Crunchy Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard and Lemony Apple Salad

There’s something irresistible about chicken with a crunchy, nutty crust. This recipe takes it to the next level: tender chicken cutlets are slathered with a creamy honey mustard sauce, then topped with a mixture of crushed pecans, panko, and butter. As it bakes, the topping turns golden and crispy while the chicken stays juicy and tender.

On the side, a simple salad of mixed greens and thinly sliced apple gets a bright squeeze of lemon. Drizzle any remaining honey mustard over the chicken for an extra pop of flavor. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that feels like a special treat—ready in just 30 minutes!

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Ingredients

0.5 ounce PecansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon HoneyView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Wash and dry all produce. Finely chop pecans (or crush them in their bag with a heavy pan or rolling pin).
2. Place 1 tablespoon butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Let cool slightly, then stir in chopped pecans, panko, half the fry seasoning, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, combine honey, mustard, and mayonnaise to make the honey mustard sauce.
4. Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels; season with remaining fry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Spread tops of chicken with a thin layer of honey mustard sauce (save the rest for serving). Mound the pecan mixture on top, pressing firmly to adhere (no need to coat the undersides). Roast on middle rack until crust is golden brown and chicken is cooked through, 15–20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, halve, core, and thinly slice the apple. Quarter the lemon. In a large bowl, toss mixed greens and apple with a large drizzle of olive oil and as much lemon juice as you like. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Divide chicken and salad between plates. Drizzle chicken with remaining honey mustard sauce. Serve with any remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Medium Bowl

DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on AmazonMASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsView on AmazonMALACASA 26 OZ Porcelain Soup Bowls Set of 4, White Ceramic Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl for Oatmeal, Fruit, Salad, Ramen and Rice Bowl -Dishwasher & Microwave Safe BowlsView on Amazon

Small Bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Baking Sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Paper Towel

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on AmazonBounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on AmazonAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on Amazon

Large Bowl

Winco , 8-Quart, Stainless Steel (MXB-800Q)View on AmazonFox Run Brands 2.75-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 9 x 9 x 4 inches, MetallicView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

Yes, but you may need to pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure they cook through in the same time.

How do I make this recipe nut-free?

Omit the pecans and increase the panko to 1/3 cup. You can also add 2 tablespoons of crushed pretzels or cornflakes for crunch.

Can I prepare the pecan topping ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pecan-panko mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.