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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
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## Introduction
Imagine the crunch of pecans complimenting tender and juicy chicken, perfectly rounded off with a tangy cranberry sauce. That’s what you get in the Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce recipe. This dish is easy to make, flavourful, and a definite crowd-pleaser that you would want to keep making.
## Why Make This Recipe
Everyone loves a chicken dish, but the Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce is a step above the rest, offering a complexity of flavors and textures that are simply unbeatable. The unique combination of pecan nuts and cranberries makes you appreciate chicken anew.
## How to Make Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce
### Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cranberry Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tbsp orange zest
– 1/4 cup orange juice
### Directions
1. Preheat oven at 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine pecans, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dipping into beaten eggs, and pressing into the pecan mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest and orange juice and simmer till sauce thickens.
6. Plate up and drizzle with cranney sauce.
## How to Serve Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce
Serve the pecan-crusted chicken breasts with a generous drizzle of cranberry sauce. This main dish goes well with a classic side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
## How to Store Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce
This chicken dish can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a moderate oven until piping hot.
## Tips to Make Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce
Always turn chicken breasts only once while frying to get a good crust and conserve moisture. Also, avoid pressing chicken while frying, to maintain juiciness.
## Variation
Add a touch of cayenne to the flour mixture to introduce a spicy kick to the dish. Or, experiment with skins on for a more rustic flavor.
## FAQs
1. **What can I substitute for pecans?**
If you don’t have pecans, you can use almonds or walnuts for the crust.
2. **Can I make it without an oven?**
Yes, you can pan-fry the chicken in a bit more oil till it’s fully cooked.
3. **Can the cranberry sauce be made ahead?**
Yes, the cranberry sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and can be made ahead.
So, take the leap and surprise your family or guests with this delightful and unique chicken dish. Happy Cooking!
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