Southern Pecan Chicken Recipe 🍗
Description:
A delectable dish that elevates the humble chicken breast into a culinary masterpiece. The crunchy pecan crust adds a delightful texture and flavor, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe incorporates a touch of sweetness from honey, perfectly balanced with the savory seasoning.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (includes soaking time)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Southern
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups pecan meal
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marinate chicken breasts in iced salt water for 1/2 hour. |
| 2 | In a bowl, beat milk with honey. Then add beaten eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well. |
| 3 | Prepare two shallow bowls – one with the egg wash and the other with pecan meal. |
| 4 | Dip each chicken breast in the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the pecan meal, pressing gently to adhere the meal to the chicken and form a crust. |
| 5 | Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| 6 | Place the coated chicken breasts in a shallow baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray, ensuring they are not overcrowded. |
| 7 | Bake for 35 minutes or until the chicken breasts are cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. |
| 8 | Serve hot and enjoy the crunchy goodness of Southern Pecan Chicken! |
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 179.3
- Fat Content: 3.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 139.7mg
- Sodium Content: 1850.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.1g
- Sugar Content: 5.9g
- Protein Content: 29.6g
Tips:
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness for even cooking.
- Soaking the chicken in salt water helps to tenderize and season the meat.
- Adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of blackened chicken seasoning on the pecan crust before baking.
- Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tender chicken and crunchy pecans with this Southern-inspired recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
