Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a bold, sweet-savory skillet dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken thighs are lightly dredged, seared until golden, then simmered in a glossy maple-bourbon sauce studded with toasted pecans. The result is a rich, slightly smoky, lightly sweet glaze that clings beautifully to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Convenience – Everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup.
- Sweet-Savory Depth – Maple syrup, Dijon, tamari, and bourbon create layered complexity.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner – Ready in just 30 minutes start to finish.
- Gluten-Free Friendly – Uses gluten-free flour and tamari.
- Restaurant-Style Sauce – Reduces into a glossy, spoonable glaze.
- Pairs with Everything – Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 1¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Juicy, flavorful cut that stays tender during simmering.
- ½ cup gluten-free flour – Lightly coats the chicken for browning and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Seasons the dredge and enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – For searing and developing golden crust.
For the Maple Bourbon Sauce
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (Maker’s Mark recommended) – Adds warmth and caramel notes.
- 1 cup chicken broth – Forms the savory base of the sauce.
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped – Adds crunch and nutty richness.
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) – Provides natural sweetness and gloss.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Balances sweetness with tang.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Brightens and balances the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons gluten-free reduced-sodium tamari – Adds umami depth.
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed – Infuses subtle herbal aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season and Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine gluten-free flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh lightly, shaking off excess.
Mix the Sauce Base
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, maple syrup, chopped pecans, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, tamari, and crushed rosemary. Set aside.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove to a plate (it will finish cooking later).
Deglaze with Bourbon
Remove skillet from heat and carefully add bourbon—it will bubble immediately. Return skillet to heat.
Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the maple mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Nestle chicken back into the skillet.
Cook Until Tender
Loosely cover and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping chicken once or twice, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and sauce reduces.
Plate and Glaze
Transfer chicken to plates and spoon thickened maple bourbon pecan sauce generously over the top.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan – Ensures proper browning and prevents steaming.
- Use Pure Maple Syrup – Artificial syrups won’t reduce or caramelize properly.
- Let Sauce Reduce Naturally – Avoid high heat which can burn sugars.
- Flip Chicken During Simmering – Allows even glazing.
- Toast Pecans First (Optional) – Enhances nutty flavor.
- Serve Immediately – Sauce thickens as it cools.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 270 kcal per serving
Per Serving (Approximate):
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Sodium: 447mg
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.)
Perfect Pairings
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Soak up the rich maple bourbon sauce.
- Garlic Green Beans – Add freshness and crunch.
- Wild Rice Pilaf – Complements nutty pecans.
- Simple Arugula Salad – Adds peppery contrast.
Ideal Occasions
- Quick Weeknight Meals – Fast yet impressive.
- Date Night at Home – Elegant flavor with minimal effort.
- Fall Dinner Menus – Maple and pecans highlight seasonal warmth.
- Gluten-Free Gatherings – Safe and satisfying for dietary needs.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Refrigerate in Airtight Container – Keeps fresh up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently on Stovetop – Add splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.
- Freeze Without Sauce (Optional) – Sauce may separate when thawed.
- Store Sauce Separately if Possible – Maintains best texture.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick – Add pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Herb Upgrade – Substitute rosemary with fresh thyme.
- Chicken Breast Version – Use boneless breasts but reduce cooking time.
- Apple Addition – Add thin apple slices for seasonal sweetness.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Sauce Too Thin – Simmer uncovered longer to reduce.
- Sauce Too Sweet – Add extra splash of vinegar or Dijon.
- Chicken Dry – Monitor internal temperature closely.
- Burning Sauce – Lower heat and stir occasionally during reduction.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances sugar, acid, fat, and umami. Maple syrup provides sweetness that caramelizes during reduction, while bourbon adds complexity and depth. Dijon and apple cider vinegar introduce acidity to prevent the sauce from becoming cloying. The light flour dredge promotes browning through the Maillard reaction and subtly thickens the glaze as it simmers. Pecans add texture contrast and nutty richness. At approximately 270 calories per serving, this dish delivers bold flavor without excessive heaviness.
Final Thoughts
Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a fast, flavorful skillet dinner that feels comforting yet refined. The glossy sauce, tender chicken, and subtle crunch of pecans make it unforgettable. For a lighter option, reduce the maple syrup slightly or serve over roasted vegetables instead of mashed potatoes. However you plate it, this dish promises sweet-savory perfection in every bite.
