Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken Recipe

This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken is absolute magic on a plate! Tender chicken breasts get a golden-brown crust before being smothered in a rich, nutty sauce that perfectly balances sweet honey with savory garlic. The pecans add a delightful crunch that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: Thin, boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly and evenly. If you only have thick ones, just pound them thin for perfect cooking.
• Seasoned salt: Adds the perfect baseline of flavor to the chicken. Feel free to use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend here.
• Olive oil: Creates that beautiful golden sear on the chicken without sticking to your pan.
• All-purpose flour: Just a light dredge to create a delicate crust that will help the sauce cling to the chicken.
• Unsalted butter: Forms the rich base of our sauce and helps toast the pecans to perfection.
• Pecans: The star of the show! They add amazing texture and a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the honey beautifully.
• Garlic: Provides that wonderful aromatic quality that makes this dish so irresistible.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Honey: Creates a glossy, slightly sweet sauce that caramelizes slightly when cooking.
• Salt and pepper: The essential seasonings that bring everything together.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious options:

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a nice heat that contrasts with the honey’s sweetness.
• Try different nuts: Walnuts or sliced almonds work wonderfully if you don’t have pecans on hand.
• Go herbaceous: Finish the dish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a lovely aromatic element.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with seasoned salt and set aside. This even thickness ensures quick and uniform cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, then add to the hot oil (it should sizzle). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a wire rack and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter completely. Add the chopped pecans and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re toasty and fragrant. The butter will foam up—this is perfectly normal and adds richness to the sauce.

Step 4: Add Flavor Layers

Add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly (garlic burns easily!). Pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping to release all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add honey, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens to a beautiful glaze. Return the chicken to the pan or serve with the sauce spooned generously over the top.

How to Serve

This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible sauce
• Add a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for color and nutrition
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast

Presentation:

For a beautiful presentation, slice the chicken diagonally, fan it out on the plate, and drizzle with extra sauce and pecans. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this dish excellent for next-day lunches.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power, covered with a damp paper towel, to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. The combination of crunchy, toasted pecans with the sweet-savory sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a memorable meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly enough for weeknight cooking. Give this recipe a try when you want to impress without stress – your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

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