Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Shallots

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a glossy honey mustard glaze and sweet caramelized shallots for a savory-sweet balance. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, small, thinly sliced shallots, honey 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 2 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 thinly sliced shallots to the same skillet. Sauté shallots for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and caramelized with golden edges.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, scraping the pan to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the shallots.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the honey mustard shallot glaze over them, and cook for another minute to meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Shallots 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 Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Shallots?

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 Mustard Glaze and Caramelized Shallots?

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 Shallots 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 Shallots?

General 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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