Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and just a little touch of sweetness, then you’re in the right place! This Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe is an absolute gem. I love this recipe because it has the most delightful crunch from pecans paired with the cozy warmth of maple syrup and a hit of fresh herbs. Trust me, once you make it, your family will be begging for it again—and again.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this dish memorable. When shopping, look for fresh pecans and pure maple syrup—the quality really shines through here.

• Fresh ginger: Grating it fresh gives you that bright, zesty kick that cuts through the richness.
• Garlic: Four cloves here bring depth and a savory punch.
• Lemon: Both zest and juice add brightness and balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tang and helps the crust ingredients stick to the chicken.
• Pure maple syrup: The star of the show, bringing sweetness and helping the pecans caramelize.
• Fresh thyme: Herbaceous notes that lift the flavors—don’t skimp here!
• Smoked paprika: Just a touch for smoky warmth.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Divided use helps both flavor and cooking.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Halved to make them thin for even cooking and great crust adhesion.
• Raw pecans: Finely chopped for that irresistible crunch.

Variations

I love making this Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe just as is, but don’t hesitate to play around with it! You can easily tweak it to suit your cravings or dietary needs.

• Almond crust: I once swapped pecans for sliced almonds when I was out—and it still gave a beautiful crunch and great nutty flavor.
• Herb substitute: If you don’t have thyme, fresh rosemary works beautifully to add another layer of earthiness.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze if you like a little heat with that sweet and savory combo.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe naturally works for gluten-free diets as long as you check your mustard and maple syrup label.

How to Make Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet

Start by setting your oven to 400°F and arranging a rack in the center. Place a large ovenproof skillet in the oven to preheat—it might seem odd, but heating the skillet ahead of time makes all the difference for a crispy, perfect crust on your chicken.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor Bomb

In a big bowl, combine the grated ginger, garlic, lemon zest, juice from half a lemon, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, chopped thyme, smoked paprika, half the olive oil, and salt. Whisk until well blended. I always reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture in a small bowl and pop it in the fridge—that’s your finishing glaze later that really amps up the flavor.

Step 3: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—that helps the crust stick better. Cut each breast lengthwise to get four thinner pieces, then season generously with salt and pepper. Toss those pieces right into the remaining ginger-maple mixture and coat them evenly. This step is essential—don’t skip it! It infuses flavor straight into the meat.

Step 4: Crust and Sear the Chicken

Using oven mitts, carefully take the hot skillet from the oven and pour in the remaining olive oil. Spread the chopped pecans out on a shallow dish. Now, one piece at a time, press the maple-coated side of the chicken down into those pecans, gently but firmly. Then place the chicken pecan-side up in the hot skillet—you’ll want to work quickly to keep the skillet hot for that initial sizzle.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the skillet right back into the oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. You want the chicken cooked through but still juicy—an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F in the thickest part. This method locks in moisture and crisps up your pecan crust beautifully.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

Once it’s out of the oven, spoon the reserved ginger-maple mixture over the chicken and sprinkle with extra fresh thyme. Add some lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a bright, fresh pop of citrus at the table—that step really makes the flavors sing!

How to Serve Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—fresh thyme leaves sprinkled on top and lemon wedges alongside. The herb adds a fresh aroma while the lemon juice brightens every bite right at the table. If you want a touch more color and flavor, a handful of microgreens or some chopped parsley work beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are roasted fingerling potatoes tossed in rosemary or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette — the freshness balances the richness perfectly. You could also roast some seasonal veggies or serve it with a creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like to plate the chicken on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of maple syrup and extra pecans, so guests can add toppings as they please. Or, slice the chicken and arrange it fan-style atop a bed of quinoa salad for a colorful, festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pecan crust holds up really well, though it won’t be as crispy as fresh. Just make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing it up to keep things fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is totally doable if you want to prep ahead. I recommend freezing the cooked chicken without the glaze, wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh glaze.

Reheating

To keep the crust as crispy as possible when reheating, I reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, uncovered. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the crust soggy. Add the reserved or freshly made glaze after warming up for that final flavor boost.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and every time I make it, I’m reminded why. The combo of sweet maple syrup, crunchy pecans, tangy mustard, and fresh herbs hits such an incredible flavor profile that feels both comforting and a little fancy. If you’re looking to wow your taste buds—and anyone lucky enough to eat this—I promise you won’t regret giving this recipe a try. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, easy to repeat, and hard to forget.

Print