Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Pickle Slaw

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

A tender pan-seared chicken breast sandwich topped with a crunchy, tangy pickle and cabbage slaw on a buttered bun. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 1, 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 1 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 6 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then remove and let rest.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine 1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles, 1/4 cup shredded carrot, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar; mix well to create the tangy pickle slaw.
  5. Step 5: Toast the potato bun cut-side down in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Step 6: Slice the rested chicken breast and place it on the bottom bun, top with a generous scoop of the pickle slaw, then cover with the top bun.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately for a crunchy, tangy chicken sandwich.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Pickle Slaw 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 Sandwich with Tangy Pickle Slaw?

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 Sandwich with Tangy Pickle Slaw?

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 Sandwich with Tangy Pickle Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Sandwich with Tangy Pickle Slaw?

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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