Golden, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful, Southern Pecan Chicken is a delightful twist on traditional breaded chicken. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, and a hint of paprika for a nutty, smoky kick. The recipe combines crispy pan-frying with oven baking, ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner, this Southern-inspired entrée is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking to impress dinner guests, this pecan-crusted chicken delivers flavor and Southern charm in every bite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, but not powdered. Transfer to a shallow dish and mix with breadcrumbs and paprika.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set up the third bowl with the pecan-breadcrumb mixture.
Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the pecan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until bubbly.
Place the coated chicken in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the coating is golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad, for a complete Southern meal.
Calories |
2871 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.7 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.1 g | 170% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1012 mg | 338% | |
| Sodium | 3571 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.2 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 249.0 g | 498% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 289 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 786 mg | 17% | |
*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.