Description
You’ll love this pecan crusted chicken – tender chicken fillets coated in a crunchy pecan-panko crust that makes this easy chicken dinner feel fancier and taste more delicious! Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast (sliced and pounded into evenly thin fillets)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 4 tablespoons gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs and salt. Add chicken fillets, toss to coat, cover, and let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Pecan Mixture: Finely chop the pecans. In a shallow bowl, combine chopped pecans with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat Chicken in Breadcrumb Mixture: Dredge each chicken cutlet in the pecan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure both sides are evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 380F (190C). Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 7–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cook Chicken (Oven Method): Preheat the oven to 380F (190C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake chicken for 10 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite side or salad.
Notes
Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure to slice the chicken breasts into fillets, and pound them to an even thickness (this helps to ensure they cook evenly).
Olive Oil:Â I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Alternatively, you may also use another vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil, canola oil, avocado oil, etc.).
Mustard:Â I like using Dijon mustard for a tangy taste. However, you may use other types of mustard if you prefer (such as honey mustard, or yellow mustard).
Worcestershire Sauce:Â I used gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular Worcestershire sauce instead.
Seasonings:Â I used dried Italian herbs and salt for seasoning, but you can easily use other types of condiments (such as garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, etc.)
Pecans: Make sure to chop the pecans finely so you don’t get unusually large pieces (unless that’s the texture you’re going for).
Panko Breadcrumbs: I used gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular panko breadcrumbs instead.
Storing: To store any leftovers, place the cooled pecan chicken pieces in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy on the outside.
Meal Prep:Â You can make these ahead of time (without cooking them) and then freeze them in freezer-safe containers (separating each piece of chicken with a sheet of plastic to prevent them from sticking together).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer



