This pecan crusted chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy smoky pecan coating on the outside. It’s the perfect way to jazz up your weeknight chicken routine!
If you’re looking for a simple dinner recipe that’s protein-packed without being boring, this pecan crusted chicken is it. When I’m counting my macros, chicken is on frequent rotation, but I just can’t do plain baked or grilled chicken every single night. I need something a little more exciting! I love how in this recipe, the pecans create a golden, nutty crust that makes the outside crispy, but the pan-frying method keeps the chicken super juicy and tender. Such a win! If you love the coating, be sure to try my pecan crusted salmon too.
What Makes This Pecan Crusted Chicken Weeknight Staple
This pecan crusted chicken has been in my repertoire for a while now, so I thought I would share the love. You can serve it plain or over zucchini noodles, but I especially love slicing it up and serving it over a salad. In fact, I’ve paired it with my mango couscous salad and it was divine!
- Crispy and crunchy exterior. The pecan coating gives this chicken serious crispy-crunch without relying on breadcrumbs.
- Tender and juicy. A quick pan-frying method keeps the chicken moist.
- Family-friendly. Even though it’s not in the shape of a nugget, this is a chicken recipe that will get your kids’ approval. (Promise!)
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and instructions.
- Raw pecans – Finely chop them to create a crunchy coating. Bigger pieces of pecan won’t stick to the chicken!
- Smoked paprika – Adds subtle smoky flavor to the crust.
- Garlic powder – Brings savory flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
- Egg white – Helps the pecan mixture stick to the chicken.
- Salt – Raw pecans are unsalted, so you need to add the salt in.
- Avocado oil – Perfect for pan-searing because of its high smoke point.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – While usually I’d say you can swap in chicken thighs, for this recipe, I wouldn’t. Chicken thighs take longer to cook and by the time they reach a safe temperature, the pecan crust may burn.
How to Make Pecan Crusted Chicken
Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in making this recipe.
- Make the pecan coating. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Coat the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Dip each piece into the beaten egg white, coating both sides, then press firmly into the pecan mixture until evenly coated.
- Chill. Place the coated chicken breasts on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the coating stick during cooking.
- Heat the skillet. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Cook the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Season and rest. Remove the chicken from the skillet and immediately sprinkle with salt. Let rest for 3–4 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making Sure Your Chicken Turns Out Perfect
These additional pointers will help you get the best results.
- Use a food processor for the pecans. Rather than chopping them by hand, I pulse them in my food processor until a coarse crumb forms.
- Press the coating firmly. Don’t be timid! Pressing the chicken into the crumb mixture helps the pecans adhere to the chicken.
- Don’t skip the chilling time. This helps prevent the coating from falling off while cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
This pecan crusted chicken pairs well with:
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pecan crusted chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can use the microwave if that’s your only option (like when you’re at the office), but the crust won’t be as crispy.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Pecan Crusted Chicken
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Poultry & Pork, Gluten Free, Paleo
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
A crisp, crunchy coating adds a fun twist to this pecan crusted chicken. It’s juicy, tender, and easy enough for a weeknight!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pecans, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 T. avocado oil
- 4 (4-6oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- To a medium bowl add finely chopped raw pecans, smoked paprika and garlic powder. Mix until incorporated.
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Dredge each chicken breast front and back in egg white mixture then in the pecan mixture. Make sure to press the pecan mix into the chicken breasts good.
- Place coated chicken breasts on a plate and put in the refrigerator covered for 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet to medium high heat. Add avocado oil to pan and place chicken breasts in skillet.
- Saute chicken for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the pan and salt immediately.
- Let sit for 3-4 minutes to cool down and enjoy! 🙂
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 126 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
48 comments on “Pecan Crusted Chicken”
Can I change the chicken for fish? If so, I was wondering If I should keep it in the refrigerator covered for 30 minutes too?
Yes, I suggest a white fish.
Hey there! Your cook times are way off. My chicken is still raw 20 minutes cook time later. You cannot cook a chicken breast in 12 minutes. I’m starving! My kiddo is taking the brunt of my frustration. Please don’t post false cook times. I was super excited and now hangry…
I’m sorry to hear that. As always cook times will vary on the size of your protein. If it’s thicker it will take longer.
I would love to try this recipe in the instant pot. Any suggestions? My instant pot is new and I have never made chicken in it at all.
I’m not sure. Honestly I wouldn’t suggest making it in the instantpot. I think the pecan crust would turn out mushy rather than crunchy.
Most people don’t realize how great pecan crusted chicken or pecan crusted fish is for dinner. (…and healthy, too!) Your recipe nails it. Thank you for sharing your recipe! Also, I am a keto fan so this is in my lane.
I am so glad you enjoyed this! Agree. Pecan-crusted redfish is one of my favs!
This looks incredibly delicious!
Thank you! I hope you enjoyed it!
This was the perfect meal for a busy weeknight in our home! The whole family gave it rave reviews! Yum!
#Winning when the whole family approves!!
These look delicious love this idea!
I hope you gave this recipe a try!
This chicken looks fabulous! I want these for dinner tonight!
I made this chicken for lunch today, and it was so incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
I’m so glad this popped up in my inbox today. I had chicken thighs defrosted and no idea what to make. It was so yummy! Thank you for this easy and delicious recipe!
Hi I have an egg allergy, what could I use to replace the egg whites please? I’m also dairy intolerant too 😁
You could make your own dairy free buttermilk. Just mix 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and let sit for about 5 minutes.
I loved this recipe but the nuts were burning in the pan. Any suggestions?
I’d reduce the heat or flip the chicken more often so the nuts don’t get too hot too fast.
Perfectly crunchy as well as juicy! Love it and plan on making it again this week!
I’m going to try this for dinner with tilapia! Can you give me any idea how much salt you added to your coating? I know tastes vary widely on salt, but I don’t have a clue where to start with it. Thank you!!
Hey Rami, I would start with 1/2 teaspoon for the whole batch
This looks delicious! I love chicken and we eat it often at our house also. I think my kids are gonna flip over this. Thanks so much for sharing at the Weekend Potluck last week. Can’t wait to see what you bring tomorrow. Have a great evening!
Thanks Kim. I hope you and the fam enjoy it! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to use pecan coating on chicken! Sounds yummy. thanks for linking up to MM, Pinned. ~ Paula
It’s so good, love the crunch {I’m all about the texture}. Thanks for throwing an awesome party chica!
Hey Krista! I found your link at The Best Blog Recipes and wanted to let you know how amazing I think this recipe looks! And it’s healthy too which I’m always looking for! I want to invite you to my link party to post this recipe for others to see! http://home-styled.blogspot.com/2013/04/link-party-show-your-style-sunday-2.html
Thanks! It is really yummy and full of flavor! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Kinsley, I will definitely head over and check out your blog & Link Party.
This looks amazing beyond belief. Chicken is the meat of choice in this house too and so I’m always looking for new, healthy and tasty recipes to try. This is going at the top!
haha.. Thanks Mama G! I hope your family loves it as much as ours. 🙂
Had this, it’s WONDERFUL !!!
Thanks! Glad you liked it! 🙂
I love pecans! I bet this is amazing!
I know me too… its only the “best” of the nuts right? It is really good, especially with the paprika in it. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Dorothy!
I love to cook but I have never made pecan crusted chicken. This sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing.
Well girl… its time to make you some pecan crusted chicken! 🙂 Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by.
Haha, I love the “I’m the Kitchen Boss” phrase. I think I am going to start using that one in my house. 🙂 The chicken looks delicious
haha…If you do, you totally need to tell me your husbands reaction! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Kathy!
We eat a ton of chicken at our house, this is perfect for us 🙂 Looks yummy! Found you on Show & Share!
Us too Erin, hope your family likes it! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by from Show & Share!
This recipe will be on my menu plan soon. It looks delicious!
Awesome! Enjoy it, I know we did! 🙂
Krista, you just rock at everything you post! I love reading them after it dings in my inbox! So, I want to nominate YOU for the Liebster Award! Come over and see what it’s all about! http://simplygloria.com/liebster-award/
haha.. Gloria your too funny! Thank you so much, that means a lot! 🙂 I’m glad you love the recipes so much, I have fun creating them. 🙂 Thanks for the nomination! Super excited!
Totally pinned this for later!! 🙂
I would love for you to join my Link Up this week!
http://www.pluckys-secondthought.com/pluckys-link-up-4/
Thanks so much Jess! I will definitely stop by! 🙂