Crispy Pecan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Raspberry Glaze
Indulge in the delightful marriage of flavors with this Crispy Pecan Chicken Thighs recipe, featuring juicy, bone-in chicken thighs enveloped in a crunchy pecan crust. The rich flavor of the thighs shines through, enhanced beautifully by a homemade raspberry glaze that combines sweet and tangy notes. This dish not only brings comfort but also sophistication, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Serve it with your favorite side vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. Although the recipe can be adapted for boneless chicken breasts for a quicker cook time, the flavor-packed thighs truly elevate this dish. Prepare to enjoy a delightful feast in under an hour!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken thighs, bone-in
2 (not too small)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon, divided (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
1 tablespoon (none)
finely chopped pecans
6 tablespoons (none)
dry unseasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (none)
seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
honey
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and a generous amount of fresh ground black pepper.
3
In a separate small bowl, combine the egg and milk, whisking until well-blended.
4
On a large piece of waxed paper or in another shallow dish, mix together the finely chopped pecans, dry breadcrumbs, and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
5
Using paper towels, pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure the coating adheres properly.
6
Dredge each thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
7
Coat the chicken thoroughly with the pecan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well on both sides.
8
Arrange the coated chicken thighs on a shallow baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown. Be cautious not to overcook, as this can dry out the meat.
10
While the chicken bakes, prepare the raspberry drizzle. In a small bowl, mix together the seedless raspberry preserves, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir until well combined.
11
Heat the raspberry mixture in the microwave until hot, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
12
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the thighs to a serving plate, and generously drizzle the warm raspberry glaze over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Pecan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Raspberry Glaze?
It is a sophisticated yet comforting dish featuring bone-in chicken thighs with a crunchy pecan coating and a sweet, tangy homemade raspberry drizzle.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two skinless, bone-in chicken thighs.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for approximately 35 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What are the ingredients for the flour dredge?
The flour mixture includes 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
How do you make the egg wash?
Whisk together one egg and one tablespoon of milk in a small bowl until well-blended.
What makes up the pecan crust?
The crust is made from 6 tablespoons of finely chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of dry unseasoned breadcrumbs, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
Why should I pat the chicken dry before coating?
Using paper towels to pat the chicken dry ensures that the flour and subsequent coatings adhere properly to the meat.
What is the step-by-step coating process?
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg wash, and then coat it thoroughly with the pecan and breadcrumb mixture.
How do I ensure the pecan mixture stays on the chicken?
Press the pecan and breadcrumb mixture gently onto both sides of the chicken after dipping it in the egg wash.
What ingredients are in the raspberry glaze?
The glaze is made from 2 tablespoons of seedless raspberry preserves, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons of honey.
How do you heat the raspberry drizzle?
You can heat it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted for boneless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they will have a quicker cook time.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is the raspberry glaze spicy?
The glaze itself is sweet and tangy, but the dish has a subtle heat from the cayenne pepper used in the flour dredge.
What type of raspberry preserves should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends seedless raspberry preserves for a smooth glaze.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredient list specifying 2 chicken thighs, this recipe serves approximately 2 people.
What type of mustard is best for the glaze?
The recipe calls for Dijon mustard to provide a tangy contrast to the sweet preserves.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should use a shallow baking sheet that is either lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
What is the purpose of adding milk to the egg?
Milk helps thin the egg wash slightly, making it easier to coat the chicken evenly before applying the pecans.
What type of breadcrumbs should I buy?
Use dry unseasoned breadcrumbs to allow the flavor of the pecans and glaze to stand out.
Can I use skin-on chicken thighs?
The recipe specifically calls for skinless thighs to ensure the pecan crust adheres directly to the meat and stays crispy.
What sides go well with this chicken?
It pairs well with favorite side vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the pecan crust.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
How much honey is required for the sauce?
The raspberry drizzle requires 2 teaspoons of honey.
What should I do if the chicken is browning too fast?
While the recipe doesn't explicitly state this, you should monitor the oven and ensure you don't overcook the meat beyond 165°F.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, the entire meal can be prepared and cooked in under an hour.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While pecans provide the specific flavor for this recipe, you could likely substitute with walnuts or almonds if necessary.
How do I serve the glaze?
The warm raspberry glaze should be generously drizzled over the chicken thighs immediately after they are plated.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in the glaze?
The Dijon mustard adds a savory and tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the raspberry preserves and honey.