Description
This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken recipe features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts seared to a golden brown and topped with a luscious sauce made from garlic, honey, chicken broth, and toasted pecans. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a deliciously balanced dish perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 thin, boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (My Y'all Salt recommended)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Pound and Season Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and gently pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking. Lay the chicken on a tray and season both sides with seasoned salt or your preferred all-purpose seasoning. Set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Dredge and Sear Chicken: Spread the flour on a plate. Lightly coat each chicken breast with the flour, shaking off excess. Place the dredged chicken into the hot oil; you should hear a sizzle. If not, give the oil more time to heat. Sear for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and place on a wire rack; tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Toast Pecans: Add the butter to the same skillet and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until fragrant and slightly toasted. The butter will foam, which is normal.
- Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute while continuously stirring to prevent burning.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the skillet's bottom (fond), as these add rich flavor.
- Simmer with Honey: Turn heat down to a simmer and add honey, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the honey garlic pecan sauce generously over the cooked chicken breasts and serve immediately for a flavorful main dish.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly and remain tender.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Using seasoned salt adds extra flavor depth, but you can adjust salt levels to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
