Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Maple-Balsamic Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a rich, tangy maple-balsamic reduction that creates a glossy, flavorful sauce. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (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 chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown and edges are crispy. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate and lower heat to medium. Add 1 clove minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to skillet, spoon glaze over them for 1 minute to coat and warm through. Sprinkle 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves over top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Maple-Balsamic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Maple-Balsamic 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 Maple-Balsamic 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 Maple-Balsamic 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Maple-Balsamic Glaze gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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