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Honey Pecan Chicken Breast Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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