Grilled Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts coated in a crunchy pecan crust and finished with a smoky, slightly sweet Texas-style BBQ glaze. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chopped pecans, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Brush 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil, then press each breast firmly into the pecan mixture to coat both sides evenly, creating a crunchy crust.
  3. Step 3: Place the pecan-crusted chicken breasts on the grill grates and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping carefully to avoid losing the crust, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is golden and toasted.
  4. Step 4: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush 1/2 cup Texas-style BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and add a smoky sweetness.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped pecans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Glaze?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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