If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, this Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is an absolute showstopper. Juicy chicken breasts are glazed in a luscious maple-bourbon sauce and topped with toasted pecans for a dish that’s rich, nutty, and packed with flavor. The sweet maple syrup blends beautifully with smoky bourbon and buttery pecans, creating a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.
When I first made this, I used a splash of Kentucky bourbon and pure maple syrup — the aroma alone was heavenly. I also added a touch of Dijon mustard for balance, and it gave the glaze the perfect tang. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for two or impressing guests, this recipe is the perfect blend of rustic comfort and refined flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken strikes the ideal balance between sweet, savory, and smoky. The bourbon adds depth, the maple syrup brings a natural sweetness, and the pecans lend a buttery crunch that elevates the entire dish. Best of all, it comes together in under 40 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice for a truly satisfying meal that’s as elegant as it is comforting.
Print
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Elegantly Delicious
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a savory-sweet masterpiece — tender, pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a rich maple bourbon sauce and topped with toasted pecans. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Carefully pour in the bourbon (it may flame briefly), scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Whisk in maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, thyme, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the chicken and cook for another 1–2 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor — not pancake syrup.
- If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes over medium heat for deeper flavor.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day — reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless, and pounded to even thickness for quick, even cooking.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken, creating a golden crust.
Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and helps develop that beautiful glaze.
Garlic – Adds depth and a touch of aromatic sweetness.
Maple Syrup (pure) – The star of the sauce; use 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Bourbon – Adds smoky warmth and enhances the sweetness of the maple syrup; the alcohol cooks off, leaving only depth of flavor.
Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and helps balance the sweetness in the glaze.
Soy Sauce – Contributes savory umami flavor to round out the sauce.
Pecans (toasted and chopped) – Bring a crunchy, buttery texture and nutty flavor to the finished dish.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of color.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the glaze over the top. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle in the toasted pecans and stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving. Serve warm with your favorite sides and an extra drizzle of sauce over the top.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking takes 25–30 minutes, and the total time is around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also freeze the chicken (without pecans) for up to 2 months and add fresh toasted pecans after reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Bacon Bourbon Chicken – Add crispy bacon bits to the glaze for smoky, savory flavor.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Honey Bourbon Pecan Chicken – Substitute half the maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness profile.
Creamy Maple Sauce – Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a luxurious finish.
Apple Bourbon Glaze – Add a few tablespoons of apple juice or cider for a fruitier flavor.
Grilled Version – Grill the chicken, then brush it with the maple-bourbon glaze for a smoky outdoor twist.
Whiskey Substitute – If you don’t have bourbon, use whiskey or even apple cider vinegar for similar depth.
Nut-Free Version – Skip the pecans or use toasted sunflower seeds for crunch.
Vegan Option – Swap chicken for seared tofu or cauliflower steaks and use plant-based butter.
Herb-Infused – Add rosemary or sage for a more earthy, aromatic flavor.
FAQs
What is Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken?
It’s a flavorful chicken dish coated in a maple-bourbon glaze and topped with crunchy toasted pecans.
Can I make it without bourbon?
Yes, substitute apple juice, chicken broth, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Do I need pure maple syrup?
Yes — real maple syrup gives the best flavor and caramelization.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely, they stay juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.
What can I serve with it?
Mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted veggies, or green beans complement it perfectly.
Is it very sweet?
It’s balanced — the Dijon, soy sauce, and garlic prevent it from being overly sweet.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently before tossing with cooked chicken.
How do I toast pecans?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or sauté in a dry skillet until fragrant.
Does the alcohol cook out?
Yes, it mostly evaporates during simmering, leaving only flavor behind.
Can I double the sauce?
Definitely — the glaze is so good, you’ll want extra for drizzling!
Conclusion
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is the perfect mix of elegance and comfort — tender chicken bathed in a rich maple-bourbon glaze with buttery pecans for crunch. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Serve it with your favorite sides, and watch it become a new family favorite that tastes as good as it looks.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!