Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken
A delightful dish with tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a crunchy, nutty pecan crust and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, perfect for family dinners or impressing loved ones.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 1/2 piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated aromatic and warming, ginger brings a delightful zing.
- 4 cloves garlic, grated these add an irresistible, savory backbone to our dish.
- 1 piece lemon, zested and halved bursting with citrusy brightness that lifts the flavors.
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard creamy and tangy, it provides a zesty pop.
- 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup rich and sweet, this syrup offers a luscious depth of flavor.
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme, plus more for serving herbaceous and fragrant, thyme is a perfect companion.
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika for a smoky allure that enhances the dish’s richness.
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided providing a healthy fat that enriches the chicken.
- to taste Kosher salt essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 2 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts the star of the show, succulent and tender.
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.
- 2/3 cup finely chopped raw pecans for that crunchy texture and nutty taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a large ovenproof skillet on the rack to preheat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, thyme, smoked paprika, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of this flavorful mixture for later.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with salt and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the remaining mixture.
- Press the chicken breasts into the finely chopped pecans.
Cooking
- Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot skillet, positioning them pecan-side up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 17 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Serving
- Serve the Maple Pecan-Crusted Chicken topped with the reserved ginger mixture and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, accompanied by lemon wedges.
Notes
Tips include prepping garlic and ginger ahead of time, letting chicken sit at room temperature, toasting pecans for extra crunch, and using a meat thermometer to check doneness.