Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Apple Cider Glaze

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

Coated in a sweet pecan crust and finished with a tangy apple cider glaze. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs Pecans, All-purpose flour, Dijon mustard 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Dip each chicken breast in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, then press firmly into the pecan mixture to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
  7. Step 7: While the chicken bakes, combine 1/4 cup apple cider, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Remove the chicken from the oven, drizzle with the apple cider glaze, and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Apple Cider Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Apple Cider 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 pecans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Apple Cider 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 Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Apple Cider 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 Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Apple Cider 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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