Southern Pecan Crusted Chicken with Mustard Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the crunch of pecans, the tang of mustard, and the succulence of chicken breasts, creating a symphony of flavors bound to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something delicious yet quick to prepare, as it boasts a mere 25 minutes of cook time and 20 minutes of prep time, resulting in a total cooking time of just 45 minutes.
This dish is a lunch or snack option that appeals to both beginners and seasoned cooks alike, earning its place as a favorite among Canadian households. With its kid-friendly appeal and straightforward stove-top method, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a hassle-free meal solution.
Each serving of this Southern Pecan Crusted Chicken with Mustard Sauce provides approximately 418.1 calories, with 29.2 grams of fat, 5.1 grams of saturated fat, 132.1 milligrams of cholesterol, 591.2 milligrams of sodium, 9.9 grams of carbohydrates, 2.5 grams of fiber, 1.6 grams of sugar, and a whopping 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and wholesome option for lunch or snack time.
To create this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 4 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons light sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pecan Coating:
- In a food processor, combine the pecans, cornstarch, dried thyme, salt, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- Add the fresh parsley and pulse again until well incorporated.
- Transfer the pecan mixture to a shallow bowl and set it aside.
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Coat the Chicken:
- In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg.
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.
- Next, dip the chicken into the pecan mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides evenly.
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Optional Make-Ahead Step:
- If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can transfer the coated chicken breasts to a platter and cover them loosely with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken breasts to the pan.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, or until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside.
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Prepare the Mustard Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, make the mustard sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the light sour cream, Dijon mustard, sugar, and salt until well combined.
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Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a serving platter.
- Serve the Southern Pecan Crusted Chicken hot, accompanied by the mustard sauce for dipping.
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty lunch or a satisfying snack, this Southern-inspired dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the irresistible combination of crunchy pecans, tender chicken, and zesty mustard sauce. 🍗🥜