Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Greens
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a sweet and tangy maple mustard glaze, served alongside garlicky sautéed greens. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 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 400 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 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 until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over it, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 6: In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cups baby spinach, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Finish with 1 tbsp lemon juice and season with salt to taste.
- Step 7: Plate the glazed chicken breasts alongside the sautéed spinach and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Greens 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 Maple Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Greens?
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 Maple Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Greens?
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 Maple Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Greens 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 Maple Mustard Glaze and Sautéed Greens?
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.