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Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 11/4 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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