Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that make for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich maple bourbon sauce with crunchy pecans create a comforting and memorable dish.

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup gluten free flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons bourbon (Maker’s Mark recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons gluten free reduced-sodium Tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten free)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed between your fingers)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs by dredging them in gluten free flour mixed with salt and pepper. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a plate.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, maple syrup, chopped pecans, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, gluten free Tamari, and dried rosemary. Set the mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on one side, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and sear the other side until golden. Remove chicken to the plate; it does not need to be fully cooked yet.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully add the bourbon, which will boil immediately. Return the skillet to the stove, then pour in the maple syrup mixture. Increase heat to bring it to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium and nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Loosely cover with foil and simmer for about 10 minutes, flipping the chicken once or twice, until the sauce reduces and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat. Plate the chicken and spoon the maple bourbon pecan sauce over the top. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the sauce.
• If you don’t have bourbon, a splash of whiskey or even apple juice can work as a substitute.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
• To make it nut-free, omit the pecans and increase maple syrup slightly for sweetness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the sauce texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and may dry out. Reduce simmering time and monitor closely to keep them tender.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be gluten free if you use gluten free flour and gluten free Tamari. Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so be sure to choose gluten free versions if needed.

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a flavorful and easy one-pan dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious sauce made from bourbon, pure maple syrup, and pecans. Enhanced with Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and gluten-free tamari, this recipe offers a sweet and savory balance with a crunchy pecan texture, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 1–1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup gluten free flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Flavorings

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons bourbon (Maker’s Mark recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons gluten free reduced-sodium Tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten free)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed between fingers

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season the gluten free flour generously with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, and place them on a plate.
2. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, pure maple syrup, chopped pecans, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, gluten-free tamari, and crushed dried rosemary. Set aside.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken thighs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the seared chicken back to the plate.
4. Deglaze with Bourbon: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully pour in the bourbon, which will instantly boil due to the skillet’s heat. Return the skillet to the stove.
5. Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared maple syrup mixture into the skillet. Increase heat to bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce to medium heat. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover loosely with foil and simmer for about 10 minutes, flipping the chicken once or twice, until the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve: Transfer chicken onto plates and spoon the reduced sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor impact instead of pancake syrup.
• Gluten free flour and tamari make this recipe safe for gluten sensitive individuals.
• If bourbon is not preferred, you can substitute with whiskey or additional chicken broth, though flavor will be altered.
• Chicken thighs yield more tender and juicy results compared to breasts for this recipe.
• A cast iron skillet is recommended to evenly sear and develop flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple bourbon pecan chicken, gluten free chicken recipe, one pan chicken, chicken thighs recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner recipes