Pan-Seared Chicken with No-Glaze Mustard Sauce

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

A simple pan-seared chicken breast served with a tangy mustard sauce prepared without any added glaze or sugar. This French-inspired no-cook recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs boneless 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 320 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: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 French cuisine 320 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 evenly 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, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, return the chicken to the pan, and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for an additional 1 minute to warm through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with No-Glaze Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 No-Glaze Mustard Sauce?

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 No-Glaze Mustard Sauce?

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 No-Glaze Mustard Sauce 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 No-Glaze Mustard Sauce?

French no cook 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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