Print

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a flavorful, gluten-free skillet meal featuring tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made from bourbon, pure maple syrup, and chopped pecans. This easy one-pan dinner is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight recipe that’s both indulgent and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 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 GF)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed between fingers

Instructions

  1. Season chicken: Add gluten free flour to a shallow dish and season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then place 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 dried rosemary. Set this sauce mixture aside.
  3. Sear chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear without overcrowding the pan, cooking each side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer seared chicken back to the plate.
  4. Deglaze skillet with bourbon: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully add the bourbon; it will flame or boil upon contact. Return skillet to the heat immediately.
  5. Add sauce and simmer chicken: Pour the prepared maple syrup mixture into the skillet. Increase heat to bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover loosely with foil, and simmer for about 10 minutes, occasionally flipping the chicken in the sauce. Simmer until the sauce has reduced and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Serve: Plate the chicken thighs and generously spoon the reduced maple bourbon pecan sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a good quality bourbon like Maker’s Mark for best flavor.
  • Pure maple syrup is essential for authentic sweetness; avoid pancake syrups.
  • To keep the dish gluten-free, ensure all ingredients, particularly the flour and Tamari, are certified gluten-free.
  • Cooking in batches during searing avoids overcrowding, which helps the chicken brown evenly.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken, gluten free chicken recipe, one pan chicken dinner, bourbon chicken, pecan chicken, quick chicken skillet, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/maple-bourbon-pecan-chicken-recipe/