Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Apple and Honey Glaze

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

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Pan-seared and finished with a warm spiced apple and honey glaze that balances sweet and savory. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, apple 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 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 diced medium apple to the skillet. Sauté for 3 minutes until the apple softens and edges turn translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the apples.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the glaze and apples over them. Cook for 2 more minutes to rewarm and meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Apple and Honey 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 Spiced Apple and Honey 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Apple and Honey 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 Spiced Apple and Honey Glaze 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 Spiced Apple and Honey 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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