Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're actually more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed thighs typically take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

For a nut-free version, try using toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for crunch. You'll get a different flavor profile but still maintain that wonderful textural contrast. Alternatively, you can simply omit the nuts and focus on the garlic-honey sauce, which is delicious on its own.

Can I make this recipe with less honey for a less sweet sauce?

Definitely! Start with half the amount of honey (2 tablespoons) and taste the sauce after it's simmered for a few minutes. You can always add more to reach your preferred level of sweetness. The garlic and pecans will still provide plenty of flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Without a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part, and the meat should be opaque white throughout with no pink remaining.

Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken Recipe

Name: Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 thin, boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (My Y’all Salt works great here!); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken is a game-changer for your dinner rotation. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then topped with a rich, buttery sauce filled with toasted pecans and garlic, all brought together with the natural sweetness of honey. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors while being simple enough for even weeknight cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: This dish comes together in about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of savory garlic, sweet honey, and buttery toasted pecans creates a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Impressive Presentation: Despite being easy to make, this chicken looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. It’s perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
Versatile: This chicken pairs beautifully with so many different sides, from simple rice to roasted vegetables, making it easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: Thin, boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly and evenly. They serve as the perfect canvas for our amazing sauce.
Seasoned salt: Adds a well-rounded flavor to the chicken. Feel free to use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
Olive oil: Helps create that beautiful golden sear on the chicken without sticking to the pan.
All-purpose flour: Creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully and gives the sauce something to cling to.
Butter: Forms the rich base of our sauce and adds wonderful flavor as it browns with the pecans.
Pecans: The star of the show! They add incredible texture and a warm, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the honey and garlic.
Garlic: Brings aromatic depth and savory notes that balance the sweetness of the honey.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits while adding depth to the sauce.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create that glossy, thick sauce that coats the chicken.
Salt and pepper: Final seasoning to round out all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious alternatives:

Nut Substitutions: Walnuts or almonds work beautifully if you don’t have pecans on hand.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dollop of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
Herb Infusion: Finish the dish with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Citrus Bright: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished sauce for brightness.
Maple Version: Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different kind of sweetness.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with seasoned salt and set aside. This tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, then add to the hot oil—you should hear a sizzle! Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a wire rack and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans

Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add chopped pecans and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant. The butter will foam up—that’s normal and actually adds flavor!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add minced garlic to the pecan mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release all those flavorful browned bits.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in honey, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Place the chicken on plates and generously spoon the pecan sauce over the top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Thickness: Don’t skip pounding the chicken—it ensures even cooking and tender meat.
Hot Pan: Make sure your pan is properly heated before adding the chicken to get that perfect golden sear.
Don’t Rush: Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens properly—this concentrates the flavors and creates the perfect consistency.
Watch the Nuts: Pecans can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them and stir frequently.
Rest the Chicken: The wire rack allows air to circulate under the chicken while it rests, preventing it from getting soggy.

How to Serve

This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the flavorful sauce shine:

Perfect Pairings:

Fluffy white rice or wild rice pilaf, which soak up the delicious sauce
Roasted asparagus or green beans for a pop of color and texture
Creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort
A simple side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness

Presentation:

Serve the chicken with the pecan sauce generously spooned over the top. For an extra special touch, sprinkle with a few extra toasted pecans and some fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken separately from the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce needs thinning. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power, covered with a damp paper towel, checking frequently to avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re actually more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed thighs typically take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

For a nut-free version, try using toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for crunch. You’ll get a different flavor profile but still maintain that wonderful textural contrast. Alternatively, you can simply omit the nuts and focus on the garlic-honey sauce, which is delicious on its own.
Can I make this recipe with less honey for a less sweet sauce?

Definitely! Start with half the amount of honey (2 tablespoons) and taste the sauce after it’s simmered for a few minutes. You can always add more to reach your preferred level of sweetness. The garlic and pecans will still provide plenty of flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Without a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part, and the meat should be opaque white throughout with no pink remaining.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Pecan Chicken brings together simple ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. The combination of crunchy pecans, aromatic garlic, and sweet honey creates a sauce that elevates ordinary chicken into something special. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!