Best Easy Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe

Bourbon pecan chicken features tender chicken breast glazed in a sweet bourbon sauce topped with toasted pecans. This high protein, uniquely Southern chicken dish is an impressive yet easy family dinner.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#high protein #southern #family dinner #easy
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 pieces
  • Pecans 1 cup
  • All-purpose flour 0.5 cup
  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Bourbon 0.25 cup
  • Brown sugar 3 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard 1 tbsp
  • Soy sauce 1 tbsp
  • Butter 2 tbsp
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 16 g 17%
Protein 35 g 38%
Fat 15 g 45%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, just until golden—do not cook through fully.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to medium. Remove chicken and set aside. To the same skillet, add butter, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce; stir for 2–3 minutes to form a glaze.

  5. 5

    Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, then transfer skillet to oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. In the last 3 minutes, sprinkle toasted pecans over the chicken and continue baking.

  6. 6

    Remove from oven, plate chicken, and spoon extra bourbon-pecan glaze from the skillet over each piece before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in this bourbon pecan chicken recipe?
The key ingredients are the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for high protein content and the pecans, which provide signature Southern flavor and crunchy texture. The bourbon creates a unique glaze that ties the dish together.
Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor?
Bourbon is the standout seasoning here. When reduced with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce, it creates a rich, sweet-savory glaze that gives the chicken its signature taste.
Q. How should I control the heat to avoid overcooking the chicken?
Sear the chicken quickly over medium-high heat to brown the outside without fully cooking it, then finish gently in the oven at 375°F. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, avoiding dryness.
Q. What’s the calorie and protein content per serving?
Each serving (220 g) contains about 370 kcal and 35 g of protein. Protein makes up 38% of the calories, making this a high-protein dish suitable for those seeking a hearty, satisfying meal.
Q. What helps keep the chicken moist and prevents a dry texture?
Finishing the chicken in the bourbon sauce under gentle oven heat helps retain moisture. Avoid overbaking—remove the chicken as soon as the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juiciest results.
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