Introduction

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a flavorful, tender dish combining sweet and savory notes enhanced by a touch of bourbon and crunchy pecans. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a gourmet twist.

The dish shows a white plate with three layers: at the bottom is a smooth, creamy layer of pale mashed potatoes. On top lies a thick, rich brown gravy with visible black pepper specks, covering several pieces of tender, lightly golden chicken. Scattered on the chicken and gravy are small chunks of toasted pecans. Behind the plate, there is a small pile of fresh, bright green peeled leafy greens. The plate sits on a dark striped cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Add the gluten free flour to a shallow dish and season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then place onto a plate.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, maple syrup, chopped pecans, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Tamari, and dried rosemary. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a 12″ cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken thighs and sear for 1-2 minutes until golden brown on one side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Flip the chicken and sear the other side until golden brown. Transfer chicken back to the plate. It does not need to be cooked through at this point.
Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and carefully add the bourbon—it will boil immediately. Return skillet to heat and pour in the maple syrup mixture.
Step 6: Increase heat to bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce to medium. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, cover loosely with foil, and simmer for about 10 minutes, flipping the chicken in the sauce once or twice, until sauce reduces and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 7: Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the sauce.
Serve with prepared mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Substitute bourbon with whiskey or omit for a non-alcoholic version, adding a splash of apple juice instead.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish does not freeze well due to the sauce texture.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white plate with a base layer of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes that are light yellow in color and have a soft texture. On top, there are several pieces of golden-brown chicken covered in a rich, glossy brown gravy with visible bits of pecan pieces scattered across the sauce. Behind the chicken, there is a small pile of fresh, bright green leafy greens, adding a touch of color contrast. The plate is placed on a dark striped cloth with a blurred background that includes a bag of pecan halves and a glass with amber liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce simmering time and monitor closely to keep them tender.

Is the dish very sweet because of the maple syrup?

The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness balanced by the savory broth, mustard, and tangy vinegar, resulting in a well-rounded flavor rather than an overly sweet dish.

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 306 reviews

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a deliciously moist and flavorful dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in gluten-free flour, seared to a golden brown, and simmered in a rich sauce made from bourbon, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and chopped pecans. This recipe combines the sweet and smoky notes of bourbon and maple with the crunch of pecans, creating a perfect balance of flavors ideal for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Sauce

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

Prepare the Chicken: Add the gluten free flour to a shallow dish and season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then place them onto a plate.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, pure maple syrup, chopped pecans, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, gluten free tamari, and dried rosemary. Set this mixture aside.
Sear the Chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until 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 brown. Do this in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding. Transfer the chicken back to the plate; it does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Deglaze with Bourbon: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully add the bourbon, which will boil immediately due to the skillet’s heat. Return the skillet to the heat.
Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the prepared maple syrup mixture, increase heat to bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce to medium heat. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, loosely cover with foil, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce reduces and chicken is fully cooked. Flip the chicken once or twice during cooking to coat evenly.
Serve: Plate the chicken thighs, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and serve immediately, ideally with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish.

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with prepared mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for authentic flavor.
When searing chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure an even golden crust.
Make sure to use gluten-free tamari if you require a gluten-free dish.

Keywords: Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken, gluten free chicken recipe, bourbon chicken, pecan chicken, stovetop chicken recipe, maple syrup chicken, easy chicken dinner