Nutty Pecan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Honey-Dijon Sauce
Elevate your dinner with this elegant and flavorful Nutty Pecan Crusted Chicken with a rich and creamy Honey-Dijon Sauce. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts, encased in a crunchy pecan crust, brought to life by a luscious honey-mustard cream sauce. Ready in just under 30 minutes, it's the perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. Serve with a fresh spinach salad with hot bacon dressing and steamed asparagus for a complete, mouth-watering meal.
4
Servings
650
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (divided, melted for sauce)
Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons (divided)
honey
1 tablespoon
pecans
6 ounces (finely ground)
boneless chicken breast halves
4 (pounded to 1/4-inch thick)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
sour cream
2/3 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2
Add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of honey to the melted butter, whisking until well combined. Pour this mixture into a shallow dish.
3
In another shallow dish, place the finely ground pecans.
4
Take the pounded chicken breasts and dip each into the mustard mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated, followed by dredging in the ground pecans, pressing lightly to ensure the nuts adhere.
5
In a large frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
6
Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7
Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish and cover with foil to keep warm.
8
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan, then reduce heat to low.
9
Add the 2/3 cup of sour cream along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Do not allow it to boil.
10
Spoon the warm sauce generously over the chicken.
11
For an ideal dinner, serve alongside a spinach salad drizzled with hot bacon dressing and accompany with steamed asparagus.
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
15g
Carbs
55g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
3.75g
Sugar
600mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutty Pecan Crusted Chicken?
It is an elegant dish featuring chicken breasts coated in finely ground pecans and served with a creamy honey-mustard sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is designed for efficiency and can be completed in just under 30 minutes.
What are the main ingredients for the pecan coating?
The coating is made from finely ground pecans applied after dipping the chicken in a mixture of butter, Dijon mustard, and honey.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared before coating?
The chicken breasts should be pounded to a uniform thickness of 1/4-inch for even cooking.
What ingredients are in the Creamy Honey-Dijon Sauce?
The sauce consists of sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and the remaining pan drippings.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds would provide a similar crunchy texture and flavorful crust.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, its short cooking time and simple steps make it perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I ensure the pecans stick to the chicken?
Dip the chicken in the mustard and honey mixture first, then press firmly into the ground pecans.
What heat level should I use for frying the chicken?
Medium heat is recommended to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the nut crust.
How long should I cook the chicken on each side?
Cook the chicken for approximately 3 minutes per side until it is golden brown.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake it, though frying in butter and oil provides a more traditional golden-brown finish.
What side dishes are recommended for this meal?
It is ideally served with a fresh spinach salad with hot bacon dressing and steamed asparagus.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the sauce?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a suitable low-fat alternative that maintains a similar creamy consistency.
How do I prevent the sauce from boiling?
Keep the heat on low and whisk constantly until the sauce is heated through without reaching a boil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your mustard and sour cream.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as thighs typically take longer to cook through.
What is the best way to grind the pecans?
Use a food processor to pulse the pecans until they are finely ground, being careful not to turn them into nut butter.
Why is Dijon mustard used instead of yellow mustard?
Dijon mustard provides a more sophisticated, tangy flavor that complements the honey and pecans.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can grind the pecans and pound the chicken breasts ahead of time to speed up the process.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 650 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
One serving provides about 55 grams of protein.
How should I keep the chicken warm while making the sauce?
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used if necessary.
What type of oil is best for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil is used in this recipe for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the honey to suit your personal taste preferences.
How do I know the chicken is thoroughly cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and have a golden-brown crust.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, though the pecan crust may lose some of its crunchiness upon thawing and reheating.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is portioned for 4 servings.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is savory and slightly sweet, making it very kid-friendly and accessible.
What should I do if the pecans are browning too fast?
Lower the heat immediately and add a bit more oil or butter to the pan to moderate the temperature.