Description
This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a buttery skillet, topped with a sweet honey drizzle and toasted pecans for a delightful smoky and nutty flavor. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish balances savory spices with the natural sweetness of honey and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Preparation
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper (optional, for a smoky kick)
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- â…“ cup honey
- â…“ cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and ground chipotle pepper if using, to season the meat thoroughly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F, flipping once halfway through.
- Make Honey Pecan Sauce: Drizzle honey evenly over the cooked chicken in the skillet, then sprinkle with the toasted pecans. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes allowing the honey to warm and the sauce to thicken slightly, coating the chicken with a glossy finish.
- Rest and Serve: Spoon some honey pecan sauce from the pan over each chicken breast. Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute through the chicken, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful when served.
Notes
- For an extra smoky taste, don’t skip the ground chipotle pepper.
- To toast pecans, spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
