Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is rich, comforting, and full of balanced flavor. It combines sweet maple notes, nutty crunch, and savory chicken in a way that feels special yet approachable. It is ideal for weeknight dinners that need a little upgrade or relaxed entertaining.
Print
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken – Sweet, Savory & Elegant Skillet Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory maple bourbon pecan sauce, finished with crunchy toasted pecans for a rich and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Season chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Simmer sauce for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Alcohol cooks off during simmering.
- You can bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes after searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs
Provide tender, juicy protein and hold up well to pan-searing and baking.
Pecans
Add crunchy texture and a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with maple.
All-purpose flour
Helps create a light coating that allows the pecans to adhere.
Eggs
Act as a binder for the pecan crust.
Olive oil or butter
Used for searing the chicken and adding richness.
Pure maple syrup
Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Bourbon
Brings warmth, complexity, and subtle caramel notes.
Garlic
Enhances savory flavor and balances sweetness.
Dijon mustard
Adds gentle tang and sharpness to the sauce.
Salt
Balances and enhances all flavors.
Black pepper
Adds mild warmth and seasoning.
Fresh thyme or parsley
Adds freshness and visual contrast when serving.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the chicken with salt and black pepper. Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and finely chopped pecans in a third. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip into the eggs, then press firmly into the pecans to coat.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden and crisp on both sides. Transfer to a baking dish if needed and finish cooking in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in bourbon and allow it to simmer to reduce slightly. Add maple syrup and Dijon mustard, stirring until smooth and glossy. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top, allowing it to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet to maintain the pecan crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the coating.
Variations and Customizations
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Replace maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
Spicy Maple Chicken
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
Oven-Baked Version
Bake the pecan-crusted chicken fully in the oven for a lighter method.
Walnut Crust Option
Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred.
Maple Mustard Chicken
Increase Dijon mustard for extra tang.
Creamy Maple Sauce
Add a splash of cream at the end for richness.
Herb-Crusted Version
Mix herbs into the pecan coating for extra aroma.
Low-Alcohol Option
Allow the bourbon to simmer longer to reduce alcohol content.
Autumn-Style Plate
Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans.
Skillet Dinner Upgrade
Add sautéed apples or onions to the sauce.
FAQs
Does the bourbon make the dish alcoholic?
Most alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving flavor behind.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are very juicy and work beautifully.
What if I don’t have bourbon?
You can substitute chicken broth with a splash of vanilla extract.
Are pecans necessary?
They are recommended, but walnuts can be used instead.
Can this be made ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Is this dish sweet?
It is balanced, not overly sweet.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for the coating.
What sides pair best?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables work well.
Can I pan-fry only without baking?
Yes, if the chicken is thin enough to cook through evenly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
Conclusion
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a beautifully balanced dish that combines sweet maple syrup, nutty pecans, and savory chicken into one comforting, flavorful meal. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknights, it delivers warmth, texture, and depth in every bite. If you are looking for a recipe that feels special without being complicated, this dish is a perfect choice.
.Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share