Texas Pecan Country Chicken
Texas Pecan Country Chicken features tender chicken breasts filled with a savory cream cheese mixture, coated with toasted pecans and breadcrumbs for a crunchy, flavorful Southern-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz.) whole chicken breasts, boned and skinned ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 small onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. French style mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter, melted ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. finely diced pecans ⓘ
- 1 c. fine bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on a hard surface and pound to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Saute chopped mushrooms and diced onion in butter until tender.
- Cool the mushroom mixture.
- Mix the mushroom mixture with softened cream cheese, mustard, and thyme.
- Divide the mixture into 4 portions and spread on each chicken piece.
- Fold over the ends and roll up, pressing edges to seal.
- Mix finely diced pecans, bread crumbs, and parsley in a bowl.
- Dip each rolled chicken into melted butter, then into the pecan mixture, turning to coat.
- Place on a greased baking sheet seam side down.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try adding a touch of garlic to the mushroom mixture for extra flavor. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon. You can substitute the chicken breasts with turkey cutlets for a different twist. Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Texas Pecan Country Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken 'N Cheese for a comforting dinner. Drizzle with a light cream sauce for added richness, or enjoy it with a tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Texas Pecan Country 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 warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Pecan Country Chicken contains roughly 1459 calories, with 43g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (86% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2291mg per serving (100% 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 until ready to bake. Just make sure to coat them with the pecan mixture just before baking for the best texture. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese in place of cream cheese. Both options will provide a creamy texture while reducing the fat content.
Is there a gluten-free option for the bread crumbs?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute. This will maintain the crunchiness and flavor while accommodating gluten-sensitive diets.
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).