Description
Tender, juicy Maple Pecan Crusted Chicken featuring a sweet and crunchy coating made with pure maple syrup and finely chopped pecans. This restaurant-quality dish delivers incredible flavor and texture contrasts perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pound chicken breasts to uniform 3/4-inch thickness using meat mallet.
3. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels and bring to room temperature.
4. Set up three shallow dishes for coating station.
5. Mix flour with salt and pepper in first dish.
6. Combine beaten eggs with Dijon mustard in second dish.
7. Mix chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, maple syrup, melted butter, and all spices in third dish.
8. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
9. Dredge each piece first in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
10. Dip into egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Press firmly into pecan coating mixture, adhering completely to all surfaces.
12. Heat olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
13. Sear coated chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
14. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and bake 15-18 minutes.
15. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using meat thermometer.
16. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
17. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Pat chicken completely dry for best coating adhesion.
Don’t skip the searing step – it creates better flavor and texture.
Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature.
Coating can be applied up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated.
Reheat leftovers in oven rather than microwave to maintain crispiness.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: maple pecan chicken, crusted chicken recipe, pecan coating, maple syrup chicken, fall chicken recipe