Light Pecan Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Light Pecan Chicken recipe, a healthy twist on a classic breaded favorite. Featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy pecan and whole wheat breadcrumb crust, this dish offers a delightful balance of nutty flavors and wholesome ingredients. A creamy Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt mixture ensures the pecan coating adheres perfectly, while a touch of Parmesan cheese and paprika adds depth and a hint of smoky richness. Baked to golden perfection in just 25 minutes, this oven-baked chicken is both light and indulgent, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, nutritious dinner option. With its balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to compromise on taste!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Pecans
• 0.5 cup Whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 as needed Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil.

Step 2

Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse several times until they resemble coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process into a paste.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 4

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt to create a creamy coating for the chicken.

Step 5

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim any excess fat from the chicken.

Step 6

Brush a thin layer of the Dijon-yogurt mixture over both sides of each chicken breast.

Step 7

Coat each chicken breast with the pecan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumb mixture adheres evenly.

Step 8

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 9

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil to help them brown during baking.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.

Step 11

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(945.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2225.5

Total Fat 112.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.6g
Cholesterol 613.4mg	0%
Sodium 4317.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 7.2g
Protein 244.3g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 447.9mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 2435.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 44.1%

Carbs: 10.2%