans and zesty honey mustard creates a dish that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes
- Fisher Pecans (finely chopped): Provide a crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor, enhancing the crust.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Contribute a light, crispy texture to the coating, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
- Paprika and Garlic Powder: Season the mixture with mild heat and aromatic flavor, complementing the pecans.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and crust.
- Dijon Mustard, Mayonnaise, and Honey (divided): Create a flavorful marinade and coating; the mustard adds tanginess, mayonnaise adds moisture, and honey provides sweetness.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Serve as the protein base, absorbing flavors from the marinade and forming a delicious crust when baked.
Tips for Making the Best Pecan Crusted Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality mustard will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the chicken until it’s just done to keep it juicy and tender.
- Press the Crust: Gently press the pecan coating onto the chicken for better adhesion during cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
- With Quinoa: Serve Pecan Crusted Chicken over a bed of quinoa for a healthy twist.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted seasonal vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- With Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes complements the dish beautifully.
- With a Fresh Salad: Enjoy it alongside a crisp green salad for a light and balanced meal.
- With Couscous: Serve with fluffy couscous for a unique grain option that pairs well with the chicken.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the combination of crunchy pecans and zesty honey mustard in this homemade dish. Pecan Crusted Chicken is a delicious way to treat yourself or your loved ones. Flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
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Pecan Crusted Chicken
Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner, hosting a gathering, or just craving something delicious, Pecan Crusted Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of crunchy pecans and zesty honey mustard creates a dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 6 - 7 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup Fisher Pecans finely chopped
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/4 Teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 1/2 Tablespoon dijon mustard divided
- 2 1/2 Tablespoon mayonnaise divided
- 2 Tablespoon honey divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet by lining it with foil. Place an oven-safe cooling rack on top of the baking sheet and coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Set this aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the pecans, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and season with pepper to taste.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and ½ tablespoon of honey.
- Pound the chicken to achieve an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then brush the top side with the honey mustard mixture and season with salt.
- Carefully place one piece of chicken into the panko mixture, ensuring the honey mustard side is facing down. Press firmly to help the mixture adhere to the bottom. Brush the top of the chicken with the honey mustard mixture, season with salt, then flip the chicken and press again to coat. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly covered with the mixture, turning and pressing on each side to achieve an even coating.
- Transfer the coated chicken to the wire rack and repeat the process with the remaining pieces, leaving space between each on the rack. Sprinkle any leftover pecan mixture on top of the chicken and press it down gently. If you have olive oil cooking spray, lightly spray the tops of the chicken (this step is optional but helps promote browning of the panko).
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until fully cooked, with the center registering at 165°F, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes. If you notice the pecans browning too quickly while baking, you can tent the chicken with foil to prevent over-browning.
- In the meantime, in a clean small mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1½ tablespoons of mayonnaise, and 1½ tablespoons of honey.
- Drizzle the honey mustard mixture over the warm chicken before serving. For an optional touch, garnish the chicken with about 1½ teaspoons of chopped parsley.
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Pecan Crusted Chicken