Skillet Pecan Crusted Chicken with Luxurious Apple Cream Sauce: Your New Favorite Dinner
Prepare to be amazed by this Skillet Pecan Crusted Chicken, a truly unique and unbelievably delicious dish that’s surprisingly easy to master. Pan-seared to golden perfection, each chicken breast boasts a crunchy, nutty crust, perfectly complemented by a luscious, sweet-and-savory apple cream sauce. This recipe promises an unforgettable culinary experience, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Happy Monday, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’ve been following my culinary adventures on Instagram, you might have caught a glimpse of this enticing teaser pic a few days ago. The excitement has been building, and today, I’m thrilled to finally unveil the full recipe! Why the secrecy and anticipation, you ask? Because today marks another exciting edition of “Mystery Dish” day!
This month, the wonderful Meriem from the beautiful blog Culinary Couture has taken the reins as our host. Meriem curated a fantastic selection of seasonal ingredients, presenting us with the delightful challenge of incorporating at least three of them into a brand new recipe. This collective cooking adventure is always a highlight, pushing us all to think creatively and explore new flavor combinations. The June ingredient list offered a delightful bounty:
June Ingredients:
-Peaches
-Cheddar Cheese
-Green beans
-Corn
-Chicken
-Nectarines
-Butter
-Pecans
-Heavy cream
-Pesto
-Coconut milk/cream
I’m incredibly proud to announce that this particular dish doesn’t just use three, but four of the Mystery Dish ingredients – a personal victory! The core components are tender chicken, rich butter, crunchy pecans, and decadent heavy cream. While it might not be the absolute healthiest meal I’ve ever created, it undeniably ranks among the most delicious and satisfying. Sometimes, you just need a meal that truly indulges the senses, and this one certainly delivers on flavor without compromise.
This incredible recipe is a loving adaptation from one of my Aunt Cathy’s signature dishes. Aunt Cathy is an absolutely amazing chef, and her cooking has always been a huge inspiration to me. I’ve tweaked her original version slightly to utilize ingredients that I typically have readily available in my pantry and fridge, making it even more accessible for home cooks. I’ve prepared this dish for my family on numerous occasions, and it has consistently proven to be a no-fail dinner that earns rave reviews every single time. It’s a testament to good, wholesome flavors that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates, seems to adore.
Let’s talk about the chicken itself. Each breast is cooked to perfection, ensuring it remains incredibly moist and bursts with flavor. The pecan crust is nothing short of divine – a golden, crunchy layer that adds an extraordinary texture and a deep, nutty aroma to every bite. This pecan-crusted chicken breast recipe is so outstanding, it could easily stand on its own as a fantastic meal. But when you introduce the homemade apple cream sauce? That’s when the dish truly transcends. The sauce elevates the entire flavor profile to an entirely new level, introducing a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy notes that perfectly balance the richness of the chicken. Just thinking about it now has my mouth watering!
What makes this Pecan Crusted Chicken with Apple Cream Sauce even more appealing is its incredible versatility and ease of preparation. Despite its gourmet appeal, it’s such a quick meal to whip up, making it perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something special but short on time. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free yet elegant weeknight dinner for your family or planning to impress a special someone with an intimate meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Everyone who tries it falls in love with the combination of textures and flavors. It’s a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours, but in reality, it comes together swiftly, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal and company.
To achieve the perfect pecan crust, ensure your chicken breasts are evenly thick. You can gently pound them between two sheets of parchment paper if they vary greatly in thickness. This helps them cook more uniformly and prevents some parts from drying out while others are still cooking. When dipping the chicken into the milk and then the pecan mixture, press firmly to ensure a good coating. This is key to getting that wonderful, crunchy texture. The skillet cooking method is ideal for developing a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat and achieve the best sear. A medium heat setting is crucial—too high, and the crust might burn before the chicken is cooked through; too low, and it won’t crisp up.
The apple cream sauce is a magnificent counterpoint to the savory chicken. Starting with a base of butter and olive oil, sautéed green onions or shallots provide an aromatic foundation. The reduction of apple juice and water concentrates their natural sweetness and tang, creating a rich essence before the heavy cream is introduced. Cooking the cream gently for a few minutes allows it to thicken without boiling over, forming a silky smooth consistency. The final additions of honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper balance the flavors perfectly, adding depth and a subtle zing that cuts through the richness. Keep the sauce warm while the chicken finishes cooking, or gently reheat it just before serving. This sauce is so good, you might find yourself wanting to drizzle it over everything!
While the pecan crusted chicken and apple cream sauce are stars on their own, consider pairing this dish with complementary sides to complete the meal. A simple wild rice pilaf, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a light quinoa salad would soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. For vegetables, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans (another Mystery Dish ingredient!), or a fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast. The interplay of the crunchy chicken, creamy sauce, and your chosen side will create a balanced and deeply satisfying dinner that feels both comforting and elegant.
Pecan Crusted Chicken with Apple Cream Sauce
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Ingredients
- Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. chopped green onions or shallot
- 1/2 c. water
- 3/4 cup apple juice
- 1 cup half pint container heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- Chicken:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. oil
- 3/4 cup flour
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Instructions
-
For sauce: Melt butter and olive oil in medium saucepan over low heat. Add onions or shallot and stir until softened. Add apple juice and water.
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Increase heat to high and boil until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Reduce heat to medium. Add the cream. Cook about 5 minutes (careful not to boil the cream over).
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Add the salt, pepper honey and vinegar. Heat for a few more minutes, or until thickened a bit more. Remove from heat and keep warm.
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Meanwhile, blend together flour, pecans, thyme, salt and pepper in a food processor. Dump pecan mixture onto a large plate. Pour milk into a medium sized bowl.
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In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Dip each chicken breast one at a time into the milk and then the pecan mixture. Pat to help adhere to the chicken.
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Cook chicken in prepared skillet, turning once until golden brown on both sides. Serve with apple cream sauce. Enjoy!
The “Mystery Dish” challenge is more than just cooking; it’s a celebration of culinary creativity and community among food bloggers. Each month, we’re inspired by a selection of ingredients and tasked with creating something new and exciting. It’s truly incredible to see the diverse range of dishes that emerge from the same set of ingredients, showcasing individual styles and interpretations. This month’s lineup is no exception, with so many delicious creations from my talented fellow bloggers. Be sure to explore their mouth-watering recipes:
2. Old Fashioned Corn Pudding by The Weary Chef
3. Raspberry Peach Cobbler with Oatmeal Pecan Crumble by Joyful Healthy Eats
4. Peach Raspberry Galette by Blahnik Baker
5. Pecan Crusted Chicken with Apple Cream Sauce by Yummy Healthy Easy
6. Sweet Corn Soup with Peaches by The Pajama Chef
7. Dutch Peach Pie Bars by I Dig Pinterest
8. Toasted Pecan Pancakes with Brown Butter Bourbon Peach Syrup by Baking A Moment
9.Brown Sugar Pound Cake with Butter Rum Pecan Glaze by The Well Floured Kitchen
10. Peach Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cake by Chez Catey Lou
11. Peach Frozen Yogurt with Pecan Graham Cracker Crumble by Culinary Couture
So, go ahead and give this Pecan Crusted Chicken with Apple Cream Sauce a try! I promise it will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, elegance, and incredible flavor, all achievable in just 40 minutes. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media by mentioning @JenNikolaus or tagging #YummyHealthyEasy! I love seeing your culinary triumphs.
You’ll also love these delightful chicken recipes:
Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Baked Chicken Taquitos
Southwestern Ranch Casserole