Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus Apple Glaze

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-04 · Updated 2026-08-04

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a bright and tangy glaze made from fresh apple cider and lemon juice. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs 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.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts 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: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey to the skillet. Stir occasionally, letting the mixture reduce and thicken for about 4 minutes until syrupy.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and whisk in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and glossy. Return chicken to the pan and spoon the glaze over each piece to coat before serving.