Hello fresh is a meal kit service that offers a variety of healthy and flavorful dishes. Its menu is a mix of traditional and modern cuisines, making it ideal for people who are interested in trying new ingredients.
This pecan crusted chicken recipe is perfect for those following a Whole30, keto or Paleo diet. It cooks quickly and makes a great weeknight dinner!
Chicken
There’s something so addictive about a plate of crisp, breaded chicken. The crunch from the panko and pecan crusting creates a satisfyingly crunchy texture that’s hard to resist. However, these fried entrees can be a caloric bomb. With this hello fresh pecan crusted chicken recipe, you can make a healthier version of this classic dish.
This pecan crusted chicken is made with tender and juicy chicken breasts that are seasoned and coated in a sweet, crunchy pecan crust. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that the whole family will love. It’s also great for those on a Whole30, Paleo or Keto diet because it has less fat than traditional fried chicken and is high in protein.
To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with avocado oil. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet and set aside until they reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part, about 17-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, pulse the pecans in a food processor until they resemble small crumbles but aren’t flour-like. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper and mix until evenly combined.
Once the chicken is coated with mayonnaise, press it into the pecan crumbs and coat the chicken evenly. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 22-25 minutes.
Alternatively, you can fry the chicken on the stove top to develop that crispy texture. Just be sure to pan sear the chicken before finishing it in the oven for best results.
When cooking on the stove, pound each piece of chicken into an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out too much on the outside. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
The pecan crusted chicken is delicious served with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce or mayo on the side or as an entrée. It also pairs perfectly with roasted or steamed vegetables for a full-flavored meal that’s easy to prep in 30 minutes or less.
Pecans
Pecans have a rich flavor that pairs well with chicken. They’re also a good source of fiber and protein.
When they’re ground into a crumble, they add a crunchy texture to the dish. They also help give the chicken an extra kick of flavor.
They’re easy to make and are a delicious addition to any meal. They can be used as a topping for pancakes or waffles or mixed into soup or salads.
To make this recipe, preheat your air fryer to the temperature you want to cook your food based on the instructions (check the air fryer manual). Place the chicken cutlets in the basket and set the timer.
Once the chicken has cooled, dip each cutlet in an egg, then dredge it in the pecan mixture. Repeat until you have coated all the cutlets.
You can add other spices to the pecan mixture if you like. For example, you could stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or mix in some grated parmesan cheese. You can also add a few fresh herbs to the mixture for extra flavor.
Lastly, you can serve the pecan crusted chicken with a honey mustard sauce on top or mayo on the side. It’s a perfect main dish for dinner or even lunch.
The recipe is also a great option for anyone following a Whole30, Keto or Paleo diet as it’s gluten free. The panko breadcrumbs and pecans are high in healthy fats, and the hot honey drizzle gives it an additional zing.
In the end, this is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in the oven or in your air fryer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
The pecan crusted chicken is delicious served with a side of veggies or a slice of garlic bread. It’s also a perfect dish to bring to a party or serve during a family dinner. You can even freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
Breadcrumbs
Fried chicken is always a favorite but it can be an indulgent meal that has a lot of calories from the oil used. Instead, this hello fresh pecan crusted chicken is baked in the oven which makes it a healthier option. It’s a great dish for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
This pecan crusted chicken recipe is super easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. All you need to do is dredge the chicken in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs, bake it, and serve it with your favorite sides!
First, pound the chicken into roughly even thick slices. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and will develop the most crunchy crust possible. If you don’t pound the chicken, it can end up being too thin and won’t be as crunchy.
Next, you’ll dredge the chicken in a pecan breadcrumb mixture which is made up of finely ground pecans and panko breadcrumbs. This is a delicious topping that will stick to the chicken so you don’t have to worry about it falling off during baking!
After dipping the chicken in the pecan breadcrumb mixture, press it down to ensure that it’s coated all over. Repeat with all the pieces of chicken until they are fully coated.
Once all the chicken is dipped and coated, place it on a wire rack on a baking sheet and bake until crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside. Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce (optional) or a side of mayo on the side!
If you’re following a gluten free diet or want to make this dish Paleo, you can swap out the flour for any grain-based cereal such as quinoa or millet. Or you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of the regular ones. The result will be a delicious, crispy meal that is low in carbs and calories!
Honey mustard sauce
Honey mustard is one of those sauces that is the perfect dipping sauce for pretty much everything. It’s creamy and tangy with just the right amount of sweet. It’s my go-to for dipping soft baked pretzels, crispy chicken nuggets, and drizzling over roasted chicken.
To make the honey mustard sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and honey in a small bowl until well combined. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add xanthan gum. However, it should be added to the sauce at least an hour before serving as it thickens more as it sits.
You can also use panko breadcrumbs in place of traditional breadcrumbs if you want to keep this recipe low carb. Just be sure to use a high-quality brand of breadcrumbs as low-quality varieties won’t hold up well in this dish.
If you’re looking for a more spicy option, you can stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pecan mixture. Or, you can swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds to make a saltier and more nutty version of this recipe.
To prepare the chicken, pound each piece to even out its thickness (about 1/2-inch). Dab dry with paper towels then brush top side with honey mustard mixture and season with salt. Transfer to panko mixture, honey mustard side down. Press firm to get the mixture to adhere to bottom of chicken. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Once the chicken is coated, transfer to a rimmed baking sheet lined with a wire rack and bake until crust is golden brown and chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Turn chicken halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly.
This Hello Fresh Pecan Crusted Chicken recipe is easy to make and makes a great weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for those with Whole30, keto, or Paleo diets!
This dish can be made in the oven or air fryer, depending on your preference. The pecan crust is incredibly delicious and crispy on the outside while the chicken is juicy and tender inside. It’s a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love.