Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Apples and Thyme

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

Pan-seared and paired with sweet caramelized apples and fragrant fresh thyme for a balanced savory-sweet dish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs unsalted butter, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves 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: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown on one side.
  2. Step 2: Flip chicken breasts and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the pan along with 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Sauté the chicken for another 5 minutes, spooning melted butter over the top, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm. In the same skillet, add the sliced wedges of 1 medium Granny Smith apple and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and edges caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp honey, stirring to deglaze the pan and combine flavors. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the pan, spoon the apple and sauce over it, and cook together for 1 minute to meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Apples and Thyme 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 with Caramelized Apples and Thyme?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Caramelized Apples and Thyme?

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 with Caramelized Apples and Thyme 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 with Caramelized Apples and Thyme?

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.

Related recipes