Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Maple Glaze and Toasted Pecans

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

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a sweet honey maple sauce and topped with crunchy toasted pecans for a satisfying texture contrast. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs skinless 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 4, 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 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 skinless chicken breasts dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts; sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet; stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon the honey maple glaze over each piece, and cook for 1-2 minutes more to coat and warm through.
  6. Step 6: Transfer chicken to plates, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Maple Glaze and Toasted Pecans 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 Honey Maple Glaze and Toasted Pecans?

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 skinless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Maple Glaze and Toasted Pecans?

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 Maple Glaze and Toasted Pecans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Maple Glaze and Toasted Pecans?

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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