Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Toasted Pecan Chicken Skillet, a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and crunchy toasted pecans, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Join us as we explore the ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and more for this mouthwatering skillet creation.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thinness
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Toast the Pecans:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In the same skillet, heat the butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy whipping cream to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top of the chicken. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired. Serve the Toasted Pecan Chicken Skillet hot, alongside your favorite side dishes or over a bed of rice or pasta.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Chicken Tenderloins: If preferred, you can use chicken tenderloins instead of chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easier portioning.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the toasted pecans with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions for a nut-free alternative with a similar crunchy texture.
- Sweet and Tangy Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of orange marmalade and Dijon mustard to suit your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quicker cooking, you can certainly use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and toast the pecans ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the chicken, and assemble the dish as directed.
Q: What side dishes pair well with Toasted Pecan Chicken Skillet? A: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles.
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with the irresistible flavors of Toasted Pecan Chicken Skillet. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy pecans, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family meal or served to impress guests, this skillet creation is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to savor the comforting goodness of this delicious dish—it’s a culinary experience worth savoring!
