Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Maple Dijon Glaze
Pan-seared and finished with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze for a balanced flavor. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 chicken breasts dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown and edges are crispy.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, pour the maple Dijon glaze over the chicken in the skillet, and cook for 1-2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken until it thickens slightly and coats the breasts.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving with the glaze spooned on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Maple Dijon 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 Maple Dijon 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Maple Dijon 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 Dijon 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 Maple Dijon Glaze?
American 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.
