Pecan-Crusted Chicken

Crunchy, crumbly and packed full of juicy flavor, this pecan-crusted chicken takes your typical chicken dish and kicks it up a notch. The coating of Dijon mustard prior to tossing in crumbs allows the flavors to fully infuse into the meat, while also providing a barrier that keeps the chicken moist and tender. Serve with rice pilaf, roasted veggies or cut in strips over a bed of lettuce and drizzled with the maple-Dijon dressing.

Ingredients for Pecan-Crusted Chicken

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

• Pecans: You can finely chop whole pecans, or purchase them already chopped.
• Bread crumbs: You can make your own dry bread crumbs ahead of time for a boost in flavor.
• Spices: This recipe calls for just dried thyme, paprika and salt for a simple but impactful blend of spices.
• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast halves.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon helps give this pecan chicken recipe a hint of tangy, sharp flavor.
• Maple-Dijon sauce: To make this delicious sauce, use 100% pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard.

Directions

Step 1: Make bread crumb mixture, coat chicken

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

In a shallow bowl, combine the pecans, bread crumbs, thyme, paprika and salt. Place Dijon mustard in another shallow bowl. Next, coat chicken with mustard, and then roll it in pecan mixture.

Step 2: Bake chicken, make sauce

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Place chicken in baking dish and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until juices run clear. While chicken is baking, combine sauce ingredients; serve on top of chicken or as a dipping sauce.

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

Pecan-Crusted Chicken Variations

• Use other cuts: Chicken breast halves are delish, but you can try this with drum sticks, thighs or bone-in cuts as well.
• Add more herbs: The simplicity of these few herbs is lovely, but if you’d like to switch it up a bit, consider adding fresh or dried basil, cilantro or other herbs of your choice.

How to Store Pecan-Crusted Chicken

Store any leftovers, once completely cooled, in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze in freezer-safe plastic bags being sure to push all air out of the bag. Consume within three to four days.

How do you reheat pecan-crusted chicken?

Pecan-crusted chicken is best when eaten straight from the oven because of the texture of the pecans and bread crumbs, but if you do have any leftovers you can easily reheat the chicken to enjoy. To do so, warm leftovers in a skillet on the stove or in a casserole dish in the oven.

Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tips

Ruthie Darling for Taste Recipes

How do I tell if the chicken is done?

If you have a thermometer, check to see if the internal temp is 165°. If you don’t have access to a meat thermometer, there are other ways of checking for doneness. The meat should slice easily, and juices should run clear as opposed to pink or reddish. Additionally, the color of the meat should be creamy white, without any pink tones.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes. While pecans are perfect in this dish, you can use walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts or any type of nut that you’d like to try. Just make sure that you finely chop them.

How can I serve pecan-crusted chicken as leftovers?

If you want to switch up the dish and get creative with the leftovers, this dish is delicious served cold in a leafy green salad. Chop it into cubes and add mayo for a yummy twist on chicken salad, or serve them in a sandwich with juicy tomatoes, a slice of cheddar cheese and crunchy lettuce.