Description
This Honey Pecan Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a buttery skillet, then topped with a sweet and slightly smoky honey pecan sauce. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, making it a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper (optional, for a smoky kick)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides evenly with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and chipotle pepper if using.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides. Then reduce heat, cover the skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes more, flipping the chicken once during this time, until the chicken is no longer pink and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F.
- Make Honey Pecan Sauce: Drizzle honey over the cooked chicken in the skillet and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Rest and Serve: Spoon some of the honey pecan sauce from the pan over the chicken. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, including the chipotle pepper is recommended but optional.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before chopping.
- Letting the chicken rest improves juiciness and tenderness.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
