Pan-Seared Chicken with English Mustard and Apple Sauce

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

A savory pan-seared chicken breast enhanced by the sharpness of English mustard and the sweetness of homemade apple sauce, perfect for a comforting meal. This British-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, English mustard, apples 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 British cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then brush each with 1 tablespoon English mustard. Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 peeled and diced medium apples, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples break down and the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve each chicken breast topped with a generous spoonful of the warm apple sauce for a delightful sweet and tangy contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with English Mustard and Apple Sauce 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 with English Mustard and Apple Sauce?

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 english mustard from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with English Mustard and Apple Sauce?

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 English Mustard and Apple Sauce 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 English Mustard and Apple Sauce?

British 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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