Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Reduction

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

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Pan-seared and finished with a warm spiced apple cider sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 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 350 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: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 cup apple cider, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, and 1 tbsp honey to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 6-8 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and glossy, coating the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan briefly to coat with the sauce, then serve immediately with the spiced apple cider reduction spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Spiced Apple Cider Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Apple Cider Reduction?

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 Spiced Apple Cider Reduction?

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 Spiced Apple Cider Reduction 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 Spiced Apple Cider Reduction?

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.

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