Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Glazed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Maple bourbon pecan chicken is a stunning balance of flavors — rich, smoky, sweet, and nutty — that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-quality dish. The chicken is seared to golden perfection, then coated in a luscious maple-bourbon glaze and finished with toasted pecans for crunch and depth. The sauce has layers of warmth from the bourbon and sweetness from pure maple syrup, creating an unforgettable glaze that clings to every bite. I made this once for a fall dinner party, and it completely stole the show — elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe delivers sophisticated comfort with minimal effort.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs — Boneless and skinless, perfect for searing and holding the glaze.

Salt and black pepper — To season the chicken and balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Olive oil or butter — For pan-searing the chicken to golden perfection.

Garlic — Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.

Bourbon — Brings rich, oaky notes that complement the maple and pecans.

Maple syrup — The star sweetener, creating a glossy, caramel-like glaze.

Dijon mustard — Adds subtle tang and balances the sweetness.

Soy sauce — Enhances umami flavor and rounds out the glaze.

Apple cider vinegar — Brightens the sauce with a hint of acidity.

Toasted pecans — Provide nutty crunch and an elegant finish.

Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) — Adds herbal freshness that complements the glaze beautifully.

Directions

Season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully pour in the bourbon (it may sizzle). Allow it to simmer for 1–2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Stir in maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens into a rich glaze. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce.

Sprinkle toasted pecans over the chicken, spooning the glaze over them to coat. Simmer another minute to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired, and serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• 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.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking about 25 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze. Avoid microwaving for too long to preserve the sauce’s texture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Bourbon Chicken — Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.

Crispy Pecan Crust — Dredge chicken in crushed pecans before searing for a crunchy coating.

Maple Mustard Version — Increase Dijon for a tangier, bolder flavor.

Smoky Twist — Add a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of barbecue depth.

Creamy Maple Sauce — Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving for a luxurious finish.

Bacon Lovers — Add crumbled bacon for a smoky-salty crunch.

Honey Bourbon — Substitute part of the maple syrup with honey for a floral sweetness.

Vegetarian Version — Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken; the glaze works beautifully on both.

Gluten-Free — Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Holiday Touch — Sprinkle with chopped cranberries or pomegranate seeds for festive color.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs stay juicy and work wonderfully with the glaze.

Do I have to use bourbon?

No, you can substitute apple cider or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, sear the chicken first, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes with the glaze.

Can I use pancake syrup instead of maple syrup?

Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, but a high-quality substitute works in a pinch.

How do I toast pecans?

Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring until fragrant.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made 1–2 days in advance; reheat and toss with freshly cooked chicken.

What sides pair best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or wild rice complement it perfectly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply use olive oil instead of butter.

Does the alcohol cook out?

Yes, simmering for a few minutes removes most of the alcohol, leaving only flavor.

How can I thicken the glaze more?

Simmer longer or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Conclusion

Maple bourbon pecan chicken is a show-stopping dish that combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in perfect harmony. The rich glaze, toasted pecans, and tender chicken create a luxurious meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, it’s a recipe that captures the cozy essence of fall with every bite. Once you try this sweet-and-savory masterpiece, it’s sure to become a favorite for special occasions and cozy nights alike.

Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share