Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Maryland Crab Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a rich, spiced Maryland crab sauce that brings a touch of Chesapeake Bay to your dinner table. This american-inspired easter ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, old bay seasoning, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp old bay seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, add 2 tbsp finely chopped shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add 4 oz lump crab meat and cook for 2 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the crab sauce generously over the chicken breasts and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Maryland Crab Sauce 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 Maryland Crab 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 old bay seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Maryland Crab 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 Spiced Maryland Crab 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 Spiced Maryland Crab Sauce?

American easter 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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