Pecan Country Chicken
Pecan Country Chicken features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mushroom and thyme mixture, then coated with pecans and bread crumbs for a crunchy, flavorful dish perfect for special dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Saute chopped mushrooms and diced onions in butter until tender.
- Allow the mushroom and onion mixture to cool.
- Mix the cooled mushroom and onion mixture with cream cheese, mustard, and chopped thyme.
- Spread the mixture on each piece of chicken, fold over the ends, and roll up, pressing edges to seal.
- In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, bread crumbs, and chopped parsley.
- Dip each chicken roll in melted butter, then in the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat evenly.
- Place the coated chicken rolls on a greased cookie sheet, seam side down.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or garlic powder in the breadcrumb mixture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as an alternative. Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking. If you're short on time, you can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pecan Country Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with rice, making it a great companion for dishes like Oven-Fried Chicken-Rice Casserole. For an elegant touch, drizzle with a light cream sauce or serve with a tangy dipping sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Country Chicken contains roughly 619 calories, with 39g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value), iron (82% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2202mg per serving (96% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a quick dinner option on busy nights.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese. Both will provide a creamy texture while adding a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness. The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.
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).