This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and savory honey pecan sauce. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Elegant: The combination of sweet honey, crunchy pecans, and savory spices creates a delicious and sophisticated flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein source that cooks up quickly.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- Ground chipotle pepper: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy kick.
- Butter: Used to brown the chicken and create a rich sauce.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and creates a beautiful glaze.
- Pecans: Toasted and finely chopped, they add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Honey Pecan Chicken Breast
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to an even thickness of ½ inch. This will help them cook evenly. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and ground chipotle pepper.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
Step 3: Cook Through
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F. Turn the chicken once during cooking.
Step 4: Make the Honey Pecan Sauce
Drizzle the honey over the cooked chicken and sprinkle with the toasted pecans. Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the honey is melted and bubbly. Spoon some of the honey sauce from the bottom of the pan over the chicken.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook it just until it’s cooked through.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent proper browning.
How to Serve
This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast is delicious with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast is best served fresh, but you can also make it ahead of time or store leftovers for later.
Storing Leftovers
Let the leftovers cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will take longer to cook.
2. Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite nut, such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
3. Can I make this recipe without the chipotle pepper? Yes, you can omit the chipotle pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brown the chicken in a skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Drizzle with the honey and sprinkle with the pecans during the last few minutes of baking.
This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast Recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and elegant meal. With its sweet and savory sauce and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to become a new favorite!
PrintHoney Pecan Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Tender chicken breasts are pan-fried and coated in a sweet and savory honey pecan sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper (optional, for a smoky kick)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Sprinkle both sides with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and chipotle pepper (if using).
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F. Flip the chicken once during cooking.
- Make Honey Pecan Sauce: Drizzle honey over the cooked chicken and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes more, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Spoon some of the honey sauce from the pan over the chicken. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Tips:
- Thaw frozen chicken completely before using.
- Avoid moving the chicken around too much when first placed in the skillet to allow for proper searing.
- Use a silicone spatula to scrape up the honey and caramelized bits of butter from the skillet without damaging the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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