Description
Maple Pecan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy maple syrup and Dijon mustard mixture, then coated with a crunchy pecan and breadcrumb crust. Perfect for any occasion, this dish offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors that will impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Maple Mixture
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Coating
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or whole wheat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the pecan crust turns crispy and golden.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Make the Maple Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard. This mixture will act as both a marinade and glaze, imparting sweet and tangy notes to the chicken.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the maple syrup and mustard mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then firmly press the chicken into the pecan and breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Optionally, drizzle with additional maple syrup before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a perfectly balanced meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to pat chicken dry to help the crust adhere better.
- Leftover coated chicken can be refrigerated and baked within 24 hours for convenience.
- To reduce sweetness, use less maple syrup or opt for a sugar-free version.
- Serve with vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with crust (approx. 180g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Maple Pecan Crusted Chicken, Maple Chicken, Pecan Crusted Chicken, Baked Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken
