Maple Pecan Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein component of the dish.

Maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the glaze.

Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy note to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the syrup.

Pecans: Chopped and used as a topping, they add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the seasoning.

Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, it helps achieve a golden brown crust.

To ensure the chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider brining them before cooking. Create a simple brine by dissolving ¼ cup of salt in 4 cups of water, and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step helps the chicken retain moisture during the searing and baking process, resulting in a tender and succulent dish. Additionally, when searing the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot enough to create a nice golden crust, which adds depth and texture to the final dish.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a lean meat similar in texture and flavor to chicken, making it a suitable alternative.

• maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it will impart a slightly different flavor profile.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can be used in place of dijon, though it is milder and less complex in flavor.

• chopped pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative to pecans.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral oil that can be used in place of olive oil for cooking, though it lacks the distinct flavor of olive oil.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Maple Pecan Chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps maintain the juicy texture of the chicken while keeping the pecans crunchy.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Slice the chicken into smaller pieces to ensure even heating. Place it on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed thoroughly. This method can help re-crisp the pecans slightly.

• For those with an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Maple Pecan Chicken in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method can help restore some of the original crispiness of the pecans while evenly reheating the chicken.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken to ensure it is cooked through and achieves the desired texture.

• Skillet: Utilized for searing the chicken breasts to give them a golden brown crust before baking.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the maple syrup and Dijon mustard into a smooth sauce.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the chicken breasts while they bake in the oven, allowing the sauce and pecans to coat them evenly.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and chopped pecans.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken breasts in the skillet to ensure even browning on both sides.

• Knife: Used to chop the pecans into smaller pieces for topping the chicken.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the pecans.

• Spoon: Useful for drizzling the maple-mustard mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the pecans and mix the maple syrup with dijon mustard ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a single pan: Sear the chicken breasts in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer directly to the oven to save on cleanup.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin prepping to ensure it's ready when you are.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze extra portions for a quick meal later.

Use pre-chopped nuts: Purchase pre-chopped pecans to skip a step.