Pecan Chicken Breasts
Tender chicken breasts coated with ground pecans and tangy Dijon mustard, baked to perfection. Perfect for a savory, nutty main dish suited for casual or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat; remove from heat.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup Dijon mustard into the melted butter.
- Process pecan halves in small batches with on/off pulses in a food processor until finely ground.
- Place ground pecans in a shallow dish; set aside.
- Split the chicken breasts, skinned and boned, into halves if not already split.
- Season chicken breasts with pepper to taste.
- Brush chicken with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and some of the prepared Dijon-mustard butter.
- Dip each chicken breast into the ground pecans, pressing to coat evenly.
- Arrange coated chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with plain yogurt and sliced black olives on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the Dijon mustard mixture for an hour before coating them in pecans. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if needed, or use whole grain mustard for a different flavor profile. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated by pressing the pecans firmly onto the surface, which will help create a delicious crust during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pecan Chicken Breasts alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a creamy touch, a dollop of plain yogurt complements the flavors beautifully. This dish also pairs well with Aunt Nannie'S Corn Chowder for a comforting dinner option. Enjoy with a glass of white wine to enhance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This prevents the chicken from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Chicken Breasts contains roughly 511 calories, with 8g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. The skin can add extra moisture and flavor, but it may also require you to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any flour. Just ensure that the Dijon mustard you use is gluten-free, as some brands might contain gluten. Additionally, check the labels of any other ingredients you choose to use.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the baking step. After coating the chicken with the mustard and pecans, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).