Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey-Lemon Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a bright honey and lemon glaze that imbibes each bite with sweet and tangy flavor. This chicken recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 International cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then remove to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water. Let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, turning to coat thoroughly with the honey-lemon glaze for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to serving plates, spoon additional glaze over top, and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey-Lemon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey-Lemon Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey-Lemon Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey-Lemon Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey-Lemon Glaze?

International chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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