Indulge in the delightful flavors of this maple-pecan-crusted chicken recipe. The sweet and savory combination of maple syrup and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering crust that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to impress.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, panko bread crumbs and pecans might not be in everyone's kitchen. Panko provides a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular bread crumbs. Maple syrup is also essential for its sweetness and depth of flavor. Ensure you check your pantry or include these items on your shopping list.
Ingredients For Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe
cooking spray: Used to coat the wire rack, ensuring the chicken doesn't stick while baking.
maple syrup: Adds sweet, rich flavor to the chicken and helps the pecan crust adhere.
mayonnaise: Provides moisture and helps bind the crust to the chicken.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
panko bread crumbs: Offers a light, crispy texture for the crust.
pecans: Adds a nutty, crunchy element to the crust.
chicken breast: The main protein, delivering a tender and juicy base for the flavorful crust.
One reader, Chrysa Cota says:
This maple-pecan-crusted chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory. The maple syrup adds a perfect touch of sweetness, while the pecans give a satisfying crunch. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family loved it!
Techniques Required for Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe
How to preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing the chicken inside. How to coat a wire rack with cooking spray: Lightly spray the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking. How to mix ingredients: Combine the maple syrup, mayonnaise, and salt in one bowl, and the panko bread crumbs and pecans in another bowl until well blended. How to dip chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts first in the syrup mixture, ensuring they are well-coated, and then in the panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. How to use an instant-read thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check if it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Make Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken
This sinfully delicious crusted chicken makes both a sweet and savory plate. Baked chicken coated in maple-pecan breading for a tender yet crispy bite.
Serves:
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 2tbspmaple syrup,pure
- 1tbspmayonnaise
- salt,to taste
- ½cuppanko bread crumbs
- ¼cuppecans,chopped
- 4chicken breast,medium, skinless boneless, halves, cut into strips
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a wire rack onto a baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray.
-
Mix maple syrup, mayonnaise, and salt together in a bowl.
-
Mix panko and pecans together in a separate bowl. Dip chicken into the syrup mixture, followed by the panko mixture. Place onto the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165 degrees F.
Nutrition
- Calories: 440.94kcal
- Fat: 25.73g
- Saturated Fat: 5.56g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.02g
- Carbohydrates: 13.38g
- Fiber: 0.83g
- Sugar: 6.53g
- Protein: 37.57g
- Cholesterol: 112.77mg
- Sodium: 474.48mg
- Calcium: 48.21mg
- Potassium: 429.44mg
- Iron: 1.54mg
- Vitamin A: 41.95µg
- Vitamin C: 0.07mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken
To ensure the pecans adhere well to the chicken, finely chop them before mixing with the panko bread crumbs. This creates a more uniform coating and prevents larger pieces from falling off during baking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chicken Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out maple syrup, mayonnaise, panko bread crumbs, and chop pecans ahead of time.
Use pre-chopped pecans: Save time by buying pre-chopped pecans instead of chopping them yourself.
Line baking sheet: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Double the recipe: Make extra maple-pecan-crusted chicken and freeze for a quick meal later.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be brushed onto the chicken to prevent sticking and add a rich flavor.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and sticky texture, making it a good alternative.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor, while being lower in fat.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free option.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a good replacement.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.
Presentation Tips for Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the chicken breast into medallions to create a visually appealing and manageable portion size.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans for added texture and visual appeal.
Add color contrast: Include a side of vibrant, steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and red bell peppers to add a pop of color to the plate.
Incorporate height: Stack the chicken medallions slightly on top of each other to add height and dimension to the presentation.
Use a clean, white plate: Present the dish on a pristine, white plate to make the colors and textures of the maple-pecan-crusted chicken stand out.
Add a fresh herb garnish: Place a small sprig of fresh thyme or parsley on top of the chicken for a touch of elegance and freshness.
Create a sauce accent: Use a small amount of balsamic reduction or honey mustard sauce artistically drizzled around the plate to enhance the flavor profile and presentation.
Ensure even coating: Make sure the panko and pecan crust is evenly distributed on each piece of chicken for a consistent and professional look.
Highlight texture: Serve the chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to contrast the crunchy crust with a smooth, comforting base.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Lightly dust the edges of the plate with a pinch of paprika or finely chopped chives for a final touch of sophistication.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Chicken Dish
Cooking spray: Used to lightly coat the wire rack to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
Wire rack: Placed on a baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken, ensuring even cooking.
Baking sheet: Holds the wire rack and catches any drippings from the chicken.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the maple syrup, mayonnaise, and salt together.
Separate mixing bowl: Used to mix the panko bread crumbs and pecans together.
Instant-read thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
Oven: Preheated to 350 degrees F for baking the chicken.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the maple syrup, mayonnaise, and salt accurately.
Storing and Freezing Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken
Let the maple-pecan-crusted chicken cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and help maintain its crispy texture.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the maple-pecan-crusted chicken:
- Wrap each piece of chicken individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen maple-pecan-crusted chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the desired number of chicken pieces from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the frozen chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy. The exact reheating time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your oven.
- Note: Reheating the chicken directly from frozen helps maintain its crispy texture better than thawing it first.
Alternatively, you can reheat the maple-pecan-crusted chicken in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken
To reheat leftover maple-pecan-crusted chicken in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy once again. This method helps to preserve the texture of the pecan crust while ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the maple-pecan-crusted chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be aware that the microwave may cause the pecan crust to soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
For a quick and easy way to reheat your leftover maple-pecan-crusted chicken, consider using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy. This method is perfect for maintaining the crunch of the pecan crust while quickly reheating the chicken.
If you want to add a touch of extra flavor to your reheated maple-pecan-crusted chicken, try brushing a small amount of maple syrup over the surface of the chicken before reheating. This will help to refresh the maple flavor and give the crust a nice glaze. You can do this with any of the reheating methods mentioned above.
Interesting Fact About Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken
A random fact about this recipe is that the combination of maple syrup and pecans adds a delightful sweetness and crunch to the chicken, making it a unique twist on traditional breaded chicken breast.
Is Making Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This maple-pecan-crusted chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken breast, maple syrup, and pecans are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of panko bread crumbs adds a delightful crunch without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD, making it a budget-friendly yet delicious option for dinner.
Is This Chicken Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The maple-pecan-crusted chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. Pecans offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants. However, the recipe also includes less healthy ingredients:
- Mayonnaise is high in saturated fat and calories
- Panko bread crumbs are refined carbohydrates, lacking fiber and nutrients
- Maple syrup adds sugar and calories without significant nutritional value
While the recipe is not entirely unhealthy, there is room for improvement to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal.
To enhance the recipe's healthiness, consider the following modifications:
- Replace mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative
- Use whole wheat panko or crushed nuts instead of regular panko for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia
- Incorporate a side of colorful, non-starchy vegetables to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt or sugar
By making these adjustments, you can transform the maple-pecan-crusted chicken into a more well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Opinion on the Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe
This maple-pecan-crusted chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of maple syrup and mayonnaise creates a moist, flavorful coating, while the panko and pecans add a satisfying crunch. Baking the chicken on a wire rack ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. However, consider adding a touch of black pepper or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick. Overall, it's a simple yet elegant dish that can easily become a family favorite.
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Why trust this Maple-Pecan-Crusted Chicken Recipe:
This maple-pecan-crusted chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate your dinner table. The combination of maple syrup and pecans creates a unique crust that is both crunchy and flavorful. The use of panko bread crumbs ensures a light and crispy texture. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love.
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