Pan-Seared Chicken with Peanut and Chocolate Glaze

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

A rich and savory chicken dish featuring a unique sweet-savory peanut and chocolate glaze that balances flavors beautifully. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, smooth peanut butter, dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless 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. Add chicken breasts and 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: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 2 oz chopped dark chocolate, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the chocolate melts and the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the glaze over each piece. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, turning the chicken to coat evenly and warm through.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining glaze over the chicken for a rich, nutty finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Peanut and Chocolate Glaze 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 Peanut and Chocolate Glaze?

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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Peanut and Chocolate Glaze?

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 Peanut and Chocolate Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Peanut and Chocolate Glaze?

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.

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