Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Pecan Chicken recipe! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy, flavor-packed crust made from finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese, perfectly seasoned with paprika and garlic powder. This dish combines nutty, savory, and subtly smoky flavors for a gourmet meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. With only 15 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, this recipe delivers a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy interior every time. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a restaurant-quality meal thatβs perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Gluten-free options are easily accommodated by swapping breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free alternatives, making this a universally pleasing dish.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Using a food processor, pulse the pecans until they are finely chopped but not turned into a powder.
In a shallow bowl, combine the chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended.
In a third shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
Trim any excess fat or uneven parts on your chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to pound them with a meat mallet for even cooking.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess.
Next, dip the floured chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Finally, press the chicken into the pecan-breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly on both sides.
Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle each piece lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help the crust become golden and crispy.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165Β°F (74Β°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
2911 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.2 g | 198% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.7 g | 158% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 994 mg | 331% | |
| Sodium | 4775 mg | 208% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.1 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.8 g | ||
| Protein | 273.2 g | 546% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 926 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 772 mg | 16% | |
*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.