Oven-Fried Pecan Corn Meal Chicken
Oven-Fried Pecan Corn Meal Chicken offers a delightful crunch with a nutty flavor profile, combining the richness of pecans with crispy cornmeal coating. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it delivers juicy chicken with a satisfying texture and savory spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breast halves to an even thickness.
- Pour 1/2 cup of oil into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and heat it in the hot oven for 10 minutes.
- Combine the remaining oil with the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
- Mix well to create the seasoned oil mixture.
- Combine the ground pecans and yellow cornmeal on a sheet of wax paper.
- Dip each chicken piece in the seasoned oil, then coat in the pecan and cornmeal mixture.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the coated chicken pieces in the dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the chicken with tongs and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the yellow cornmeal with a gluten-free cornmeal. You can also use almond flour instead of ground pecans for a different flavor profile. Be sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure even cooking, and consider marinating the chicken in the seasoned oil mixture for an hour or two before baking for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Penny'S Baked Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-fried pecan corn meal chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It also goes well with mashed potatoes or rice, making it a versatile dish. For a comforting option, try pairing it with Chicken And Vegetable Rice Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the crispy coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Fried Pecan Corn Meal Chicken contains roughly 877 calories, with 27g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (227% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (181% of the Daily Value), and iron (156% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1750mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used for frying and try using an air fryer instead of the oven. Additionally, you can use skinless chicken and opt for a smaller portion of pecans while increasing the cornmeal for a lighter coating.
What can I serve as a dipping sauce?
A honey mustard sauce or a spicy ranch dressing would complement the flavors of the oven-fried chicken perfectly. You can also serve it with a tangy barbecue sauce or a homemade garlic aioli for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).