Maple Pecan Chicken Recipe

Crispy, sweet, and savory perfection! This Maple Pecan Crusted Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts (or thighs!) coated in a crunchy panko and pecan crust, then baked to golden-brown perfection. A simple maple-mayo glaze adds irresistible sweetness, making this dish a weeknight winner or a show-stopping dinner party entree. Easily customizable and guaranteed to impress!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 388.5 kcal
Protein 58g
Rating 4.3 (7 Reviews)
Maple Pecan Chicken

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Chicken

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

How to Make Maple Pecan Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. In a separate shallow dish, combine 1 cup panko bread crumbs and 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
  4. Place chicken breasts (or boneless, skinless thighs) between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Adjust cooking time as needed for thighs (they may require slightly less baking time).
  5. Dip each chicken breast into the maple-mayo mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge in the panko-pecan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet.
  7. Lightly spray the top of each chicken breast with cooking spray.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

32 g

Sugar

56g

Fat

10g

Carbs

10g