Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken

This honey garlic pecan chicken recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into an elegant, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort. The combination of toasted pecans, aromatic garlic, and sweet honey creates a luxurious sauce that elevates everyday chicken into something truly special.

I first made this dish when I needed to impress some unexpected dinner guests without making a grocery run. Now it's become my go to impressive but easy dinner whenever I want something that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts providing the perfect protein foundation for our sauce
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt infuses the chicken with flavor from the start
• 2 tablespoons olive oil creates the perfect sear on our chicken
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour helps develop that beautiful golden crust
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter forms the rich base of our sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans adds wonderful texture and nutty flavor
• 3 cloves garlic minced brings aromatic depth to the dish
• 1/3 cup chicken broth creates the foundation of our sauce
• 1/4 cup honey provides natural sweetness that balances the savory elements
• 1/2 teaspoon salt enhances all other flavors in the dish
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper adds a subtle warmth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a zip top bag and pound to approximately 1/2 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. Season both sides with seasoned salt, allowing the chicken to absorb those flavors while you prepare the next steps.

Heat the Pan

Warm olive oil in a large heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. The heavy skillet will distribute heat evenly for perfect browning.

Dredge and Sear

Lightly coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. The flour should be just enough to create a delicate crust. Place chicken in the hot pan carefully listen for that satisfying sizzle which indicates your pan is properly heated. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Rest the Chicken

Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack and tent with foil. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat while keeping the exterior crisp. The wire rack prevents condensation from making the bottom soggy.

Create the Sauce Base

Add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt completely. Add pecans and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. The butter will foam as it browns slightly, developing nutty notes that complement the pecans perfectly.

Add Aromatics

Add minced garlic to the pecan butter mixture, stirring constantly for one minute. The constant movement prevents garlic from burning while releasing its aromatic oils into the sauce.

Deglaze and Finish

Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape all browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavorful remnants are culinary gold. Reduce heat to a simmer and incorporate honey, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Serve

Place chicken on plates and generously spoon the pecan honey garlic sauce over each piece. The sauce should be thick enough to cling to the chicken but still flow slightly around it.

Bookmark

The toasted pecans are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I accidentally discovered their magic when I was out of the usual almonds I use in chicken dishes. The way they toast in the butter creates this incredible nutty aroma that fills the kitchen and tells everyone something special is happening on the stove.

Make Ahead Options

This chicken dish can be fully prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop beautifully as it sits, making it taste even better the next day. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to revitalize the sauce if needed. I often make a double batch specifically to have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Perfect Pairings

This honey garlic pecan chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won't compete with its complex flavors. Try serving it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple mixed green salad. For starches, consider buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice which will soak up the delicious sauce. A crusty bread on the side is perfect for capturing every last bit of sauce from your plate.

Smart Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions or missing ingredients, this recipe adapts beautifully. Swap the flour for cornstarch or almond flour for a gluten free option. No pecans? Walnuts or even almonds will work, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey, offering a deeper, more complex sweetness. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the sauce alone.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish. They may require a slightly longer cooking time (6-7 minutes per side) but will provide more moisture and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

For a nut-free version, try using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. You can also omit the nuts entirely and focus on the honey-garlic sauce, which is delicious on its own.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The honey-garlic sauce is perfect for drizzling over the sides as well.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately up to a day ahead. Reheat the chicken in a 300°F oven until warm, and gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop before serving.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Since these are thin cutlets, they should cook through in about 4-5 minutes per side when pan-seared over medium heat.

→ Can I use pre-chopped pecans?

Yes, pre-chopped pecans work perfectly in this recipe. If they're larger pieces, you might want to give them a quick additional chop for better texture in the sauce.