This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken is a sweet and crunchy dish that’s sure to brighten your dinner table! The sticky honey and garlic glaze pairs perfectly with crunchy pecans for a tasty treat.
I love how quick this meal comes together. Just coat the chicken, bake it, and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen. Seriously, your family will ask for seconds! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can swap them with chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even use tofu if you want a vegetarian option.
Honey: Honey gives the dish its sweet kick. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, maple syrup works well. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Soy Sauce: This adds a lovely umami flavor. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos. They mimic soy sauce without the gluten.
Pecans: I love using pecans for their buttery flavor and crunch. If you can’t find pecans, walnuts or even sliced almonds would do nicely. Just toast them before adding for extra flavor!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds brightness to the glaze. If you don’t have it, lemon juice can work as an effective substitute. It gives a nice tang similar to vinegar.
How Do You Get Golden, Juicy Chicken?
Getting that tasty golden brown crust on your chicken is all about the searing technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet. Heat your olive oil until it’s shimmering before adding the chicken.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook just a few pieces at a time to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Let it sear without moving it for about 4-5 minutes. This allows a nice crust to form.
- Flip the chicken carefully and cook the other side until golden.
Cooking the chicken this way locks in moisture, leaving you with perfectly juicy pieces that complement the sticky glaze beautifully!
Delicious Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of 30 minutes. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A warm oven is key to cooking the chicken perfectly!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice brown crust! Season each side generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.
4. Mix the Sauce:
While the chicken is searing, grab a small bowl and mix together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This tasty sauce will bring all the flavors together!
5. Combine Sauce and Chicken:
Once the chicken is nicely seared, pour that delicious honey garlic sauce over it in the skillet. This will soak into the chicken as it cooks, making it super flavorful.
6. Add the Pecans:
Now, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over each chicken breast. Press them down gently so they stick to the sauce.
7. Bake in the Oven:
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Finish with a Kick (Optional):
If you like a bit of heat, you can sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken right after taking it out of the oven.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, spoon the sauce and pecans from the skillet over the chicken. If you’d like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty chicken with sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad!
This delectable Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken is not only easy to make, but it also offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. Bon appétit! 🍽️
Can I Substitute Honey with Something Else?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both can provide a similar sweetness, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Yes! If you don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts or sliced almonds are excellent alternatives. Just remember to toast them first for added flavor and crunch!
How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can This Recipe Be Made with Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They might take a bit longer to cook, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
