Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Onions
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze and richly caramelized onions. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides evenly 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.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Remove chicken and set aside covered to rest.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil along with 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Step 4: While the onions cook, combine 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Pour the honey mustard mixture into the skillet with the caramelized onions, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the onions.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the honey mustard caramelized onions over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Onions 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 Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Onions?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Onions?
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 Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Onions 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 Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Onions?
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.