Pecan Crunch Chicken
Pecan Crunch Chicken offers a delightful combination of crispy, nutty coating and tender, flavorful chicken. The crunchy pecan and sesame seed crust pairs beautifully with the juicy meat, making it a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for family dinners or special gatherings. It’s baked to golden perfection with rich butter flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place butter in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and put into the oven to melt.
- Combine buttermilk and egg in a bowl.
- In a separate dish, mix flour, chopped pecans, paprika, salt, pepper, and sesame seed.
- Dip chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, then place in a plastic bag with the flour mixture.
- Shake well to coat the chicken lightly.
- Place the coated chicken pieces skin-side down in the baking dish.
- Turn the pieces to coat with melted butter.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until fork-tender and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding some crushed cornflakes to the flour mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated for the best flavor. Also, feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a twist on this pecan crunch chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This pecan crunch chicken pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with rice pilaf or roasted vegetables for added flavor. For a comforting option, consider serving it alongside Oven Barbecued Chicken And Biscuits.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pecan crunch chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can use a microwave but the texture may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Crunch Chicken contains roughly 465 calories, with 13g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (85% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 984mg per serving (43% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
While you can use skinless chicken, the skin adds flavor and helps retain moisture during baking. If you prefer skinless, just be sure to monitor the cooking time closely as it may cook faster.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes. They will provide a slightly different flavor but will still add that desired crunch.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk instead of buttermilk, and opt for whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Reducing the amount of butter can also help lower the fat content.
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).