Description

A flavorful and tender Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken dish featuring juicy boneless chicken thighs coated in a gluten-free flour mixture, seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich sauce made with bourbon, pure maple syrup, chicken broth, and chopped pecans. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, ideal for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1-1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup gluten-free flour
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking and Sauce

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon gluten-free tamari
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

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Instructions

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, season the gluten-free flour with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken thighs in this seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside to rest briefly.
Make the Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, chicken broth, maple syrup, chopped pecans, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, gluten-free tamari, and dried rosemary until well combined to create a flavorful sauce base.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate.
Deglaze the Skillet: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully add the additional 2 tablespoons of bourbon to deglaze, stirring and scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Simmer the Sauce and Chicken: Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the prepared sauce mixture, then nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover loosely with foil and simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Plate the chicken thighs and spoon the rich maple bourbon pecan sauce over the top. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best balance of juiciness and tenderness.
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after removing the foil.
Ensure bourbon is added carefully and away from open flames for safety.
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the rich sauce.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free flour and tamari.
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.