Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Carrots
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a tangy honey balsamic glaze and served alongside tender roasted carrots. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 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 380 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 medium, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks carrots
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 4 medium peeled carrots cut into 2-inch sticks with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, 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. Add chicken breasts and sear for 6 minutes on one side without moving until golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5 minutes until internal temperature reads 165°F and juices run clear. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp honey, simmering the glaze for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the honey balsamic glaze over them to coat.
- Step 6: Serve the glazed chicken breasts alongside the roasted carrots, garnished with 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme for a fragrant finish.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Roasted Carrots?
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 Roasted Carrots?
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 Roasted Carrots 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 Roasted Carrots?
Mediterranean 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.