Name: Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 0.75 cup almond flour; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cups finely chopped pecans; salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Tired of the same old chicken dinner routine? Ready to inject some serious flavor and crunch into your weeknights without sacrificing your healthy eating goals? Look no further! We’re about to dive into a recipe that’s so incredibly delicious, so wonderfully crispy, and shockingly easy to make, it’ll become an instant family favorite. Get ready to fall in love with our incredible **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs** – a dish that brings gourmet flair to your table in just 30 minutes. Forget bland and boring; this is a culinary adventure for your taste buds, promising juicy chicken wrapped in a golden, nutty crust that’s pure perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore these **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs**, but here are our top four!

Unbeatable Flavor & Texture Extravaganza: Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs encased in a gloriously crunchy, savory pecan crust. The nutty pecans toast beautifully in the oven, creating an irresistible texture and a rich, deep flavor that perfectly complements the succulent chicken. It’s a symphony of crunch and tenderness in every bite!
A Healthy & Low-Carb Dream: Eating well has never tasted this good! By using almond flour and pecans, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and packed with healthy fats and protein. It’s an ideal choice for anyone following a keto, paleo, or gluten-free lifestyle, proving that healthy eating can be utterly delicious and satisfying.
Your Weeknight Wonder (Quick & Easy): With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just half an hour. This makes our **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs** the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time.
Impress Without Stress: These chicken thighs look incredibly sophisticated and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant, yet they’re ridiculously simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or just treating your family, this dish will impress everyone with minimal effort on your part.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your magnificent **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs**:

🍗 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
🌾 ¾ cup almond flour
🥚 3 large eggs
🍯 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
🌰 2 cups finely chopped pecans
🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions to Make Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your perfect **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs**:

Get Ready to Bake! First things first, preheat your oven to a delightful 400°F (200°C). Grab a rimmed baking sheet and either lightly spray it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet – this secret weapon ensures air circulates all around your chicken for maximum crispiness!
Set Up Your Coating Station. Time to create an assembly line of deliciousness! Grab three shallow bowls. Into the first bowl, pour your almond flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the three large eggs and the Dijon mustard until they’re beautifully combined – this creates your flavorful “glue.” Finally, spread the finely chopped pecans evenly in the third bowl.
Season the Chicken. Let’s give those chicken thighs some love! Gently season both sides of each boneless, skinless chicken thigh with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial for ensuring every single bite of your **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs** is bursting with flavor.
Coat the Chicken. This is where the magic happens! Take one chicken thigh at a time. First, give it a good dip in the almond flour, making sure it’s completely coated, then tap off any extra. Next, plunge it into the egg and Dijon mixture, letting any excess drip away. Finally, and this is important for that perfect crust, press it firmly into the finely chopped pecans, making sure the pecans adhere beautifully and evenly. Place your perfectly coated chicken thigh on your prepared wire rack. Repeat this satisfying process for all your remaining chicken thighs.
Bake to Perfection. Slide your baking sheet with the gorgeous **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs** into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Once done, serve your crispy, flavorful chicken with your favorite healthy dipping sauce and prepare for applause!

Ways to Present and Serve Your Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs

These **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs** are a star on their own, but a little presentation and the right accompaniments can make them truly shine!

Classic & Healthy Sides: Pair your crispy chicken with vibrant, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus spears, or a fluffy cauliflower mash for a comforting, low-carb meal. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a fantastic choice to cut through the richness.
Dipping Delights: Elevate the experience with a complementary dipping sauce! A creamy Dijon sauce (simply whisk a little Greek yogurt or sour cream with extra Dijon and a touch of lemon juice), a sugar-free BBQ sauce, a garlic aioli, or even a simple herb vinaigrette would be divine.
Salad Topper Extraordinaire: Slice the cooled **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs** and arrange them over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado for a gourmet lunch salad that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
Gourmet Sandwich or Wrap: For a delicious twist, slice the chicken and tuck it into a low-carb wrap or lettuce cups with some fresh veggies and a dollop of your favorite sauce for a healthy and hearty sandwich alternative.
Elegant Presentation: Garnish your platter with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color. Arrange the chicken artfully on a rustic wooden board or a beautiful ceramic plate to truly showcase its golden, pecan-studded crust.

How to Store Your Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs and How Long They Last

Chances are you won’t have many leftovers, but if you do, here’s how to keep your **Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs** delicious for later!

Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. To reheat, we highly recommend using an oven or an air fryer to help retain that coveted crispness. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping halfway. A microwave will technically heat it up, but it might make the crust a bit soggy – and we wouldn’t want to lose that amazing crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken breast works wonderfully. Just be mindful that breasts are often leaner and might require a slightly shorter cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Adjust accordingly until they reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Is this recipe genuinely keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is a fantastic choice for keto and low-carb diets! With almond flour and pecans as the coating, it keeps the net carbs incredibly low (only 1g per serving!) while delivering healthy fats and protein.
How do I ensure the pecan crust is extra crispy?
The wire rack is key! It allows air to circulate around the chicken, preventing a soggy bottom. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can steam the chicken instead of crisping it. A hot oven (400°F) helps too!
Can I prepare the Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs ahead of time?
You can prep your coating station and season the chicken a few hours in advance, but for the best crispiness, we recommend coating and baking the chicken right before serving. If you must, you can coat them and refrigerate for up to an hour before baking.
What if I don’t have almond flour? Are there alternatives?
While almond flour provides the best low-carb texture, you could try finely ground flaxseed meal or even finely crushed pork rinds for a similar low-carb breading. Coconut flour is very absorbent and might alter the texture significantly, so use with caution.
Can I cook these Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic way to get an even crispier crust. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Do I have to use boneless, skinless thighs?
Boneless, skinless thighs are recommended for even cooking and to keep the recipe lower in fat and carbs. If you use bone-in, skin-on thighs, the cooking time will increase, and the nutritional profile will change.
What kind of pecans should I use for the crust?
You’ll want finely chopped pecans, not pecan meal. The small pieces create a beautiful, crunchy texture. If your pecans aren’t finely chopped, pulse them a few times in a food processor, being careful not to turn them into a butter.
Can I freeze cooked Pecan Crusted Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer for best results.
How do I know when the chicken is truly done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken thigh (avoiding any bone if present). The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).