Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly golden, crunchy chicken breast that's simultaneously sweet, savory, and absolutely mouthwatering. This Honey Pecan Crusted Chicken isn't just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet masterpiece. With a delectable honey glaze and a crispy pecan coating, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking game and impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a food processor or using a sharp knife, finely chop the pecans until they reach a coarse, breadcrumb-like consistency. Transfer to a shallow mixing bowl.
- Add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform coating mixture.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Warm the honey slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop to make it more fluid and easier to spread.
- Brush each chicken breast generously with warm honey, ensuring complete coverage on all sides.
- Roll each honey-coated chicken breast in the pecan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres completely.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional honey drizzle before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure the honey and pecan mixture sticks perfectly.
- Warm the honey slightly to make it easier to spread evenly on the chicken.
- Use a food processor or chop pecans very finely for the most uniform and crispy coating.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – leave space between chicken pieces for even browning.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and allow the coating to set.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the pecan coating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
