Description
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a delightful dish featuring juicy, seared chicken breasts glazed with a rich mixture of maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, topped with crunchy pecans. This oven-baked recipe balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze and Toppings
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Glaze: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the Pecans: Stir chopped pecans into the glaze, allowing them to absorb the flavors for about one minute.
- Combine Chicken and Glaze: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the glaze and pecan mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve the chicken hot with the glaze and pecans.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- You can substitute bourbon with whiskey or skip the alcohol for a kid-friendly version.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the rich flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet when searing and baking the chicken in the same pan.
