If you’re always on the lookout for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant treat but is incredibly simple to pull off, Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are blanketed in a buttery sauce featuring toasted pecans, a hint of garlic, and a drizzle of honey—all mingling together to create an unforgettable sweet, savory, and nutty experience. This dish is a winner not just for its beautiful crust and golden glaze, but for how quickly and easily it comes together, even on the busiest evenings.

Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken shines because it relies on just a handful of pantry staples to create real magic on your plate. Each ingredient brings its own texture, flavor, or color, so don’t skip a thing—trust me, it’s worth it!

Chicken breasts: Thin, boneless, and skinless for quick, even cooking and maximum juiciness.
Seasoned salt: Adds a flavorful punch without the need for multiple spices; use your favorite blend here.
Olive oil: Ideal for searing the chicken to get that crave-worthy golden crust.
All-purpose flour: A quick dredge helps lock in moisture and encourages that perfect pan-seared browning.
Unsalted butter: Melted for a rich, velvety sauce that soaks up all the toasted nutty goodness.
Pecans: Toasted in the pan for a warm, buttery crunch that makes the dish truly unforgettable.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses its signature boldness into every bite of sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps deglaze all those tasty browned bits from the skillet.
Honey: The key to a glossy, sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the pecans and garlic.
Salt and pepper: A final seasoning boost to balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap (or tuck them into a zip-top bag) and gently pound them out to about a half-inch thickness. This extra step is everything—it guarantees juicy chicken that cooks evenly, no dry bites in sight! Sprinkle both sides with your seasoned salt of choice and set them aside while you heat up your skillet.

Step 2: Dredge and Sear

Add olive oil to a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and let it warm over medium heat. Dredge each chicken breast lightly in flour, just enough for a delicate coating. Check that the oil is hot—the chicken should sizzle the moment it hits the pan. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, move the chicken to a wire rack and tent lightly with foil to keep it tender.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans in Butter

Turn back to your skillet and melt the butter over medium heat, letting all those delicious leftover chicken bits blend into the base for your sauce. Add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring almost constantly, for about 3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when fragrant aromas start filling your kitchen and the butter foams up. This is where Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken gets its signature crunch!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Deglaze

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Keep it moving in the pan for just a minute so it doesn’t burn—garlic cooks quickly! Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up every last browned bit stuck to the bottom (these are packed with flavor and essential to the sauce!).

Step 5: Simmer with Honey and Seasonings

Lower the heat to a simmer and add the honey, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a silky, spoon-coating consistency—about 5 minutes is all it takes. Your kitchen should smell downright irresistible right about now!

Step 6: Sauce and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet just long enough to coat each piece, or plate them up and spoon the luscious pecan sauce generously over the top. And that’s it—Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken in all its mouthwatering glory, ready to make your dinner table shine!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken

Garnishes

Give your Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken a little restaurant polish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of extra toasted pecans right on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of warm honey or a tiny zest of lemon can brighten the plate and make the colors sing.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs to be paired with fluffy Jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and freshness, though creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp, leafy salad also make dreamy companions for Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual nights, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of rice in shallow bowls, letting the sauce pool invitingly around the edges. For a fancier spread, serve the chicken whole on a platter, drizzling the sauce over right at the table. Leftovers? Try slicing the chicken for sandwiches or stirring extra sauce into cooked quinoa or couscous for a hearty lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay tasty for up to three days—just be sure to let it cool before sealing to preserve that craveable texture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Lay flat for easy storage and label with the date. Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken freezes well for up to two months. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately if possible to keep things at their best.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but a quick stir over heat will revive its lovely, silky texture. Avoid the microwave if you can to keep the chicken extra tender!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, though you may need a bit more time for them to cook through. Just pound them to an even thickness for best results.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

For maximum flavor, toast pecans in the same skillet you used for the chicken, allowing them to soak up the buttery goodness and infuse the sauce with warm, nutty notes—you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes in your Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken!

Can this recipe be made gluten free?

Yes! Just replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that your chicken broth and seasoning are gluten free as well. The results will be every bit as delicious.

Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?

You can swap in pure maple syrup for honey if you want a slightly different sweetness. The sauce will still thicken nicely, and your Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken will gain a subtle, autumnal twist.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The easiest way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F in the thickest part. The exterior should also be golden brown and crisp before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken recipe is one of those rare dishes that brings excitement to weeknight dinners without requiring a pile of dishes or fancy skills. Give it a whirl and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that tastes like a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to discover just how wonderful a pan of chicken and a handful of pantry staples can be!

Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken is a delicious pan-seared chicken dish with a flavorful pecan, garlic, and honey sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress your taste buds!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken between plastic wrap, season with salt, and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Heat oil, dredge chicken in flour, and sear until golden brown.
Cook Pecan Sauce: Melt butter, add pecans, garlic, broth, honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick.
Serve: Spoon sauce over cooked chicken and enjoy!