Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Balsamic Glaze and Fresh Thyme

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

Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and finished with a tangy-sweet honey-balsamic glaze accented by fresh thyme. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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 sear for 5 minutes on the first side without moving, until the edges are golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp honey, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, then return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the glaze over the top for 1 minute to rewarm and coat thoroughly before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Balsamic Glaze and Fresh 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 Honey-Balsamic Glaze and Fresh 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Balsamic Glaze and Fresh 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 Honey-Balsamic Glaze and Fresh 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 Honey-Balsamic Glaze and Fresh 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.

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