Elevate your weeknight dinner with this **Heart-Healthy Pecan Crusted Chicken**, a flavorful and nutritious twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts with a crunchy, nutty crust made from finely chopped pecans and whole wheat breadcrumbs, delivering a satisfying texture and wholesome goodness in every bite. A zesty blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil creates a deliciously tangy base that ensures the pecan coating sticks perfectly while adding a burst of flavor. Seasoned with garlic and onion powder, this baked chicken dish is full of bold, savory tones while remaining light and heart-conscious. Ready in under an hour, itβs the perfect healthy centerpiece for your dinner tableβpair it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete nutrient-packed meal. Ideal for busy families or anyone seeking a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe is both healthy and utterly delicious.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, pulse the pecans until they are finely chopped but not too fine. Transfer them to a shallow dish and stir in the whole wheat breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another shallow dish, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil, whisking until smooth.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then coat each chicken breast with the mustard mixture using a brush or your hands.
Dip each mustard-coated chicken breast into the pecan mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure the coating sticks well on both sides.
Place the pecan-crusted chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and the crust is golden brown.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete heart-healthy meal.
Calories |
2330 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 120.2 g | 154% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 22.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2790 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.0 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.5 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.2 g | ||
| Protein | 233.9 g | 468% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 207 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2426 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.