Bourbon Pecan Chicken

Bourbon Pecan Chicken is the ultimate lick-your-fingers, leave-no-leftovers entree.

It’s a flavorful and savory dish that is sure to be a hit at dinnertime.

The unbeatable combo of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and rich bourbon will have everyone on the table asking for more.

Now, let’s get to the details.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why Do I Love Bourbon Pecan Chicken?

• Pecans and bourbon are my top picks for fall cooking. I love the balance they create wherever they go.
• This pecan chicken recipe is versatile. It can be your fancy company food or a comforting down-home dinner.
• The ingredients are easy to find, so no going out of your way to make this exquisite dish.

Does bourbon chicken have alcohol?

Well, there’s bourbon, so yes. But don’t worry; the alcohol is cooked off during the process, leaving only the flavor behind. Even the flavor is more of a whisper than a loud roar, just enough to balance the extra sweetness that the honey brings.

What is the origin of bourbon chicken?

Bourbon. Bourbon Street. New Orleans. Rings any bells? No? Well, bourbon pecan chicken originated in a Chinese restaurant on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Damon, was it you? Ha! Sorry, TVD fan in the house!

How to serve Bourbon Pecan Chicken?

You can serve this sinfully sticky and delicious dish with a side of mashed potatoes, wild rice, or even just a simple salad for balance. It’s a winner everyone will love.

Tips:

• Be sure to melt your butter slowly over low heat so it doesn’t burn.
• Whisk the sauce constantly while it’s cooking to make sure the sauce is evenly distributed and creamy.
• Slice your chicken breast horizontally to thin it out so it cooks faster and more evenly.

Variations:

• Exchange the pecans for walnuts or almonds.
• Use two tablespoons of bourbon whiskey, one tablespoon of white wine, and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a more complex flavor.
• Add chopped jalapenos to the sauce for a spicy kick!

Ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Butter divided
• Pecans divided
• Bread crumbs
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Heavy whipping cream
• Bourbon
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Bourbon Pecan Chicken:

Step 1. Mix together the Dijon mustard and the honey in a bowl until well combined.

Adding the honey.

Adding the Dijon mustard.

Step 2. Place the chopped pecans into a Ziploc bag with the breadcrumbs and shake to combine.

Adding the breadcrumbs.

Adding the chopped pecans.

Step 3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 4. Slater the honey dijon mixture over the chicken breasts on both sides.

Step 5. Place the chicken breasts into the Ziploc bag and coat well in the pecan mixture.

Step 6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Step 7. Melt 4 Tbsp of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.

Step 8. Sear the chicken for several minutes on each side until browned.

Step 9. Place the chicken into a 9×13 baking dish and bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Step 10. While the chicken is baking, reduce the heat on the skillet to medium.

Step 11. Stir in the remaining butter, honey, dijon mustard, and bourbon. Whisk to combine.

Adding the bourbon.

Adding the Dijon mustard.

Adding the honey.

Step 12. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and salt and pepper to taste. Saute until the sauce thickens.

Step 13. Stir in the last ⅓ cup of the pecans.

Step 14. Remove the chicken from the oven, top with the bourbon pecan mixture and serve.

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How to store Bourbon Pecan Chicken?

Store the dish just like you store all your other chicken leftovers – in the fridge in an airtight box.

You can also double the recipe and freeze for days when you’re not so, um, you, and cooking feels like a dreaded chore. Yes, this dish freezes well. Just tightly wrap it with foil.

How to reheat Bourbon Pecan Chicken?

When you have unexpected guests, pull out your frozen chicken from the freezer, thaw it, and pop it in a preheated oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 or until the chicken is warm throughout.

If you’re heating the leftovers, your skillet on the stovetop will do just fine.

How much does Bourbon Pecan Chicken last on the fridge?

When stored properly, it will last 3-4 days in the fridge. But trust me. It won’t be around that long! This delicious dish is too irresistible to pass.

Can I make ahead Bourbon Pecan Chicken?

Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a few days. It’s even tastier when made ahead of time because all the flavors have had time to converge. Or you can make it ahead and freeze it in ziplock bags for up to 3 months.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Is bourbon your favorite too? It’s really good, isn’t it? Well, in that case, I think you’ll really enjoy some of my other bourbon favorites:

The Best Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe – You have just stumbled upon The Best Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe.

New Orleans Bread Pudding – There’s nothing quite like a good New Orleans bread pudding recipe.