Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Pickled Red Onions

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a tangy honey mustard glaze, complemented by crisp, vibrant pickled red onions for a balance of sweet and sharp flavors. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 30 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 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper evenly on both sides. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, combine 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, whisking until smooth and glossy.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 medium thinly sliced red onion. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let the onions sit in the pickling liquid for at least 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat to low and brush the honey mustard glaze generously on each piece. Let it cook for an additional 1 minute to warm the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Serve the glazed chicken breasts topped with several tablespoons of the pickled red onions, spooning some pickling liquid over for extra tang.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Pickled Red Onions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Mustard Glaze and Pickled Red 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze and Pickled Red 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 Pickled Red 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 Pickled Red Onions?

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.

Related recipes