Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty. The chicken stays tender and juicy, the maple-bourbon glaze is sticky and caramel-like, and the pecans add a buttery crunch that elevates every bite. It’s a simple skillet dinner that tastes restaurant-quality, and the ingredients are easy to customize. If you enjoy cozy fall flavors or Southern-style cooking, this chicken will become a repeat favorite.
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Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken – Sweet, Smoky, and Crispy with Southern Comfort Charm
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a sweet, savory, and smoky dish featuring juicy chicken coated in a sticky maple–bourbon glaze and topped with toasted pecans. It’s comforting, elegant, and bursting with fall-inspired flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- For the Maple Bourbon Glaze:
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
- For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze: In the same skillet, add maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in 1 tbsp butter for a glossy finish.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the glaze over top. Simmer 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Toast for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Plate chicken and spoon additional glaze over each piece. Top generously with toasted pecans and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a simple salad.
Notes
- Replace bourbon with apple juice for an alcohol-free version.
- Thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts work beautifully too.
- Add a splash more vinegar if you like a tangier glaze.
- Pecans can be swapped for walnuts or almonds.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless pieces work best. Thighs offer extra juiciness, while breasts give a leaner result.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear and locks in moisture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken evenly.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for aromatic depth in the glaze.
Maple syrup: The star sweetener—choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor and caramel notes.
Bourbon: Brings warmth and complexity, pairing beautifully with maple and pecans.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and balances the sweetness.
Soy sauce: Introduces a savory depth that rounds out the glaze.
Apple cider vinegar: Provides brightness and keeps the sauce from becoming overly sweet.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of heat.
Pecans: Toasted and chopped for a crunchy, nutty finishing touch.
Fresh thyme or rosemary: Adds earthy flavor and complements the maple-bourbon glaze.
Directions
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internally). Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce to a glossy glaze. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of heat.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the glaze generously over each piece. Sprinkle with toasted pecans and let everything cook together for 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Finish with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic final touch.
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
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the glaze. The chicken will stay tender and the pecans will retain some crunch.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Maple Chicken: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Brown Butter Pecan Chicken: Brown the butter before searing the chicken for deeper, nutty flavor.
Maple Mustard Version: Add more Dijon and reduce the bourbon for a tangier profile.
Creamy Maple Bourbon Chicken: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a velvety, rich sauce.
Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs.
Herb-Focused Twist: Add sage or rosemary when simmering the glaze for earthy depth.
Bourbon-Free Version: Substitute with extra apple cider vinegar and a splash of vanilla extract.
Citrus Maple Chicken: Add orange zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Sheet Pan Alternative: Bake chicken with pecans, then finish with stovetop glaze.
Honey-Pecan Swap: Replace half the maple syrup with honey for a warmer sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Is this dish very sweet?
It’s balanced—the vinegar, Dijon, and soy sauce keep the sweetness in check.
Can I omit the bourbon?
Yes, substitute with apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract for similar depth.
What’s the best maple syrup for this recipe?
Use pure maple syrup—preferably Grade A Dark for richer flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze in advance and reheat gently with cooked chicken.
How do I toast pecans?
Warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed green beans are perfect.
How can I thicken the glaze more?
Let it simmer longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes—grill the chicken and toss with the glaze afterward.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely—walnuts provide similar crunch and richness.
Conclusion
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that blends sweetness, warmth, and crunch into a truly memorable meal. With its glossy maple-bourbon glaze and buttery pecan topping, it’s a perfect choice for fall dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave something comforting yet elevated. Once you try it, this recipe will become a regular on your table—a delicious reminder of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
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