• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Grits and Pinecones
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Mardi Gras
  • Valentine’s Day
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Chicken

    Easy Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken

    May 11, 2022 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated December 1, 2022 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing pecan crusted chicken breasts.

    Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken checks all of the boxes! Easy to prepare, it features oven-baked, tender, and juicy chicken breasts topped with a crunchy, double pecan crust.

    Like my recipe for Pecan Crusted Fish, this double-coated, pecan-crusted chicken recipe is a unique and incredibly delicious weeknight or company-worthy dinner entree that is sure to get rave reviews!

    Three pecan crusted chicken breasts on a plate.

    Yes, I know you have probably cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts a zillion different ways. And my guess is that many of those recipes have gone by the wayside because, well, let’s face it, white meat is easy to overcook, and it can be dry and tasteless. 

    Now I’m not slamming white meat, but sometimes, that happens unless you do something pretty drastic. That is until now… 

    Jump to:
    • Here’s why you will love this recipe:
    • Ingredient notes:
    • How to make Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken:
    • Recipe variations:
    • Sides that pair well with this recipe:
    • Recipe FAQs:
    • Sharon’s Tips:
    • More easy chicken recipes:
    • 📋 Recipe:

    Here’s why you will love this recipe:

    • Before baking, the chicken breasts are soaked in buttermilk, which tenderizes them and helps keep them moist and flavorful. 
    • The double pecan coating, which consists of pecan meal and coarsely chopped pecans, makes a lovely crust with the perfect crunch factor and adds amazing flavor.
    • It’s quick and easy, and even if you are a fan of dark meat like me, you will love it. 

    Ingredient notes:

    Raw chicken breasts and other ingredients to make pecan crusted chicken.
    • Chicken breasts – boneless, skinless breasts about one-half of an inch thick are perfect for this recipe.
    • Pecan meal and coarsely chopped pecans – in the crust, add double pecan flavor and crunch to the crust.
    • Buttermilk – a quick soak adds flavor, and it tenderizes the meat and keeps it moist.
    • Egg – is mixed with the buttermilk to help hold the pecan crust in place while the breasts are baking.
    • All-purpose flour – in the coating helps to seal in moisture. It forms the nut crust combined with the pecan meal, salt, pepper, and paprika.
    • Salt, Pepper, and Paprika – come together to season the pecan crust and enhance all of the other flavors.
    • Butter – after the breasts are coated in the pecan mixture, a quick dip in melted butter before baking them is the secret to an extra crispy nut crust.

    A complete list of all of the ingredients and their measurements is available below in the recipe card.

    How to make Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
    2. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish and add the beaten egg. Mix well.
    Buttermilk and beaten egg in a shallow bowl.
    1. Add the breasts to the buttermilk and egg mixture and let them marinate for at least ten minutes.
    Chicken breasts marinating in a buttermilk and egg mixture.
    1. Add the pecan meal, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper to a shallow dish and whisk or stir with a fork to combine. 
    A clear glass bowl with flour, pecan meal and seasonings.
    1. Add the butter to a 13′ x 9′ baking dish and put the dish in the oven until the butter is melted. Remove the dish and set it aside.  
    1. After letting the breasts soak in the buttermilk and egg mixture, work with one piece at a time, remove them, and let any excess drip off. Then, dredge each piece in the pecan flour mixture, ensuring they are completely covered.  
    Dredging a chicken breast in a pecan meal and flour mixture.
    1. Then, take the breast and place it in the baking dish with melted butter. Turn each piece over and make sure both sides are coated with butter. Repeat with the remaining breasts.
    2. Sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans evenly over each breast and lightly press the pecans in.
    Chicken breasts topped with pecans in a baking dish.
    1. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read meat thermometer. 
    2. Serve the pecan-crusted chicken breasts immediately while they are still hot. Optional, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
    Three chicken breasts on a white serving plate.

    Recipe variations:

    • If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts, cashews, macadamias, pistachios, or almonds for the pecans.
    • You can also make pecan-crusted chicken thighs by substituting chicken thighs for the breasts, and you can make pecan-crusted chicken tenders by substituting chicken tenders for the breasts.

    Sides that pair well with this recipe:

    I like to serve Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken with my Southern Potato Salad, Easy Parmesan Truffle Smashed Potatoes, Southern Green Beans and New Potatoes, Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette, or Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad.

    If you need more recipes or menu ideas, here is a link to my side dish recipes and my salad recipes. 

    Recipe FAQs:

    How to serve this dish?

    Pecan-crusted chicken can be served as an entree, substituted for the shrimp in my Shrimp Cobb Salad, or served on a bun topped with honey mustard as a pecan-crusted chicken sandwich.

    Does it need a dipping sauce?

    I usually serve this dish plain and don’t think it needs a sauce, but if you like sauces, it would also be wonderful served with a Spicy Mustard Dipping Sauce or my sweet and spicy Jezebel Sauce.

    Can this recipe be made ahead?

    Yes, you can make this recipe several hours ahead by making it but not baking it. Store the dish covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours and take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking it—Bake as directed.

    How to store and reheat leftovers?

    Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for three days.

    Reheat leftovers in a preheated 400-degree oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer set at 400 degrees for about seven minutes, turning once halfway through. I don’t recommend reheating in a microwave.

    Sharon’s Tips:

    • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar with one cup of whole milk. Let it stand for about five minutes, and voila, buttermilk. 
    • If you don’t have or can’t find pecan meal, you can make your own. Add whole or chopped pecans to a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until the nuts are finely ground. But go slow. It’s easy to go too far too fast, and you can end up with a gummy pecan mess. 
    • This recipe calls for four boneless skinless chicken breasts about one-half of an inch thick. Chicken breasts are so large these days; I usually buy two and slice them in half horizontally to make four. If your breasts are thicker or thinner than one-half of an inch, they will take more or less time to cook.
    • If the breasts are uneven in thickness, top them with a piece of wax or parchment paper or a clean plastic storage bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound them until they are all about the same thickness. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly, plus it helps tenderize it. 
    • With this recipe, you will have the best results if you cook the breasts to the correct temperature as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer instead of to the times shown, which can vary.

    More easy chicken recipes:

    If you are like us and have chicken one or two times a week, then you might want to check out these other popular and easy options on my blog:

    • Easy Cheesy Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts
    • Easy Honey Baked Chicken Thighs
    • Southern Fried Chicken
    • Amazing Lemon Butter Chicken with Sage Recipe

    Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Teriyaki Marinade and Easy Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breasts are other great choices. If you need more ideas, here is a link to all of my chicken recipes and menu ideas.

    ★★★★★ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    📋 Recipe:

    three pecan crusted chicken breasts on a serving plate.

    Easy Baked Pecan Crusted Chicken Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    Easy Pecan Crusted Chicken checks all of the boxes! Not only are the chicken breasts tender and juicy, but the crunchy, buttery, pecan coating gives each bite a whole new flavor and texture dimension.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course, Main Dish
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 395 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 chicken breasts, about ½ inch thick
    • ½ cup pecan meal, or very finely chopped pecans
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 egg, beaten, large or extra large
    • ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
    • Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish and add the beaten egg. Mix well.
    • Add the breasts to the buttermilk egg mixture and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
    • Add the butter to a 13' x 9' baking dish and put the dish in the oven until the butter is melted. Remove the dish and set aside.
    • Add the pecan meal, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper to a shallow dish and whisk or stir with a fork to combine.
    • After letting the breasts soak in the buttermilk and egg mixture, work with one piece at a time, remove them, and let any excess drip off. Then, dredge each piece in the pecan flour mixture, making sure they are completely covered.  
    • Then, take the breast and place it in the baking dish with the melted butter. Turn each piece over and make sure both sides are coated with butter. Repeat with the remaining breasts.
    • Sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans evenly over the top of each breast and lightly press the pecans in.
    • Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 °F as measured with an instant-read meat thermometer.
    • Optional, garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar with one cup of whole milk. Let it stand for about five minutes and voila, buttermilk. 
    If you don’t have or can’t find pecan meal, you can make your own. Add whole or chopped pecans to a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until the nuts are finely ground. But go slow. It’s easy to go too far too fast and you can end up with a gummy pecan mess. 
    This recipe calls for four boneless skinless chicken breasts that are about one-half of an inch thick. Chicken breasts are so large these days; I usually buy two and slice them in half horizontally to make four. If your breasts are thicker or thinner than one-half of an inch, they will take more or less time to cook.
    If the breasts are uneven in thickness, top them with a piece of wax or parchment paper, or a clean plastic storage bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound them until they are all about the same thickness. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly, plus it helps tenderize it. 
    You will have the best results with this recipe if you cook the breasts to the correct temperature as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer instead of to the times shown, which can vary.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 54gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 222mgSodium: 634mgPotassium: 1011mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 822IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

    More Chicken Recipes recipes

    • Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
    • Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
    • Southern Crispy Fried Chicken Burgers
    • Easy Cast-Iron Skillet Chicken

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Rachael

      July 31, 2022 at 6:09 am

      5 stars
      loved this recipe! — I made it as written except for melting the butter in the dish part – I used honey mustard as a dipping sauce because my family likes sauces– but its not necessary the chicken was juicy. I’ll definitely make it again maybe trying different nuts for a variety..

      Reply
    2. Linger

      February 21, 2020 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      Your pecan-crusted chicken recipe looks crazy yummy! I love that you soak it in buttermilk to give it the added tenderness and juiciness. You’ve just made my mouth water and it’s only 10 in the morning. I just may have to pull out some chicken from the freezer and get it ready for this evening. Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

    Celebrate Mardi Gras with these easy recipes:

    • 24 Mardi Gras Recipes & Menu Ideas 2023
    • New Orleans-Style Shrimp Creole with Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
    • Old-Fashioned Pecan Pralines
    • Easy Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip – A Flavorful Appetizer
    • Creole Shrimp Toast – Easy & Cheesy
    • Bourbon Ice Cream

    More Mardi Gras recipes:

    Popular Recipes

    • Quick and Easy Hoe Cakes (Fried Cornbread)
    • Blackened Grouper
    • Classic Southern Potato Salad
    • Quick and Easy Hanky Panky Recipe
    • Best Southern Crispy Fried Oysters
    • Southern Fried Fish
    Featured in Parade, The Today Show, Better Homes & Gardens, Greatist, and more.

    Footer

    More Recipe Categories

    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Condiments, Jams, Jellies, Sauces, and Salad Dressings
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Game Day and Tailgating Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes

    More…

    • Lunch Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Snack Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • Southern Peas (Cowpeas) Recipes

    Grits and Pinecones

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Legal Disclaimer

    Copyright © 2023 Grits and Pinecones® · Privacy Policy · Legal Disclaimer

    • 517Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Yummly
    • Email
    768 shares