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
- 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