Southern Pecan Chicken

Golden, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful, Southern Pecan Chicken is a delightful twist on traditional breaded chicken. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, and a hint of paprika for a nutty, smoky kick. The recipe combines crispy pan-frying with oven baking, ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner, this Southern-inspired entrée is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking to impress dinner guests, this pecan-crusted chicken delivers flavor and Southern charm in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup pecans
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, but not powdered. Transfer to a shallow dish and mix with breadcrumbs and paprika.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 4

In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set up the third bowl with the pecan-breadcrumb mixture.

Step 5

Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the pecan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating.

Step 6

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until bubbly.

Step 7

Place the coated chicken in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the coating is golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.

Step 8

Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad, for a complete Southern meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1105.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2870.9

Total Fat 160.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.0g
Cholesterol 1012.5mg	0%
Sodium 3571.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 103.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.9g	0%
Total Sugars 10.2g
Protein 249.0g	0%

Vitamin D 99.5IU	0%
Calcium 288.9mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 785.9mg	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: 50.7%

Protein: 34.9%

Carbs: 14.5%