Oh, the joys of cooking—sometimes it’s like an unexpected twist in your favorite TV show. You think you know what’s coming, but then, bam, a surprise. Such is the case with this Honey Mustard Pecan Crusted Chicken.
Imagine a symphony of flavors (okay, maybe not a symphony, perhaps more like a catchy pop tune), where the sweet tang of honey mustard dances with the nuttiness of pecans. It’s like the culinary version of a comforting autumn sweater—cozy yet somehow refreshing.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and placing a wire rack on top, then coat with non-stick spray.
- In a shallow dish, mix together chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 1/2 tablespoon of honey.
- Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Pat them dry, then brush one side with the honey mustard mixture and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the brushed side of each chicken breast into the pecan mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Brush the other side of the chicken with the honey mustard mixture, season with salt, then coat with the pecan mixture, pressing firmly to cover well.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack, ensuring space between each piece. If you have excess pecan mixture, sprinkle it on top and press down lightly.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If the pecans brown too quickly, cover the chicken loosely with foil. While baking, mix the remaining Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey in a clean bowl.
- Once done, drizzle the chicken with the prepared honey mustard sauce and serve warm, optionally topped with chopped parsley.
Ingredients
- Crusted Chicken recipe:
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/2 inch thick
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided
- 2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey, divided
- Olive oil cooking spray (optional)
- Optional garnish: 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1848 | Calories from Fat: 900 | Fat: 100g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 448mg | Sodium: 2312mg | Potassium: 3016mg | Carbohydrates: 80g | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 40g | Protein: 160g | Vitamin A: 1620IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
- Yes, walnuts would be a suitable alternative to pecans in this recipe.
- What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
- If panko breadcrumbs are unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though the coating may not be as crispy.
- Is there a way to make the honey mustard sauce lighter?
- To reduce calories, you can replace the mayonnaise in the sauce with plain Greek yogurt.
- What should I do if the pecans start to burn during baking?
- If the pecans are browning too quickly, tent the chicken with foil to prevent burning.
- What are some serving suggestions for Honey Mustard Pecan-Crusted Chicken?
- This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, baked or mashed potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
Tips
- Ensure to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking; this helps it bake evenly and prevents drying out in certain areas.
- Chop the pecans finely but avoid turning them into a powder, so you still retain a crunchy texture in the coating.
- Thoroughly coat the chicken breasts with the pecan and panko mixture for maximum flavor and crispiness; any leftover coating can be pressed onto the chicken for extra crunch.
- Monitor the pecans closely in the oven to prevent them from burning, and tent the chicken with foil if needed to protect the nuts from over-browning.
Equipment
- Crusted Chicken, here are the main pieces of equipment you might need to purchase from Amazon if you don’t already have them:
- Oven-safe cooling rack
- Digital instant-read thermometer
- Food processor (for finely chopping pecans)
