Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe
This Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken recipe combines sweet maple syrup, smoky bourbon, and crunchy pecans to create a flavorful, restaurant-quality skillet dinner that’s perfect for cozy evenings.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Glaze and Toppings
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until each side is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Pecans: In the same skillet, add the chopped pecans and toast them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer the pecans to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the Glaze: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the maple syrup, bourbon, and Dijon mustard, then simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken the glaze slightly.
- Simmer the Chicken in the Glaze: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the glaze. Let them simmer for 5–6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened further.
- Add Pecans and Finish: During the final minute of cooking, add the toasted pecans back to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with the glazed pecans.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with additional chicken broth or apple juice.
- To enhance smokiness, consider adding a dash of smoked sea salt along with the smoked paprika.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Keywords: Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken, skillet chicken, maple syrup chicken, bourbon glazed chicken, pecan chicken, easy chicken dinner