Introduction

This Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken offers a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors with a touch of warmth from bourbon. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a rich sauce featuring maple syrup, pecans, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

The image shows a white plate with three main parts: a large pile of green leafy arugula on the top half, smooth white mashed potatoes on the bottom left, and two browned chicken breasts covered with thick brown gravy and sprinkled with chopped pecans on the bottom right, sitting on the mashed potatoes. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a dark striped cloth underneath. There are some whole pecans scattered nearby and a glass with a light amber drink in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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

Step 1: Season the chicken by sprinkling salt and pepper on both sides. Place the gluten free flour in a shallow dish and season it generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, shaking off any excess, then set aside on a plate.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, maple syrup, chopped pecans, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, tamari, and crushed rosemary. Set this sauce mixture aside.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken thighs in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Sear the chicken until golden brown on one side, about 1-2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side until golden. Transfer the chicken back to the plate; it does not need to be fully cooked yet.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat, then carefully add the bourbon—it will bubble immediately. Return the skillet to the stove and add the prepared maple syrup sauce mixture.
Step 5: Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce to medium heat and nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Loosely cover with foil and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Flip the chicken once or twice during cooking to coat it in the sauce evenly.
Step 6: Serve the chicken warm, spooning the rich maple bourbon sauce and pecans over the top for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in bourbon and rosemary for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred, for a different nutty twist.
Use skin-on chicken thighs if you like crispy skin; just adjust cooking times slightly.
Serve with steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish is served on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. It has three main layers: the bottom layer is creamy, pale mashed potatoes with a smooth texture. On top of the potatoes is a thick layer of brown gravy with visible black pepper specks and small chunks, giving it a rich, slightly glossy look. The third layer consists of chopped pecans scattered on top of the gravy. In the background, there is a small pile of fresh green leafy vegetables adding a pop of color. A shiny silver fork with a woman's hand holding it is placed on the side, touching the mashed potatoes and gravy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye on cooking time and consider pounding them slightly thinner for even cooking.

Is there an alcohol-free alternative to bourbon?

You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or additional chicken broth combined with a splash of vanilla extract for a similar sweetness without alcohol.