Description
This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a luscious honey, mustard, and pecan sauce. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish an irresistible main course that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse essential flavors into the meat.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Lower the heat to low and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and thyme leaves until the sauce is smooth and combined.
- Add pecans and simmer: Incorporate the chopped pecans into the sauce and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet. Spoon the warm sauce over each piece and simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and generously spoon extra pecan sauce over the top. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra crunch and deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan before adding to the sauce.
- If you prefer a richer sweetness, substitute maple syrup in place of honey.
