Description
A delightful autumn entrée featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, nutty pecan crust with a subtle sweetness from maple syrup, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Crust
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Other
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pecan mixture: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans and panko breadcrumbs until evenly mixed.
- Prepare chicken: Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Brush each breast generously with maple syrup to add sweetness that will help the crust adhere.
- Coat chicken: Dip each maple-coated chicken breast into the pecan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and firm coating on all sides.
- Bake chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the crust is crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm alongside roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a complete autumn meal.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before chopping.
- Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Rest chicken after baking to retain juiciness.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to complement flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
